May 21, 2019 Monthly Meeting

THE MAY MEETING is at the the Wakeman Center.
The program begins at 1pm.

PROGRAM:  More About the Birds and the Bees: Attracting Native Pollinators
 
WITH: MaryKay Fox, Treasurer, Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge Organization

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

    After a brief introduction to the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge and Friends Organization, MaryKay will describe what native pollinators are and their needs.  She will provide us with ways to attract these native bees, butterflies, beetles, and birds to our gardens through a list of proven native and nonnative, but not invasive, plants. 
     MaryKay will also describe the Friends Monarch Meadows grant where the Friends created 7 acres of new flowering meadows in Falmouth from 2016-2018.  She will conclude with a video of close-up, stunning photography of many native pollinator species of hummingbirds, bats, butterflies and rare bees. 
 In MaryKay’s own words:“This presentation will focus on native pollinators, and suggested plants for the NE region that will attract those wonderful local pollinators and support migrating species such as the Monarch butterfly.  We will talk about why it is so critical to support native pollinators. Important life-history needs, such as host and nectar-rich plants for these important insects will be discussed. Several examples of gardens you can create, ranging from backyard plots to landscape meadows will be presented. Come learn about the many options in creating your own garden as we explore colorful flowers, bugs and beautiful garden!”
 

ABOUT MARYKAY FOX:
   
MaryKay came to the Cape in 1999, from Minnesota, to work at the Marine Biological Laboratory Ecosystem’s Center after finishing her Masters in Water Resources. Since leaving MBL, she has worked with several nonprofit Marine Mammal organizations such as the New England Aquarium, Cape Cod Stranding Network and the National Marine Life Center in Buzzards Bay where she rehabilitated their first patient, a cold-stunned sea turtle named “ECO”. 
    Her last position was with the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Falmouth as the Assistant Research Coordinator for their water-quality monitoring program. She retired in 2013. 
    Since 2004, she has been on the Board of the Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge Organization and president for the last 8 years. She was instrumental in the creation of native pollinator gardens within the refuge, and has been advocating for pollinators since 2009. She has kept honeybees for 15 years.
 
For More Information, go to:

​Website: http://www.friendsofmashpeenationalwildliferefuge.org/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-Mashpee-National-Wildlife-Refuge-162706183792252

Driving Directions to
​the wakeman center

NOTE:  Although the address is 67 David Avenue, the best way to get to the Wakeman Center is via Helen Avenue.​ 

​IMPORTANT:  
From now until spring,  all meetings will be held at the WAKEMAN CONSERVATION CENTER in Vineyard Haven.  
Parking at the Wakeman Center is limited.  Please carpool.  
For more information about getting to the Wakeman Center, click HERE.
* PLEASE NOTE:  
Our meetings are open to the public;  there is a meeting fee of ten dollars for non-members.
Any updates and weather-related scheduled changes will be noted here and messages sent via email to members.
2019 Program Committee:
Members:  Chair: Anda Woodward, with Kathy Kitsock, Tracie Clark, Mary Lou DeLong and Barbara Watts.