Right Plant, Right Bee: Andony Melathopoulos to Speak at 2nd Annual Pollinator Festival
We’re thrilled to announce that the Vancouver Bee Project will host Andony Melathopoulos as a featured speaker at the 2nd Annual Pollinator Festival! The event, which celebrates the vital role of pollinators in our ecosystems, will take place Saturday June 21, 2025 at Marshall Park in Vancouver.
Andony Melathopoulos is an Associate Professor of Pollinator Health Extension and a leader in the field of wild bee conservation. He spearheads the OSU Master Melittologist program, the first of its kind in the U.S. dedicated to surveying wild bee populations. He is also the host of the acclaimed PolliNation podcast, a weekly series that has explored pollinator-related topics for 250 episodes since 2017.
The Talk: Matching Bees to Plants Using Data from Bee Atlases
During the festival, Andony will deliver a featured talk titled "Right Plant, Right Bee: Matching Bees to Flowering Plants with Data from the Oregon and Washington Bee Atlas". This engaging presentation will dive into the science of pairing specific bees with their ideal flowering plants, a critical component of pollinator conservation.
Attendees will gain insight into the groundbreaking work being done through the Oregon and Washington Bee Atlases, which provide invaluable data on the diversity and distribution of wild bees. This research is transforming our understanding of how to create pollinator-friendly habitats that support both native bees and the plants they pollinate.
Why This Matters
Choosing the right plants to support pollinators is more than just gardening—it’s about creating ecosystems that thrive. Data collected by the various Bee Atlas’ can be used to inform habitat creation that directly supports specific native bees. From urban gardens to agricultural landscapes, this approach ensures that the right resources are available for bees to flourish. Andony’s work highlights the intricate relationships between pollinators and plants, empowering communities to take effective, science-based action.
Join Us!
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the leading voices in pollinator health and conservation. Whether you’re a bee nerd, gardener, student, or nature enthusiast, Andony’s talk promises to be both informative and inspiring.
Stay tuned for more details about the festival schedule, workshops, and family-friendly activities. We can’t wait to see you there to celebrate our incredible pollinators!
"Andony Melathopoulos, featured speaker for the 2nd Annual Pollinator Festival"
For updates, follow the Vancouver Bee Project on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Bluesky, Mastodon or visit the festival website www.pollinatorfestival.org (launching mid-February).