Speaker: Joe O’Brien

For the past 10 years, I have worked with Big Island Bees to educate the public about the importance of bees and pollination. This includes hands-on education about beekeeping and the critical role bees play in ecosystems. I am especially passionate about raising awareness of Hawaii’s native pollinators, including the endangered Hawaiian yellow-faced bee (Hylaeus spp.), and promoting the planting of native Hawaiian flowers to create habitats and preserve biodiversity.

These efforts are relevant beyond Hawaii to the whole US. We need to find simple, cost-effective ways to protect pollinators nationwide, such as planting pollinator-friendly plants, reducing pesticide use, and supporting conservation programs. By empowering communities with knowledge and practical steps, we can collectively help preserve pollinator populations and ecosystem health.

Logistics:

When: Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 5:30 pm (Talk starts at 6:00 pm)
Where: Hale Pulelehua, Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden, 82-6160 Mamalahoa Hwy (please park at the Garden Visitor Center and walk in)

Followed By: Ethnobotanical Pupu Potluck

Note: Please bring an ethnobotanically-relevant pupu and be prepared to explain the origin and significance of the plant(s) to be devoured. May contain meat: a card will be provided to list main ingredients.

*Funding for this project provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program. USDA and Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden are equal opportunity providers and employers. *