Workshops

Did you know that cities are teeming with biodiversity? Insect pollinators like bees, butterflies, and beetles thrive in the city and help to sustain our local food systems and ecosystems. Come explore the flower gardens at Tufts University to learn how ecologically minded garden design can benefit both people and pollinators in the city. Guided by Tufts Pollinator Initiative experts, we’ll spy charismatic animals like bumble bees, green metallic sweat bees, monarch butterflies, and more!

The Tufts Pollinator Initiative works to build capacity for community-led urban pollinator conservation through habitat creation, nature education, and ecological research. Founded in 2019, TPI is run by enthusiastic Tufts University student scientists who are committed to raising awareness and inspiring support for pollinator conservation.

Conservation starts at home! Learn how to transform your corner of the earth into an eco-friendly haven for native flora and fauna. We’ll cover how ecosystems work, habitat resiliency, climate change, invasive species, biodiversity, and the ecological importance of human managed landscapes. You’ll leave with the ability to read your landscape and to select and maintain plants for long-term ecosystem health. Whether you are starting from scratch or transitioning an existing garden space, you too can create a wildlife sanctuary at home or in your community.

Tia Pinney has worked at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary since 1994. Currently she is the senior naturalist and the ecological management and adult program coordinator for the MetroWest Region. Tia is involved in sanctuary-based and statewide adult programming as well as maintaining and enhancing the sanctuary’s habitats and ecosystems. Prior to working for Mass Audubon, she was a high school science teacher and a fabric artist.