SOV: Dr. Ron Rolfs

Science in Our Valley: Native Bees of Washington State

All Science in Our Valley events will be conducted via Zoom meeting (remote online) until further notice.

Visit the SOV website for the meeting link

The next in the Spring 2020 Science in Our Valley seminar series features Dr. Don Rolfs, Lifelong Naturalist, Retired Periodontist, Community Member.
Dr. Rolfs’ seminar, “Native Bees of Washington State,” will begin at 4 p.m. at the WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center.

Formally trained in Native Bee biology, Dr. Don Rolfs has, for more than a decade, focused his field work, laboratory work and photographic skills on the 600+ species of Native Bees of Washington State. While Honey Bees have a place in agriculture, it is our Native Bees who are the primary pollinators, responsible for the flowers of our mountain meadows and remote wild places. Dr. Rolfs’ profusely illustrated lecture is an introduction to the variety and to the stunning beauty of these essential pollinators.

About Science in Our Valley Seminar Series

The science seminars are free to attend, open to the community, and a great opportunity to learn about the incredible research in our own backyard. The content is intended for a ‘science-based’ audience, including researchers, postdoctoral scientists, graduate students, undergraduate scientists, K-12 educators and science enthusiasts. This spring’s line-up is quite diverse and features topics from: reproductive health, forestry and environment, technology in agriculture, and even native bees.

The full list of presenters and details can be found: https://applestemnetwork.org/science-in-our-valley/

K-12 Educators are also encouraged to attend the seminars to learn about local career connections and research efforts that they can bring back to their students. Ten STEM clock hours are available through the North Central Educational Service District for educators who attend the series. Educators can register for clock-hours here: https://www.pdenroller.org/catalog/event/101582

The Science in Our Valley seminar series began in October 2017 as a way for local scientists and science educators to bring their research to the community and as a way to engage and connect with one another. The series features presentations by local scientists and science educators as well as guests from outside the region.

Host organizations include the Apple STEM Network, the North Central Educational Service District, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Research Station, WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center, Wenatchee Valley College, and the Bridge Research and Innovation District.

All events are open to the public, and run from 4 to 5 p.m. and will be held at the WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center on Wednesdays from 4-5 P.M. (1100 N. Western Ave., Wenatchee).