Pollinator Promenade - Western Massachusetts
September 12, 2026 — 11:00 am - 12:30 pm ET
Rain Date: Sept 13, 2026
Last day to register: September 10, 2026
Bees please! What better way to spend a late summer day than walking through a lush meadows and gardens, resplendent with goldenrod and other flowers, looking for pollinators? Join us on a beginner friendly walk to learn about these fascinating insects with guest expert Aliza Fassler! We will happily walk to the pace of the slowest person and stop frequently to look for our helpful insect friends. Aliza will show us the proper technique to net and examine the pollinators and then we’ll let them go to get on with their important work.
Though nobody will be required to handle any insect, potential participants should be aware that we will be actively seeking out insects, including bees. People with allergies to bee or other insect stings may wish to choose a different event. We will be passing by tall grass and brush which could hide ticks. Our 1.3 mile route will take us on mown grassy paths, on uneven ground, which could slippery in the rain and also on gravel roads. There are no benches available on the route, though people are welcome to bring folding stools if they wish. Masks (KN95 or better) are required. Registration is limited to 14. More detailed information on our meeting location will be shared with registered participants prior to the event.
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About our expert:
Aliza is a PhD candidate in the Department of Environmental Conservation at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass). She is broadly interested in applied science that explores human relationships with forest insects, finds mutual management strategies that integrate human resource needs with wildlife habitats, and helps build human-nature connections. Her PhD research focuses on habitat restoration, management, and conservation for wild bees (and some wasps), and on improving pollinator habitats as part of sustainable logging practices. Aliza grew up in Greenfield, Massachusetts, where she developed her love for forests. She began her research in forests as an undergraduate at Smith College, studying the effects of an invasive insect pest (hemlock woolly adelgid) on fungal communities in the hemlock forests she grew up in. Since then, she has studied everything from gopher tortoises to midges.
Beyond her research, she serves as co-chair of the UMass Bee Campus USA Committee, and a Renaissance of the Earth Fellow, working to improve pollinator habitats on campus, engage the broader UMass community in pollinator stewardship, and exploring our relationships with insects across time. She cares about good science communication aiming to engage people with insect conservation and translate research into accessible management guidelines for federal, state, and private landowners. She is also passionate about making science welcoming and accessible to all through mentoring, outreach, and teaching. In her free time, you will find her restoring a family apple orchard with her partner, reading sci-fi/fantasy novels with her cat, Squirrel, and hiking with her dog, Penny.
We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them. If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event.
GENERAL INFO
Location: Amherst, MA area (Nipmuc, Pocumtuc, and Nonotuck lands)
Parking: Small, level, gravel lot with room for several cars.
Pets: While we love pets, we ask that furry friends who are not service animals stay at home for this adventure. Tell them we said hi!
Hike: 1.3 miles, 100 feet elevation gain
Meet: September 12, 2026
Cost: This event is completely free to access! We welcome donations of any amount, which help us continue to provide these programs. We appreciate your support and your contribution!
Bring: Make sure to bring a face mask (KN95 or better), at least a liter of water, snacks (if you want!), walking shoes with good tread, and sunscreen and sun protective clothing! You can also wear Permethrin treated clothing and/or insect repellant to help protect you from ticks (please wash it off your hands before handling insects!). There will be a limited number nets to borrow but if you own one, bring it along!
COVID SAFETY
Masks (KN95 or better) are required during this event. We ask that participants please step away from the group when drinking, eating, or taking a break from wearing a mask. Please be mindful of your own and group safety. If you or anyone in your household are not feeling well, do not participate in this event.
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Information for our land acknowledgment was gathered from nativeland.ca, which provides an estimate of original indigenous land occupation, but does not take into account migratory patterns or movement of the many surrounding communities. We recognize the historical complexity of indigenous movement across the land, and honor with gratitude the many, many surviving native nations whose land we benefit from in our work to diversify the outdoors.