provided to Santiva Chronicle
Horticulturalist Marisol Mata will be giving a presentation featuring hot-off-the-press scientific research, novel approaches for inspiring community stewardship towards pollinators, and a visually beautiful look at some of the lesser-known bees in your own backyard.
She’ll give her enlightening talk at the SCCF Bailey Homestead Preserve on Wednesday, Jan. 22, from 10-11:30am.
“You’ll learn about the plight of solitary bee species, the ecosystem services that they provide, and what you can do to give them a fighting chance,” says Mata, who currently resides on Sanibel.
Born and raised in the city of Tucuman, in northwestern Argentina, Mata holds a Licentiate Degree in Biological Sciences from the Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo of Universidad Nacional de Tucuman, and most recently earned an M.S. through NC State University’s Horticultural Science Department.
Mata’s love for the outdoors and science has taken her across much of the Western Hemisphere, including field research in British Columbia, the Caribbean Islands, and down the Andes Mountains from Bolivia to Patagonia.
Her work, whether focused on flora or fauna, has always involved using science to connect local communities with nature. Her love for languages, cultures, and meeting new people has helped steer her career towards outreach and education, an area where she feels she can have a positive impact on the way people interact with their natural environment.
“The more we learn about the ecosystems we live in, the better equipped we will be to protect them,” she added.
Mata is now a Program Coordinator for the American Public Gardens Association, where she helps develop training opportunities and educational materials to teach staff and visitors at public gardens learn how to protect their plants.
RSVP through Eventbrite/SCCF, $5 SCCF members, $8 non-members. Native Landscapes & Garden Center at the Bailey Homestead Preserve, 1300 Periwinkle Way, meet in the main house.
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