Page 11 - Panama City Living Magazine

UPCOMING EVENTBIRDS, BUGS AND BERRIES:THE CONNECTION BETWEEN BIRDS AND NATIVE PLANTSBY JODY WOOD-PUTNAMMany of our native bird populations are in decline. There are many reasons for this, but one of the most important is the loss of our natural areas and their associated native plant communities. Area experts will discuss the importance of native plants to our birds during an event on March 29. Participants will learn how to help sustain migratory birds as well as nurture host plants for the insects that are critical to our resident songbirds and their ability to feed their young.Native plants that attract birds and thrive in Northwest Florida gardens will be discussed as well as techniques for incorporating them into a home landscape. This event is free to the public, but due to limited seating, registration is required. Please register at https://birdsbugsberries.eventbrite.com/ or call 850-784-6105. Contributors for this event include the Bay County Audubon Society, the Sweetbay Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, Bay County Conservancy – The Land Conservancy of Northwest Florida, UF/IFAS Bay County Extension Master Gardeners and Gulf Coast State College.SPEAKERS:Dr. R. Todd Engstrom of Florida State University: The status and needs of our bird populationDara Dobson of 7 Pines Native Nursery: The interdependence of birds, insects and native plantsJulie McConnell, UF/IFAS Extension Bay County Horticultural Agent: Great native plants for attracting birdsMary Jo Capra of Bay County Audubon Society: Online resources available to learn more about our birds and native plantsJody Wood-Putnam of Sweetbay Chapter of the Native Plant Society: Techniques for incorporating native plants and attracting birds to a home landscapeMARCH 29, 20185:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Gulf Coast State College Advanced Technology Center, 3rd Floorwww.PanamaCityLiving.com • March - April 2018 • 11