Dr. Rachael E. Bonoan- Nutritional Ecologist

Dr. Rachael Bonoan is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Providence College, where she teaches in the Environmental Biology major and leads the Bonoan (aka Providence Pollinator) Lab. The Providence Pollinator lab focuses on insect pollinators, which get most of their nutrients by collecting protein-rich pollen and sugary nectar from flowers. Hailing from Tiverton, RI, she is grateful to be studying insect pollinator nutrition and behavior in her home state.

Rachael and her students have surveyed insect pollinator diversity on Westerly Land Trust properties using bee hotels, bee bowls, and field observations. These data are part of the Providence Pollinator Lab’s reference collection of RI insect pollinators, with a focus on bees. Students in the Providence Pollinator Lab are also investigating which flowering plant species are most visited by bees, and the nutritional content of those flowers. Taken together, these data can be used to inform native pollinator-friendly plantings on Westerly Land Trust properties and beyond. Preliminary data show that if you want to plant for pollinators, dense blazing star (Liatris spicata) is a pollinator magnet, that is also nutritious!

Outside of research and teaching, Rachael is co-founder of the Tufts Pollinator Initiative and founding member/past president of the Boston Area Beekeepers Association. She is passionate about sharing her research with diverse audiences and engaging children in science through encouraging curiosity, which is the topic of her TEDx talk and children’s eBook, Dress Like a Scientist Day.

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To learn more about the scientists & stewards on our land click HERE.

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WLT conserves open space, revitalizes culturally significant properties and provides environmental programs for the enduring benefit of our community.

🌸👀𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗣𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴...
and they say this is the peak time to spot mountain laurel in Champlin Farm Preserve, so lace up your hiking boots 🥾 and let’s hit the trails! This hike will be led by WLT’s Land Stewardship Manager Marc Doherty. Because this is a pop-up, there is no need to RSVP, but please arrive on time, as the walk will commence soon after 5:30pm.

🗓️ When: Wednesday, June 17 at 5:30pm

📍Where: Champlin Farm Preserve, 64 Boombridge Rd

🚶‍♂️How long: 1.2 mile hike; approximately 1 hour

🚗 Where to park: When you enter the farm road at 64 Boombridge Rd, you’ll see a parking lot. You can part there or along the farm road.

🥾What to wear: Closed toe shoes appropriate for hiking on uneven ground; you may want long socks, pants, and sleeves (plus bug spray) to ward off bugs.

👯This event is free and open to everyone, so if you know someone who might like to get to know WLT better, please bring them along!

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Open post by westerlylandtrust with ID 17876502159612403
🌸👀𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗣𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴... and they say this is the peak time to spot mountain laurel in Champlin Farm Preserve, so lace up your hiking boots 🥾 and let’s hit the trails! This hike will be led by WLT’s Land Stewardship Manager Marc Doherty. Because this is a pop-up, there is no need to RSVP, but please arrive on time, as the walk will commence soon after 5:30pm. 🗓️ When: Wednesday, June 17 at 5:30pm 📍Where: Champlin Farm Preserve, 64 Boombridge Rd 🚶‍♂️How long: 1.2 mile hike; approximately 1 hour 🚗 Where to park: When you enter the farm road at 64 Boombridge Rd, you’ll see a parking lot. You can part there or along the farm road. 🥾What to wear: Closed toe shoes appropriate for hiking on uneven ground; you may want long socks, pants, and sleeves (plus bug spray) to ward off bugs. 👯This event is free and open to everyone, so if you know someone who might like to get to know WLT better, please bring them along!

...

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