The Friends of Gold Butte in collaboration with the Virgin River Coalition are proud to present our monthly Speaker Series! Join us at the Mesquite Community Theater on Wednesday February 18 at 6:00 pm for “Native Bee Houses- Helping our Solitary Pollinators” presented by Jim Zeh.

Jim retired in 2020 and became a Master Gardener for the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension in 2022. He puts in many volunteer hours at the University Research and
Demonstration Orchard where he works on various tree projects; woodworking projects; bee projects; and trains and supervises citizen volunteers with pruning,
thinning and harvesting; and general beautification of the grounds. Jim’s favorite part of being a MG is learning all about trees and other plants and
helping the public at various events understand selection, planting and care.

Did you know that Native Solitary Bees make up 90-98% of the total population
of bees in the US? Unlike social bees, they do not produce honey, have a queen, or share labor. Solitary bees are non-aggressive and rarely sting. They are highly effective pollinators and are essential for ecosystems, supporting plant reproduction and food production, as many crops and wild plants rely on their pollination.

Unfortunately, solitary bee populations are declining, which could have serious ecological consequences. Come and learn how you can, with a few simple actions, protect these essential contributators to biodiversity and agriculture.

This is a chance to gather with friends, make new ones and learn about the wonderful world in which we live, and it’s free to the public. Doors open at 5:30 pm and the presentation will begin at 6:00 pm. The snack bar will be open, and we will have information on how you can become involved with both the Virgin River Coalition and the Friends of Gold Butte, both 501 (c)(3) Nonprofit organizations based here in Mesquite!

***We will be doing a Facebook Live for this event, which while not as good as attending in person, will be a way for those of you that are too far away to learn along with the rest. There will not be a Zoom this time, so Facebook Live is your opportunity to attend remotely. Go to https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofGoldButte/