The Friendly Bug blog
GARDEning with THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND the BUGLY!
(SCIENCE-BASED OPINIONS FROM A PUBLIC HORTICULTURE EDUCATOR)
I am an Entomologist, Pollinator Enthusiast, Science Educator, Advanced Master Gardener, and lover of all things “bug” related!
I was born in Pakistan, and was immediately interested in every aspect of the natural world, anywhere from the tiniest ants to the antelopes and beyond. My family moved to Canada when I was 11 years old, and as we explored this new climate and landscape, I just fell deeper and deeper in love with nature. I got my undergraduate degree in Zoology from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada- and during the course of my degree I got a chance to learn about all kinds of amazing things including plants, trees, fish, reptiles, birds, mammals, microbes, fungi, and…(wait for it)… …Insects! 🐜 Nearing the end of my Zoology degree, one of the requirements was to take a field research course to expand your knowledge of field collection methods and on-site research. The course I ended up choosing was a Field Entomology course that went to Arizona for a two week period. This course was an absolutely pivotal moment in my career- as I realized how incredible and vast the world of insects truly was. I never looked back since, and I was completely hooked on the notion that I needed to immerse myself in everything to do with insects and arachnids! With this ambitious goal in mind, I set out to learn more about this amazing group of animals, and found myself in Kentucky doing research on Solitary bees and bacterial endosymbionts. During my Master’s degree at the University of Kentucky I was able to collect insects as part of my research, for my graduate coursework, and for local schools for their science classes. During this time I was also able to learn a lot about beekeeping (and took care of the honey bees at the University of Kentucky). So amongst this array of experience with insects I found myself to be particularly drawn to pollinators- especially bees. 🐝 After graduating with my degree, I was able to work as a Research Technician in a Turf and Landscape Entomology Lab, where I got to work with pollinators on developing the best management practices and gardening practices to minimize impacts on pollinators, and conducting research on the plants that are very attractive to pollinators. Armed with this pollinator and plant knowledge I got a position as a Horticulture Instructor in an urban area, where I have the incredible opportunity to teach and work with Master Gardener Volunteers, and continue to learn so much from my students, gardeners, colleagues, and community members. With all this information oozing out of me, and an endless array of information continuing to come at me from all directions, I wanted to come up with an outlet to sort out the right from the wrong, the true from the false, and the good from the bad (all based on my opinions of course). That is why I created The Friendly Bug Blog, and that is why I am here! I am hoping that since you have come to this blog, that you are a lifelong learner, an insect and arachnid enthusiast, an avid gardener, or just someone who is curious about these topics! So feel free to take a look, and submit any questions and comments- because I would love to write about information that is important to you!
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🐝 Abi SAEED 🐝Entomologist, Pollinator Specialist, Public Science Educator, and Archives
July 2017
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