Build it and they will come: Integrating beneficial beetle habitat with organic growing systems economically

Build it and they will come: Integrating beneficial beetle habitat with organic growing systems economically

Summary

I've done quite a bit of background reading on predacious beettles in Minnesota as well as native habitat plant composition. I have also enlisted assistance from several extension and entomology faculty at the University of Minnesota. I have used part of the money to secure transplants from a local native grass grower.

There are no results yet but I've learned that my original plan will have to be modified. That is, my planned habitat will have to be re thought.

Spring 2010 will be establishment of habitat and census to estimate predacious beetle populations.

I plan to host two school tours this spring. I've shared my project with University of Minnesota faculty and fellow growers curious about my work.