Pollinators and Other Helpful Insects in our Forest Preserves
Wednesday, August 19th - 6:00pm at Italian Kitchen
This month’s Green Drinks features Deerfield’s own Dan Sandacz. Dan is a restoration ecologist with the Lake County Forest Preserves, specializing in the interactions between pollinators and native plants. He will present his latest research and field work on the abundance of pollinators and their host flowers in the region, as well as helpful information on how you can support bumblebees, butterflies and other beneficial insects with the right plantings in your yard. Plus he’ll have amazing photographs and samples of his pollinator-friendly work to share with attendees.
Green Drinks events are an opportunity to informally socialize, network, have a drink or a meal, and learn about green topics in the Deerfield area. Everyone in the community is welcome, no tickets are needed, and admission is free.
Dan Sandacz is one of two LCFPD ecologists, focusing on the interactions between pollinators and native plant species. He completed his B.A. in Biology at Lawrence University with an emphasis on ecological research and conservation of Pitcher’s thistle (Cirsium pitcheri). He then completed his M.S. in Plant Biology and Conservation at Northwestern University where he continued to work with Pitcher’s thistle by studying the impacts of invasive plant removal on plant-pollinator network structure and Pitcher’s thistle conservation. Dan currently leads ecological monitoring programs at the LForest Preserves and helps to restore and steward some of the 32,000+ acres that their Natural Resources department manages.
Earlier this year Dan curated the celebrated “For the Love of Pollinators” special exhibit at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. The exhibition invited visitors to explore the intersection of art, ecology and community through a creative lens shaped by pollinators.
Presented in partnership with The Bee Collective of Columbus, Ohio, the exhibition focuses on the essential role pollinators play in healthy ecosystems. For the Love of Pollinators featured more than 30 sculptural works from around the world, highlighting both the beauty of pollinators and their importance to our communities. The exhibition highlighted pollinators native to Lake County and explored how they thrive in forest preserves and even in your own backyard—along with simple ways you can support them in their natural habitat.
