Now that summer temperatures have abated, the weather is perfect for working outside. For many of us, this brings on the urge to clean out and tidy up the flower and vegetable gardens. But is that wise? Come find out what can be done to support an environment that is healthy for the kind of insects that are good for our plants. This is the topic that featured speaker Wizzie Brown will address in her presentation at the December HLBWS meeting: “How to Help Beneficial Insects Thrive.” She will cover specific things we can do in our own yards to help all types of insects create a home, including ways to provide food, water, and shelter.

Wizzie Brown is a Senior Extension Program Specialist-IPM with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. She is a Board-Certified Entomologist with a specialty in Urban Entomology and holds a non-commercial license from the Texas Structural Pest Control Service. Her research interests include imported red fire ants, bed bugs, and termites.

The HLBWS meeting will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at the Burnet County Agri-Life Extension, 607 N. Vanderveer, Burnet. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. for social time and light refreshments; the business meeting begins at 10:00 a.m.; and Wizzie Brown’s presentation follows at about 10:30 a.m. [Please note: This presentation will count for Advanced Training for Master Gardeners and members of HLNPSOT.] Anyone interested in learning more about beneficial garden insects is welcome to attend!

If the weather permits, there will be an 8:00 a.m. pre-meeting bird walk at Haley Nelson Park, 200 Garden Trail in Burnet.