What is the 2018 Pollinator Field Tour?
It is a commitment of 2 days and it involves in-person and in-field ‘hand-on’ interactions in several subjects related to pollinators. The tour will take place in North Dakota and it is not about having presentations – this is not a symposium - but actually an opportunity to see first-hand successful programs to protect pollinators in different environments. During the tour, the participants will have the opportunity to interact with key local stakeholders who are actively working in different projects related to bees and native pollinators.
How much does it cost to attend the Field Tour and what does the cost cover?
Registration cost is $500 per person and includes hotel reservations for 2 nights, welcome reception, all meals, shuttle to/from airport, bus transportation, all fees and admissions. Attendees are responsible for their own travel arrangements, including cost of airfare or ground transportation to and from the sites where the tour will begin and end. The deadline for registration and payment of fees will be July 15, 2018.
Who will attend?
This is an intimate event with a small number of participants. A number of seats in the tour bus have been reserved for P-IE Section and other ESA members. The remaining seats will be designated for Honey Bee Health Coalition members and for nationally prominent stakeholders – stakeholders that many of our membership do not regularly interact with nor regularly attend the ESA Annual Meeting.
Why should P-IE Section and ESA members want to attend?
The field tour aligns with two of P-IE Section initiatives related to pollinators. The ultimate goal is for P-IE to become a lead national expert organization for the dissemination of knowledge related to pollinators to the general public, media, and policymakers by the end of the decade. As part of these initiatives, the P-IE Section sponsored a field tour in 2017 for participants to get first-hand look at IPM and pollinator health in Mississippi. The tour had participants from 22 states and the District of Columbia representing federal and state public science agencies, non-governmental organizations, beekeeping organizations, and crop protection and commodity groups.
The 2018 tour builds on the success of last year’s Pollinator Health Science Policy Tour, continuing the growth of the P-IE Section’s strong reputation of bringing together stakeholders from diverse geographical and philosophical viewpoints, and research areas to share ideas, learn from each other through a specific case study, and to use the venue to capture opportunities and best practices that can be leveraged to help the P-IE Section membership to be seen as technical and policy leaders.
Are there any award opportunities?
Yes, the P-IE Section will award a complimentary registration to one Student and one Early Career Professional member. Please note the deadline for award applications has passed.
Is there a Field Tour link?
Yes, all information on the Pollinator Field Tour is available on the P-IE Pollinator Field Tour website, which includes the latest information on local arrangements.