Dessert with Discussion: American Kestrels saving Michigan berries from predation

Featuring Dr. Catherine Lindell (MSU Associate Professor, Integrative Biology Department)
and Dr. Phil Howard (MSU Associate Professor Dept. of Community Sustainability)

“Lifting the economy on hawks’ wings” article, NSF, May 5, 2018

The American kestrel, North America’s smallest falcon, is native to Michigan but has had declining populations in recent decades. Can we increase kestrel populations and help grow fruits with fewer chemicals? Find answers to this complex question at our next Dessert with Discussion.

• Kestrels nesting in orchards deter fruit-eating birds, providing economic benefits for farmers and the state of Michigan.

• Kestrels can be attracted to cherry orchards and blueberry fields by installing nest boxes.

• Installing nest boxes may also be beneficial to kestrels, whose populations have been declining for several decades.

• Consumers view nest boxes as more “natural” than other bird management practices (such as spraying food-safe chemicals that might repel birds from eating fruit).

• Consumers report a willingness to pay approximately 20% more for fruit produced using nest boxes, therefore communicating these production practices may result in higher prices, or at least market niches, for growers.

Enjoy coffee, tea and delicious locally sourced desserts provided by the KBS Conference Center. A cash bar featuring house wines and Michigan craft beer available prior to the event.

Doors open at 7 p.m., talk from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Register Today!

Curious to learn more?  Article, “Kestrels thrive in cherry orchards, and return favor” (Capital News Service, November 17, 2017) and Nature can reduce pesticide use, environmental impact (MSU NatSci News. March 1, 2018).

Visit informational booths before and after the talk to learn more!

350.org

Audubon Society of Kalamazoo

Citizens’ Climate Lobby

Environmental Science and Policy Program at MSU

Hawks on the Wing

KBS – Insights to Research at KBS

Kellogg Bird Sanctuary

Michigan Bluebird Society

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute

Southwest Michigan Group Sierra Club

Wild Ones of Kalamazoo

Vegan Kalamazoo

Recording of the evening’s live stream.

Past Dessert with Discussion Presenters

At MSU’s Kellogg Biological Station green is more than a school color. You can help us be sustainability responsible for this event by:

• Carpool or ride your bike to the event.
• Traveling from a distance, watch the live stream instead.
• Reduce food waste by taking smaller portions and going back for seconds if needed.

Thank you for being part of this commitment!