On Tuesday, September 23, Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay was proud to host “From Bloom to Buzz: Protecting Pollinators and Beneficial Insects Amid Climate Change” with Madeline Potter, Faculty Specialist in Entomology and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with the University of Maryland Extension (UME) Home and Garden Information Center. In this presentation, Madeline explored 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.
Click here to print a copy of the presentation handout that outlines key learning objectives and provides space for you to take notes as you watch the presentation and explore different ways to support pollinators and beneficial insects in your landscape.
Below are a few of the resources shared during the presentation. Click here to view the full list of resources provided by Maddie following the presentation.
Did you know that the University of Maryland Extension website has a section devoted to Pollinators? This year they have enhanced the site with educational resources and tools to help you and your community celebrate and learn about pollinators. Check out their offerings:
- Maryland Pollinator Week Toolkit
- Pollinator Educational Tools & Tips Webinar
- Native Bee Habitat Webinar
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.”
For a full list of our upcoming chapter events, please visit our Events page and/or Chapter Calendar.