Welcome back to the Central Valley Café Scientifique, beginning its new season (belatedly) in the new year, at a new venue. We begin with a bee in our bonnet…

Why do we need bees?

Although bees are vital to both wild and agricultural ecosystems, both wild and managed bee populations are in decline. Dr. Quinn McFrederick, newest member of the Department of Biology at California State University, Fresno, will discuss what we know about the causes of these declines, and what we are trying to do about it. The talk will focus mainly on one avenue of pollinator conservation: understanding the role that microbes play in pollinator health. New technologies have allowed us to get a better understanding of the role of microbes that are both beneficial and detrimental to bee health, and we will discuss how this understanding may contribute to the conservation of wild bees.

When: 6 January 2014, 7:00-8:30 PM; Dinner will be served from 6:00PM.

Where:Peeve’s Public House , 1243 Fulton Mall, Fresno, CA 93721

Contact: 559-278-2460 (cafe inquiries) / 559-573-5735 (Pub’s number)

Here’s the full poster for this event – please feel free to download, print, and share with your friends and family.

Here’s the full poster for this event – please feel free to download, print, and share with your friends and family.