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 Labโs 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 childrenโs eBook, Dress Like a Scientist Day.
RELEVANT LINKS:
- https://providencepollinators.com/
- https://sites.tufts.edu/pollinators/
- https://dresslikeascientistday.com/
- https://youtu.be/KsA8V-yooFA
- Photo collection of pollinators
To learn more about the scientists & stewards on our land click HERE.
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Birds, beaks, binoculars, oh my!
We had so much fun last week teaching three classes at Littlebrook Child Development Center all about birds! Students became birdwatchers with binoculars, explored how beaks match diets, and even built their own nests while learning how birds adapt to their environment! ๐ฆ๐ชบ
#birds #binoculars #beak #preschool #summer #nature #learning #explore #westerlyri #rhodeisland
๐Join us for Storytime in the Garden, a gentle and engaging outdoor program designed for children to connect with nature through books and hands-on fun.
Each session is offered on Tuesdays through the month of August (8/5, 8/12, 8/19, 8/26) and features a read-aloud of a beautifully illustrated, nature-themed story -celebrating wildlife, flowers, pollinators, and the outdoors. After the story, participants are invited to enjoy a simple, hands-on activity inspired by the book. From binoculars to plants and bug vacuums, every week offers a new way to explore, create, and imagine. ๐ธ๐ณ
Best for ages 5 and under, but open to all. Parents/caregivers are required to attend and encouraged to participate. Please register in advance to help us best prepare for nature activities. Use the link in our bio to go to our Calendar of Events webpage!
This program is offered at NO COST thanks to generous community support!
Not able to make it? Check out our Little Free Library by our farm stand at Barlow Nature Preserve.
Also, a huge THANK YOU to Susi Brodie @brodie401 for the generous donation of her amazing nature themed childrenโs book collection! We have no shortage of good stories to read this summer!๐
#storytime #summerreading #reading #garden #childrensbook #family #preschool #summer #free #westerlyri #rhodeisland
Week 1 of our Farm Squad Summer Program was a hit!
๐ฑ๐ฟ Students explored the rich biodiversity at Barlow Nature Preserve, got creative with rock painting, and celebrated a bountiful first harvest of lettuce, radishes, and green beans. Hereโs to more fun and exploration in the weeks ahead! ๐ป
#nature #science #outdoors #explore #growingtogether #garden #vegetables #westerlyri #rhodeisland #getoutside
The Westerly Land Trust is proud to announce a new partnership with Ocean State Kids (OSK), a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving all young, developing childrenโregardless of abilityโthrough neurodiversity-affirming outdoor experiences. Westerly Wildflowers, an OSK group led by Bianca Paredes, will be meeting every Monday at Wahaneeta Preserve to explore, learn, and play in nature. This partnership, like all of our educational programing, is in line with the following pillar of the WLT Strategic Plan:
Nurture life long love of nature: We have an opportunity and a responsibility to encourage meaningful connections between people and nature. We will engage the community through programs that foster appreciation of nature, spark imagination, expand knowledge and create memories. ๐ณโจ๐
Welcome, Westerly Wildflowers!๐ผ
#outdoorlearning #naturebasedlearning #landstewardship #natureforall
Check out ways you can get out on the land and connect with nature this July!
๐ฃโโ๏ธHead to our website and check out the Hikes, Paddles, and Wellness page to see the full schedule for Thursday Paddles!
๐งโโ๏ธJoin us for yoga at Winnapaug Farm Preserve this Sunday, July 13 at 9 am led by WLTโs very own Lauren Barber who is also a @barre_coast yoga instructor! WLT members email elebling@westerlylandtrust.org for a reduce price registration of $10!
๐Bring your loved one for a Date Night Picnic at Barlow Nature Preserve hosted by @echo_rock_flowers on Friday, July 25 at 6 pm. Design your own bouquet while enjoying tasty treats and a refreshing drink!
๐ฅThe Barlow Farm Stand, operated by @frontierfarmri and @echo_rock_flowers is opened Thursdays and Fridays 3-6pm, and Saturdays 12-4pm!
Whatโs better on a hot day than escaping the office for oysters, boats, and beer? ๐ฆชโ๏ธ
On Wednesday, WLT hosted 70+ team members from our generous Corporate Sponsor, ParsonsKellogg of Providence, for a special field trip to Winnapaug Farm Preserve. The visit gave them a firsthand look at how their support makes a real difference in Westerly.
To show our appreciation, we arranged boat tours of the Watch Hill Oysters farm, followed by fresh oyster sampling and cold Grey Sail brews.๐ป๐
Huge thanks to Grey Sail Brewing of RI for the refreshing beers, to Watch Hill Oysters for the scenic tours and delicious oysters, and of course, to ParsonsKellogg for championing land conservation in Westerly. ๐
#conservation #oysters #rhodeisland #westerlyri #parsonskellogg #saltmarsh #saltpond #winnapaugpond #watchhill
Congratulations to our favorite brewery around, Grey Sail Brewing of RI, for being Rhode Islandโs first brewery recognized by Better Bev for outstanding environmental practices! ๐ฑ๐
Through their partnership with RIDEMโs Green Breweries Program, Grey Sail is reducing their environmental impact by installing solar panels, investing in carbon capture, donating spent grain to local farms, and more. Sustainability never tasted so good!
Additionally, we are proud to call Grey Sail a longtime partner and friend. They have supported WLTโs work as a Corporate Sponsor since 2018, and have donated many tasty, cold beverages for events like the Farm Dinner, Presidentโs Circle Reception, and Crews and Brews. ๐ป
Thanks, Grey Sail, for leading the way in both sustainability and community support! ๐
#sustainability #sustainable #ecofriendly #conservation #community #nature #brewery #greysailbrewing
๐๐๐ CCC by the sea, sea, sea! Today we tipped our caps to our dedicated team of volunteers who have been working since September to steward WLT land. Many thanks to all our volunteers, to Dave Prigmore for hosting by the sea, and to the mowing crew who will be going strong all summer long.
CCSee you next fall!! ๐
#westerlyri #rhodeisland #summer #stewardship #volunteers #community #beach #thankyou
