Claudia Cruse
Pollinator Ecology in Agricultural Landscapes
Native bees are critical pollinators, and they are threatened by habitat loss, pesticides, disease, and climate change. Our research on the native bee species at Hopland Research and Extension Center investigates how pollinator diversity and abundance is impacted by modifications to agricultural landscapes. By analyzing collections made in experimental native plant hedgerows and control sites of introduced grasses over several years, we will identify specific native plants that support pollinators, catalog the diverse array of pollinators found on the site, and determine key agricultural practices to support bee diversity.
Message To Sponsor
I'm honored to have been given the opportunity working with native bees. I am so grateful for your generous support, which will allow me to contribute to this research that is meaningful and important for the sustainability of agriculture and ecological health.
Major: Conservation and Resource Studies
Mentor: Gordon Frankie, Environmental Science, Policy, & Management
Sponsor: Cheunkarndee Fund