Join us for an evening of learning and discussion on Unconventioal Pollinators & How to Protect Them at Ruzzo’s Retreat in Damascus!
Bring the family, friends, dogs and any burning bug questions!
Join us for an engaging pub talk exploring the fascinating world of unconventional pollinators—those often-overlooked insects and animals that play a critical role in keeping our ecosystems thriving. Beyond bees and butterflies, we’ll take a closer look at beetles, flies, moths, and more, with a focus on species right here in the Clackamas watershed.
Learn how these diverse pollinators support native plants, food systems, and overall ecosystem health, and why protecting them matters. We’ll also share practical, accessible ways you can create habitat, reduce pesticide impacts, and support pollinators in your own backyard or community.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, nature enthusiast, or just curious, this talk will leave you with a new appreciation for the small (and often misunderstood) creatures that keep our landscapes blooming.
When: Thursday April 30th, 6:00-8:00pm
Where: Ruzzo’s Retreat
15252 OR-224
Damascus OR, 97089
Register here!
About our speakers:
Dakota Hufford –
Outreach & Stewardship Coordinator
Clackamas River Basin Council
dakota@clackamasriver.org
Dakota Hufford is the Outreach & Stewardship Coordinator for the Clackamas River Basin Council, where they lead community engagement efforts focused on watershed health, habitat restoration, and pesticide reduction. With a background in environmental science and a Master’s in Entomology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Dakota brings a passion for insects, ecology, and connecting people to the natural world.
Their work centers on making science accessible and locally relevant—whether through public talks, hands-on restoration events, or educational programs. Dakota has a particular interest in the often-overlooked roles of invertebrates in ecosystems and enjoys helping others see the value in the small, strange, and essential creatures that keep our landscapes functioning.
Thank you to our partners and sponsors for making this event possible: Clackamas WES & Ruzzo’s
