Authors:
Society for Ecological Restoration, Aaron Feggestad
Publication Date:
2019
Abstract/Summary:
Habitat degradation and loss is a primary driver of pollinator decline in the upper Midwest. Restoration of prairie and wooded landscapes is one component of an overall nationwide strategy to recover pollinator populations. This presentation will discuss typical implementation challenges often encountered at the landscape scale and present best management practices for how to overcome them from a practitioner’s standpoint. Focus will be on setting realistic goals, site selection and preparation, seed mix design and procurement, and habitat management with a focus on pollinator-friendly herbicide selection and use. Discussion will also focus on the importance of monitoring to assess trajectory of habitat development and pollinator usage and to track overall restoration success. This webinar was sponsored by Stantec.
The speaker for this webinar is Aaron Feggestad, Stantec Senior Ecologist. Aaron has more than 15 years of experience as a volunteer, researcher, and professional working to restore oak-prairie landscapes. As a senior ecologist at Stantec, Aaron specializes in ecosystem restoration planning and design, natural area assessments, ecological stewardship, and vegetation surveys. He has supervised the restoration of thousands of acres of oak and prairie ecosystems throughout the Upper Midwest. Aaron holds a Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is a Professional Wetland Scientist, and is active in various industry associations including the Rights-of-Way as Habitat Working Group, where he participates in the pollinator metrics and standards task force. He is a continuing education instructor at the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha where he has taught Landscaping for Pollinator Habitat and Invasive Species 101. In addition, Aaron has been an invited as a speaker and facilitator to share his experience restoring pollinators for pipeline, renewable energy, and transportation clients to improve habitat on rights-of-way.
Resource Type:
Audio/Video
Source:
SER