Description: Come join us for an interactive and hands-on session to learn more about beneficial insects pollinating our gardens and helping control invasive species.  Attendees can participate in the collection of insects using various standard field collecting approaches and tools.

Sophie will discuss the diversity, ecology, and importance of native bees in Canadian ecosystems, highlighting how their conservation supports agricultural productivity and biodiversity. Jacob will focus on invasive insect species with emphasis on those affecting food production, and their management through classical biological control, emphasizing host-range assessment and minimizing non-target impacts. Together, their presentations will explore the vital roles insects play—both beneficial and harmful—and the science-based strategies used to protect ecosystems and crops.

Date:  Wednesday, July 23, 2025  –  4:00 p.m.  (Rain Date – July 24, 2025 – 4:00 pm)

Speakers: 

Dr. Sophie Cardinal is a Research Scientist at Agriculture and Agri‑Food Canada (Ottawa Research and Development Centre) specializing in bee systematics and biodiversity. Her research focuses on developing molecular and morphological tools to better understand native pollinators.

Jake Miall is an insect biologist in the Biological Control Laboratory at AAFC’s ORDC. His research focuses on invasive alien species and classical biological control, with particular emphasis on host-range assessment and the non-target impacts of biological control agents, including potential risks to closely related native species.

Venue:  Pollinator Garden near Neatby Building, 960 Carling Ave.  See map for exact location. 

The event is free of charge but registration is required – please follow this link to register.