In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, this newsletter salutes pollinators and their importance to the ecosystem. Nancy Klasky photographed the broad-tailed hummingbird shown above in a tree at Broomfield's demonstration garden. If you look closely, you can see the pollen on its head! Would you like to make a difference by attracting hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies to your landscape or by helping to monitor Colorado’s bee population through the Native Bee Watch program? Read on for more details and a toolbox of related resources at the end. |
|
Native Bee Watch Community Science Program
Native Bee Watch is a community science biodiversity monitoring project that began in 2016 at Colorado State University. The project is now expanding in Colorado through the efforts of CSU Extension and its partners.
Why monitor bees? There are over 900 native bee species in Colorado! With this incredible diversity, Native Bee Watch wants to learn more about the bees and the plants they are pollinating. The program is also interested in studying how urban areas affect bee diversity and abundance with these goals: 1) learn about bee diversity and abundance in local areas, 2) make plant recommendations to homeowners and municipal planners, 3) provide education to volunteers and the community, and 4) assess adult learning in community science.
Pollinators are responsible for one-third of the human diet including vegetables, fruits, and nuts – the most nutritious part of our diet. Over 75% of plants on earth need pollinators to reproduce. Due to a variety of factors, including increasing urbanization, pollinator populations are declining. Pollinator conservation requires locally based solutions and dedication from the community.
Organizers chose to make Native Bee Watch a community science program so local citizens can be involved in the research. Volunteers learn about bee biology and identification and become stewards for pollinators and the environment.
If you are interested in participating in this project, please visit Native Bee Watch for more information.
|
|
Order your Garden In A Box Now! |
For a limited time, Broomfield residents will receive a $25 discount on professionally designed Garden In A Box kits that are tailor-made for Colorado yards.
Each box contains 15-28 waterwise starter plants, taking the guesswork out of deciding which plants work well together. They even include plant-by-number maps to help design new xeriscape areas. Learn more at Broomfield.org/SaveWater. Hurry, supplies and discounts are limited! |
|
|
Calling Great Minds: Vote on Topics for New Science Series
Thanks to Broomfield Arts, Culture and Science funding, CSU Extension will be hosting a series of conversations called “Science Meets,” and your input is needed! Share which topics matter to you using this form. Voting will be open through April 30. |
|
Springtime in the Rockies
As everyone has been painfully reminded, March is the snowiest month of the year for the Denver area. Any guesses on the second snowiest? Yes, that would be April. Like our recent snowstorm, April showers are often the wet, heavy type that can pose even more damage to trees because of the added weight of snow sticking to leaves and blossoms.
To reduce the risk of breakage, experts advise gently tapping snow off trees and shrubs as it accumulates. If a storm results in broken limbs or branches, the Colorado State Forest Service provides tips on dealing with snow-damaged trees.
|
|
Sign up for COVID-19 Vaccine Alerts
Want to be alerted of local COVID-19 vaccine events? Text “CCOB” to 994-11 for urgent, non-emergency Broomfield news, including notifications about upcoming COVID-19 vaccine clinics via text.
|
|
Broomfield Spring Clean Up is Almost Here
Spring clean will begin on April 17! During Spring Clean up, Broomfield residents can dispose of large, non-hazardous items that trash haulers do not normally pick up at NO CHARGE!
Spring Cleanup will occur on the following schedule for 2021:
- Area 1 - Saturday, April 17
- Area 2 - Saturday, April 24
- Area 3 - Saturday, May 1
- Area 4 - Saturday, May 8
Identify your area, view the list of acceptable items and learn more about properly disposing of household waste at Broomfield.org/SpringCleanUp
|
|
New AmeriCorps STEM Activity: Bread in a Bag
Have you ever wondered how bread rises? It's all based on science! Learn how to make bread in a bag by visiting the AmeriCorps team's Kitchen Science! website. You will find step-by-step instructions, a bread crossword puzzle, and an explanation of the science behind the bread. Check out other STEM activities on the Broomfield CSU Extension website. |
|
Rainwater Harvesting
Thursday, March 25 @ 6 p.m.
This class will cover the basics of active and passive rainwater harvesting. Rain barrel installation, planning, application and laws, as well as landscaping ideas to conserve water. Please click the link below to join the webinar or visit Broomfield.org/live to view all live programs. Passcode: 763672
|
|
|
Virtual Embryology Program:
Chicks Hatching Soon!
March 29 - April 2
Arapahoe County Extension’s very popular online embryology program is wrapping up another round of fun and free education. Don't miss this opportunity to virtually watch baby chicks hatching: the Hatch Cam will stream live March 29 – April 2. |
Plan BEE
Saturday, April 3, 2-3 p.m.
Free, but must register
Thinking about starting your first backyard beehive? “Plan BEE” is a series for future and beginner beekeepers from CSU Extension and the Depot Museum. The first class will be held April 3 and will cover basic equipment, permitting, and the history of beekeeping in Broomfield. Register today on B-REx.com, and save the date for the second class on May 1! |
|
|
Check out What's New on the Broomfield CSU Extension website
for more upcoming events!
|
|
|
Mike McNulty
Mike McNulty has been a valuable volunteer for the Broomfield Master Gardener program since 2009, bringing a unique combination of technical skills, knowledge, and a friendly personality.
Mike, who holds a B.S. in biology and an advanced degree in environmental management, is a very good teacher and has used this talent to present to the public on many occasions as a Colorado Master Gardener. If you've lived in Broomfield for long, you've probably heard Mike speak at local programs or even benefited from his one-on-one advice through the Ask a Master Gardener helpline or booths at community events.
Mike has volunteered well over 600 hours as a Master Gardener, in addition to completing more than 140 hours in continuing education. This benefits not only himself, but also other volunteers and the community as a whole. Over the years, Mike has mentored many apprentices in the program and has developed advanced diagnostic workshops for his fellow volunteers.
When asked why he decided to volunteer, Mike replied, "The Master Gardener Program offered me the opportunity to increase my knowledge of plants, horticulture and gardening." His favorite things about the program are helping others with gardening questions, issues, or problems and working with other Master Gardeners.
Mike previously served on the EPA and Colorado Department of Agriculture pesticide committees and has over 30 years of experience in pest management. Mike has a wife and three adult children and has lived in Colorado for 65 years. CSU Extension values Mike's vast experience and his commitment to the Broomfield Master Gardener Program!
____________________
If you're interested in becoming a Colorado Master Gardener in Broomfield,
please visit our website for more information.
|
|
Reach out to CSU Extension in Broomfield
|
|
Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. Colorado State University Extension,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Colorado counties cooperating.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
