Events

Join us for our bi-monthly Garden Chat to connect and learn from other native plant garden enthusiasts in our area. We welcome gardeners that are just beginning their journey to those with many years of experience as we all continue to learn about native plants and their ecosystems. 

This month we present "From Bloom to Buzz: Protecting Pollinators and Beneficial Insects Amid Climate Change" by Madeline Potter. In this presentation, we will explore the vital connections between climate change, native plants, and the insects that sustain them. This talk highlights the crucial role pollinators and other beneficial insects play in ecosystem health and native plant survival. Learn about fascinating insect-plant relationships, the impacts of climate change on these species, and practical conservation actions you can take. From container gardens to larger green spaces, discover how to create and manage habitats that foster biodiversity and support beneficial insects in your own garden. 

Madeline Potter is a Faculty Specialist in Entomology and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with the University of Maryland Extension (UME) Home and Garden Information Center. In this role, she educates the public and provides training to UME faculty and staff on insect conservation, sustainable pest management, and related topics. She also serves as the Faculty Lead for the Maryland Master Gardener Pollinators Subprogram.

Prior to her current position, Madeline was the Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator and Horticulture Educator for UME in Howard County, MD, where she managed a team of over 170 volunteers and led numerous presentations, workshops, and outreach programs, reaching thousands of community members. She holds a B.S. in Sustainable Horticulture and an M.S. in Entomology, both from the University of Maryland, College Park. With over six years of experience in outreach and education, Madeline has also conducted research to support sustainable management strategies for invasive insect species.

Madeline is currently developing statewide resources and tools to support pollinator habitat certifications, recognition programs, and educational initiatives. A key goal of her work is to increase public awareness of Maryland’s diverse pollinator species—including bees, wasps, flies, beetles, butterflies, and moths—and their varied habitat needs. She is committed to creating inclusive, learner-centered educational experiences that connect people with science-based knowledge and empower them to take action for pollinator conservation.

"University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class." 

Registration is required in advance for this meeting.