A recent UN report predicts that as many as 1 million species will disappear from the Earth because of human activities. Many of these are insects, and nearly all species at risk rely on insects. Insects have already declined 45% since 1974. The most alarming part of this statistic is that we don’t seem to care, despite the fact that a world without insects is a world without humans! So how do we create beautiful landscapes brimming with life; landscapes that support the pollinators, herbivores, detritivores, predators and parasitoids that run the ecosystems we depend on? Doug Tallamy will remind us of the many essential roles insects play, and describe the simple changes we must make in our landscapes and our attitudes to keep insects on the ground, in the air and yes, on our plants.
DOUG TALLAMY is a professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, where he has authored 95 research publications and has taught insect related courses for 39 years. His new book, Nature’s Best Hope, will be available to the public in February 2020.
- Doors open at 6:30pm
- Book sale and signing to follow
Presented by Lancaster Conservancy & Willow Valley Communities
Dr. Tallamy’s presentation is sponsored in part by the Walters/Unitarian Church Trust, an endowment from Arthur and Selma Walters to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lancaster in support of events that affirm the worth and dignity of all humans and that strive to increase awareness and respect for our environment.