Although, we often pay little attention to them, “bugs” area critical part of maintaining a healthy planet, our parks, forests, gardens,
local and global food production.
The best time to learn about our Bay of Plenty insects, is in the summer when they are most active.
We’ll hold this workshop at the 10 acre Plenty Permaculture Education Centre, where we have lots of bugs to get to know!
Topics will include:
- Insect identification and monitoring
- Using lenses and USB microscopes to view bugs up close
- The pest/predator relationship. Switching the focus from pest control to increasing biodiversity
- Planting to attract beneficials
- Selecting plants for resistance and appropriate planting
- Organic, sustainable pest management strategies
Students will want to bring any bugs from home they can find, and/or damaged plants for identification.
The best bug book is Managing Pests and Diseases by Rob Lucas. Students may wish to get a copy from the library before the workshop or scroll Trademe, as it is out of print.
You’ll receive an orienting email two weeks before the workshop with detailed information on times, directions, what to bring, etc.
Your tutor will be the informative and engaging Kazel Cass.