Star City Sustainability Series presents:

We, as consumers, assume that when we purchase native plants at our local greenhouse or big box store greenhouses, they are safe for our pollinators. However, a study conducted by the Xerces Society has found that many of these plants come with pesticide residues at levels harmful to our native pollinators. A summary of the data will be discussed in this presentation. Ms. Butler also will discuss steps you can take to find nurseries practicing pollinator-friendly management and how to begin conversations with other nurseries about steps they can take to reduce pesticide use.

Since 2015, Heather Butler has been an assistant professor of biology and head of the Biology Department at Virginia Western Community College (VWCC). She also directs the Bee Campus USA Program on the VWCC campus, which strives to promote a pollinator-friendly landscape.

Ms. Butler earned her bachelor of science degree in forest resource management at Virginia…