The Dynamic Relationship of Native Plants, Insects, and Birds

presented by
Kathy Ross

Kathy Ross will be the guest speaker at the Flathead Audubon meeting on Monday, April 8 from 7-9 PM at the Gateway West Community Room in Kalispell.

Did you know that over 90% of all terrestrial birds need insects, not seeds, to raise their young? Up to 5,000 caterpillars are needed to raise one nest of Chickadees? Audubon board member Kathy Ross will be discussing the research of Dr. Doug Tallamy, Prof of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware and Author of the book “Bringing Nature Home”. She will show some short videos from Dr. Tallamy’s lectures, and discuss the changes taking place in these hugely important aspects of biodiversity. Most importantly, Kathy will talk about what we can do in our own yards and landscapes to encourage this dynamic relationship which is the food source for most living things, humans and birds included.

Kathy brings 28 years of experience in landscaping and gardening to the discussion, working with native plant and native plant landscapes, her real love, but also has extensive experience with ornamental plants. E.O. Wilson, called insects ” the little things that run the world.”

Resources

  • “Bringing Nature Home” by Dr. Doug Tallamy
  • Center for Native Plants, Whitefish, MT 406-862-4226
  • “Landscaping with Native Plants of Montana” – Clark Fork Chapter of the Native Plant Society
  • “Firewise Landscaping for Woodland Home” – Montana Department of Natural Resources
  • Kathy’s recommendations for native plant home gardens at the Montana Native Plants website
  • The Xerces Society for insect information