<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 12 (filtered medium)"><!--[if !mso]><style>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style><![endif]--><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Tahoma;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Verdana;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:purple;
text-decoration:underline;}
p
{mso-style-priority:99;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";}
span.style15
{mso-style-name:style15;}
span.ccfontupdated
{mso-style-name:ccfontupdated;}
span.EmailStyle22
{mso-style-type:personal-reply;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-size:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:947004818;
mso-list-template-ids:406207364;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellpadding=0 width=595 style='width:446.25pt;background:white'><tr><td width="99%" style='width:99.32%;padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>Having trouble viewing this email? <a href="http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=tnjebhdab&v=001vv2TPD5jwtiGCNhiF3IvcaXo90Zs4zDuLMgDUbGo_XmzGp79nLGe1uYGqkFzpPFVoOA0vLX1dsIZrUl8qkErpyxT-d8xvufgFOXOW5znayKuooRW0qxX9LOIm4MBb5--yEGN2p2ZOvl4YJaGrSRQmupUGfDfknQcOrNR0Wu_4Nv9Nu5frbPYFC0WpLtgBX8s" target="_blank">Click here </a><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;background:#CCCC99'><span style='display:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:#CCCC99'><tr><td width="49%" style='width:49.0%;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td width="2%" style='width:2.0%;padding:15.0pt 0in 22.5pt 0in'><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=600 style='width:6.25in;background:white;align:center'><tr><td width=600 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:6.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%' id="content_LETTER.BLOCK1"><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><img border=0 width=600 id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://www.xerces.org/imagesforcc/NJenews.jpg"><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></div></td></tr><tr><td width=371 valign=top style='width:278.25pt;padding:7.5pt 15.0pt 15.0pt 15.0pt'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%' id="content_LETTER.BLOCK2"><tr><td valign=top style='padding:7.5pt 0in 7.5pt 0in'><p align=center style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><strong><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#E67803'>MARYLAND POLLINATOR CONSERVATION PLANNING SHORT COURSE </span></strong><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#E67803'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align=center style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#E67803'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p align=center style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><strong><span style='font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#E67803'>A POLLINATOR WEEK EVENT!</span></strong><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#E67803'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align=center style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'> </span><span style='font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p align=center style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#E67803'>USDA NRCS Norman A. Berg </span></strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#E67803'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align=center style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#E67803'>National Plant Materials Center (Beltsville, Maryland)</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#E67803'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align=center style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#E67803'>Tuesday, June 21, 2011</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#E67803'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align=center style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#E67803'>8:30 am to 4:30 pm</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#E67803'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align=center style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#E67803'> </span></strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#E67803'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service invites you to attend a Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Course in Beltsville, Maryland. This full day training will provide you with the latest science-based approaches to reversing the trend of pollinator declines, and will equip you with the recipes necessary to protect and manage habitat for these vital insects. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>4th Annual National Pollinator Week Event! </span></b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'> This Short Course will take place during National Pollinator Week and will provide a unique opportunity to learn how to conserve pollinators and their habitat.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><strong><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>Intended Audience: </span></strong><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>The content of this course is tailored to the needs of NRCS conservation planners, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Cooperative Extension, state agencies, crop consultants, farmers, land managers, and master gardeners. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><strong><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>Location:</span></strong><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'> USDA-NRCS Norman A. Berg National Plant Materials Center, BARC - East, Beaver Dam Road, Building 509 (just west of Soil Conservation Road), Beltsville, MD 20705.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><strong><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>Cost:</span></strong><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'> Thanks to support from the USDA Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NESARE) program, registration is free for the first 30 people, but there will be a $15 fee for lunch. Additional seats are $45 (includes lunch). <em><span style='font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Canceled registrations can be refunded until June 7, 2011. </span></em><br><br><span class=style15><b>Registration:</b></span> Please <strong><span style='font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=tnjebhdab&et=1105072799341&s=4347&e=001-IJxk8yxVn92y52zmqqzy8vlENqC-ElHWLP1N9IH1BqezAKX5ANAXJt7Ms5q05gQELDjMiUIjY_jO5FT-bQytXVrymiPzoWgIgU_ptCjQgELygwVwYg80C1mppJ1pBsBGreTKSSkYEtzVuynA-E0bPYz0PcXCvLrLu_2n4Ym2tOAXW-ELpEDrcGOWkCQ-rRHSb2DQufmB8YlY8C7i_gVZ4lx2T63D12L" target="_blank"><span style='color:#E67803;text-decoration:none'>register online</span></a></span></strong> or call (855) 232 6639 to register over the phone. Hurry, registration closes after 100 people!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:red'><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=tnjebhdab&et=1105072799341&s=4347&e=001-IJxk8yxVn_aQcBrjzCgsYHbfQ8qsISBQ41vJTl3fKxVOf-sce3N52DZmPx0B_DYqRJqLU1Et66eKZutCpF7PrsKWbZdEsr2lzDqRdKUbWNxKVSXneihe0-tAmosOpqT-0Htj_MaTGgjW9O-5TPdqSO4Xs8BThwF7-tjSYrYVCvrkHfXU47r7FJfUBCFlKS6GUh2ZkGNOsSfdEmxbroTCg==" target="_blank"><strong><span style='font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black;text-decoration:none'>More Information:</span></strong></a></span><strong><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=tnjebhdab&et=1105072799341&s=4347&e=001-IJxk8yxVn89TKGzOkzKHeLb4z2la6hzBe_D-ipimcsUjx7j940micoaVexW9JhvZLJtWrUhmVtlcq55SNyXZfVBc17HsbJUOk9EWW9ntfo3CCDnqT-ekCrPfveUJDAtS_962FJkfYY6EflFwh2y1FfXZd8towEa66OlK0v-uI3ZB6Gud-K5uw05MgwKkf9hRhuypCa1Qtgm4MzFgEawBQ==" target="_blank"><span style='color:#E67803;text-decoration:none'> Click here</span></a></span></strong><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'> for detailed information about the Maryland Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Course, including a detailed agenda, directions to the National Plant Materials Center, and more. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>On June 22, 2011 there will be another course geared specifically towards Federal Agency staff and policy makers.<strong><span style='font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=tnjebhdab&et=1105072799341&s=4347&e=001-IJxk8yxVn_aQcBrjzCgsYHbfQ8qsISBQ41vJTl3fKxVOf-sce3N52DZmPx0B_DYqRJqLU1Et66eKZutCpF7PrsKWbZdEsr2lzDqRdKUbWNxKVSXneihe0-tAmosOpqT-0Htj_MaTGgjW9O-5TPdqSO4Xs8BThwF7-tjSYrYVCvrkHfXU47r7FJfUBCFlKS6GUh2ZkGNOsSfdEmxbroTCg==" target="_blank"><span style='color:#E67803;text-decoration:none'> Click here</span></a></span></strong> for more information about the Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Course for Federal Agencies.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>This short course is one of many being offered during the 2011 season. The Xerces Society will be hosting similar trainings in the following states: Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, and Washington. Visit our<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=tnjebhdab&et=1105072799341&s=4347&e=001-IJxk8yxVn9XVVT7LvHVz-G1EqBcHxzc6N6mZugX_hYm8KaCFnr-dqRZwPmRVgW1PtduJFO7gSZIfvW2rY2cxdatb3RC2tt6zDrkQTDCC-4AwBkUZI4Nfw==" target="_blank"><span class=ccfontupdated><span style='color:black;text-decoration:none'> online</span></span><span style='color:#E67803;text-decoration:none'> <strong><span style='font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>events</span></strong></span></a> page to view up-to-date short course information.<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='display:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%' id="content_LETTER.BLOCK3"><tr><td valign=top style='padding:7.5pt 0in 7.5pt 0in'><p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><strong><span style='font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#E67803'>BACKGROUND</span></strong><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>The current Farm Bill makes pollinators and their habitat a conservation priority for every USDA land manager and conservationist. This training session provides an overview of pollinator-specific language within the Farm Bill, and how to translate that language into on-the-ground conservation. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>Pollinators are essential to our environment. The ecological service they provide is necessary for the reproduction of more than 75 percent of the world's flowering plants and is fundamental to agriculture and natural ecosystems. More than two-thirds of the world's crop species are dependent on pollination, with an annual estimated value of $18 to $27 billion in the United States alone. Beyond agriculture, pollinators are keystone species in most terrestrial ecosystems, since their activities are ultimately responsible for the seeds and fruits that feed everything from songbirds to black bears. Conservation of pollinating insects is critically important to preserving wider biodiversity, as well as agriculture.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>In many places, however, this essential service is at risk. In 2006, the National Academy of Sciences released the report <em><span style='font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'> <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=tnjebhdab&et=1105072799341&s=4347&e=001-IJxk8yxVn9vn4pMyytfctjBn1vTaO8F9JC9PefP6xCyVOcNgah9_T96vSGNbZiKFAH2cv4cXlpG0V1xPQyVZhH7KJzlgMe6TwTOGZ64HDaJjAmy31vbxVhCuxJbA7xngpdZlYsDJvEVQIfgNVLpIlhdttAMnrOuvbpUriYsJ4wKJSbrL_-N-dahPsVT3nC_" target="_blank"><b><span style='color:black;text-decoration:none'>Status of Pollinators in North America</span></b></a>, </span></em>which called attention to the decline of pollinators. The report urged agencies and organizations to increase awareness and protect pollinator habitat.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>The Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Course was developed to address this need. Introductory topics include the basic principles of pollinator biology, the economics of insect pollination, basic bee field identification, and evaluating pollinator habitat. Advanced modules will cover the development of pollinator habitat enhancements, selection of plants for pollinator enhancement sites, and management of agricultural, natural, and urban landscapes. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>Throughout the short course these training modules are illustrated by real case studies of pollinator conservation efforts across the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>Participants will receive the Xerces Society's Pollinator Conservation Toolkit that includes Xerces' latest book, <em><span style='font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=tnjebhdab&et=1105072799341&s=4347&e=001-IJxk8yxVn_No6OEtM0onScimZoalxg7aZnKWzuIeRDjjpylGy-MLrzhB18WQx5lQrZqFfLf74r05wwYr3_2LRA0naFNwajoY5eYxdHmzD2qwghUIldFg6zaX_WRl1wCW9jEDJXIRVcn9whA-e0vFORo9_DHYQo2FaIRGvXyvQ4c1Emv6s46F0M_wo5pYxpA" target="_blank"><b><span style='color:black;text-decoration:none'>Attracting Native Pollinators: Protecting North America's Bees and Butterflies</span></b></a></span></em>, as well as habitat management guidelines and relevant USDA-NRCS and Extension publications. To review the agenda or register for the Maryland Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Course <strong><span style='font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=tnjebhdab&et=1105072799341&s=4347&e=001-IJxk8yxVn89TKGzOkzKHeLb4z2la6hzBe_D-ipimcsUjx7j940micoaVexW9JhvZLJtWrUhmVtlcq55SNyXZfVBc17HsbJUOk9EWW9ntfo3CCDnqT-ekCrPfveUJDAtS_962FJkfYY6EflFwh2y1FfXZd8towEa66OlK0v-uI3ZB6Gud-K5uw05MgwKkf9hRhuypCa1Qtgm4MzFgEawBQ==" target="_blank"><span style='color:#E67803;text-decoration:none'>click here</span></a></span></strong>.<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='display:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%' id="content_LETTER.BLOCK4"><tr><td valign=top style='padding:7.5pt 0in 7.5pt 0in'><p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><strong><span style='font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#E67803'>COURSE TRAINING SKILLS AND OBJECTIVES</span></strong><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Awareness of various federal programs and funding available for pollinator conservation<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Identify approaches to increase and enhance pollinator diversity on the land<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Knowledge of the current best management practices that minimize land-use impacts on pollinators<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Ability to identify bees and distinguish them from other insects<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Understand the economics of insect-pollinated crops, and the effects of pollinator decline<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Knowledge of the current Farm Bill pollinator conservation provisions in programs such as WHIP, EQIP, CSP, and CRP <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Ability to assess pollinator habitat and to identify habitat deficiencies<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Ability to make recommendations to farmers and land managers that conserve pollinators (including subjects such as tillage, pesticide use, burning, grazing, and cover cropping)<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Ability to design and implement habitat improvements, such as native plant restoration and nest site enhancements<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='display:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%' id="content_LETTER.BLOCK12"><tr><td valign=top style='padding:7.5pt 0in 7.5pt 0in'><p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><strong><span style='font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#E67803'>ACKNOWLEDGMENTS</span></strong><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>These Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Courses are supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the Northeast Sustainable Agricultural Research and Education (NESARE) program. Additional support for this training is provided by the following: Aveda Earth Fund, CS Fund, Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, Ernst Conservation Seed, Sarah K. de Coizart Article TENTH Perpetual Charitable Trust, Turner Foundation, and Xerces Society members.<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div></td><td width=229 valign=top style='width:171.75pt;border:none;border-left:dashed #CCCCCC 1.0pt;padding:7.5pt 15.0pt 15.0pt 15.0pt'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%' id="content_LETTER.BLOCK7"><tr><td valign=top style='padding:7.5pt 0in 1.5pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#333333'>PARTNERS<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p align=center style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#333333'><img border=0 width=143 height=131 id="_x0000_i1026" src="http://www.xerces.org/imagesforcc/NESARE.jpg" vspace=5><u><o:p></o:p></u></span></b></p><p align=center style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#333333'><img border=0 width=190 id="_x0000_i1027" src="http://www.xerces.org/imagesforcc/NRCS.jpg" vspace=5><u><o:p></o:p></u></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 7.5pt 0in'></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><o:p> </o:p></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%' id="content_LETTER.BLOCK7"><tr><td valign=top style='padding:7.5pt 0in 1.5pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#333333'>INSTRUCTORS<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 7.5pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>Mace Vaughan, Pollinator Program Director, the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation; Joint Pollinator Conservation Specialist, USDA-NRCS West National Technology Support Center. <br><br>Eric Mader, Assistant Pollinator Program Director, the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation; Assistant Professor of Extension, University of Minnesota - Department of Entomology.<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><o:p> </o:p></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%' id="content_LETTER.BLOCK11"><tr><td valign=top style='padding:7.5pt 0in 1.5pt 0in'><p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#333333'><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=tnjebhdab&et=1105072799341&s=4347&e=001-IJxk8yxVn_0lkahPiebfWOygg0-6MYKqXySWKhq8EU4EnPQx8KbXE1OAv7VNTENaky4pj75aQIVBjGg0tVpbFIm127Ahqnr0jwn47RShT8=" target="_blank"><span style='color:#333333'>1971 - 2011: Forty Years of Conservation</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 7.5pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>The Xerces Society is a nonprofit organization that protects wildlife through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitat. The Society has been at the forefront of invertebrate protection worldwide for forty years, harnessing the knowledge of scientists and the enthusiasm of citizens to implement conservation programs. <br><br>To learn more about our work, please visit <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=tnjebhdab&et=1105072799341&s=4347&e=001-IJxk8yxVn_0lkahPiebfWOygg0-6MYKqXySWKhq8EU4EnPQx8KbXE1OAv7VNTENaky4pj75aQIVBjGg0tVpbFIm127Ahqnr0jwn47RShT8=" target="_blank"><span style='color:#666666'>www.xerces.org</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><o:p> </o:p></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%' id="content_LETTER.BLOCK9"><tr><td valign=top style='padding:7.5pt 0in 1.5pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#333333'><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=tnjebhdab&et=1105072799341&s=4347&e=001-IJxk8yxVn_KvU-mgj9G-mKiipm54cdEYE78HB2IBppw_cczTTbg2hnMclLXNr9zT78ICmSB4A6Fe8KYnkjQjKfg3rtmDrTB2CvHluJzDmS38jfuJsQlIproEnKhXsLP" target="_blank"><span style='color:#333333'>PUBLICATIONS</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 7.5pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>Please visit our online <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=tnjebhdab&et=1105072799341&s=4347&e=001-IJxk8yxVn_KvU-mgj9G-mKiipm54cdEYE78HB2IBppw_cczTTbg2hnMclLXNr9zT78ICmSB4A6Fe8KYnkjQjKfg3rtmDrTB2CvHluJzDmS38jfuJsQlIproEnKhXsLP" target="_blank"><span style='color:#666666'>store</span></a> for books and publications on invertebrate conservation, including popular titles such as:<br><em><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>· Attracting Native Pollinators</span></em><i><br><em><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>· Managing Alternative Pollinators</span></em></i><br><em><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>· Befriending Bumble Bees</span></em><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><o:p> </o:p></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%' id="content_LETTER.BLOCK16"><tr><td valign=top style='padding:7.5pt 0in 1.5pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#333333'><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=tnjebhdab&et=1105072799341&s=4347&e=001-IJxk8yxVn9xuQABFPStGfj1peCjrScgsAE0TkC_igjXXVhKXuIZ_JBGU5YbL4na-hDHGT7Hu2w13ehsMx0Bzfwha-AcyIPzMYAcHV-BgcYwH0TcLGIi2A==" target="_blank"><span style='color:#333333'>PHOTO CREDIT</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 7.5pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'>Long-horned bee (<em><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Melissodes</span></em>) on sunflower, by Mace Vaughan, Xerces Society.<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div></td></tr><tr><td width=371 style='width:278.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><img border=0 width=371 height=1 id="_x0000_i1028" src="http://img.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/trans371.gif"><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=229 style='width:171.75pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><img border=0 width=229 height=1 id="_x0000_i1029" src="http://img.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/trans229.gif"><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=600 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:6.25in;background:#CCCC99;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%' id="content_LETTER.BLOCK11"><tr><td valign=top style='padding:7.5pt 0in 7.5pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#333333'>The Xerces Society · 4828 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Portland, Oregon 97215 USA · tel 855.232.6639<br><a href="mailto:info@xerces.org" target="_blank"><span style='color:#333333'>info@xerces.org</span></a> · <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=tnjebhdab&et=1105072799341&s=4347&e=001-IJxk8yxVn_0lkahPiebfWOygg0-6MYKqXySWKhq8EU4EnPQx8KbXE1OAv7VNTENaky4pj75aQIVBjGg0tVpbFIm127Ahqnr0jwn47RShT8=" target="_blank"><span style='color:#333333'>www.xerces.org</span></a><br><br>Copyright © 2011 The Xerces Society. All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></td><td width="49%" style='width:49.0%;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;background:white'><span style='display:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'><a href="http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?llr=tnjebhdab&m=1102968923571&ea=ashley%40xerces.org&a=1105072799341" target="_blank">Forward email</a><o:p></o:p></span></b></p></div><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=619 style='width:464.25pt;background:white'><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%'><tr><td width=100 style='width:75.0pt;padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=001Vs-hDMJlFyg9Y9QV-EyzZA%3D%3D&se=001Ot4P9OtII6c%3D&t=001y5OVOFNyAABukz4lPF1avw%3D%3D&llr=tnjebhdab" target="_blank"><span style='text-decoration:none'><img border=0 id="_x0000_i1030" src="http://img.constantcontact.com/letters/images/SafeUnsubscribe_Footer_Logo_New.png"></span></a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=519 style='width:389.25pt;padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><a href="http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=pollinators2col" target="_blank"><span style='text-decoration:none'><img border=0 id="_x0000_i1031" src="http://img.constantcontact.com/letters/images/CC_Footer_Logo_New.png"></span></a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:#2F2F2F'>This email was sent to ashley@xerces.org by <a href="mailto:shortcourses@xerces.org" target="_blank">shortcourses@xerces.org</a> </span><span style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:#BABABA'>| </span><span style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:#2F2F2F'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:#2F2F2F'><a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=oo&m=001Vs-hDMJlFyg9Y9QV-EyzZA%3D%3D&se=001Ot4P9OtII6c%3D&t=001y5OVOFNyAABukz4lPF1avw%3D%3D&llr=tnjebhdab" target="_blank">Update Profile/Email Address</a> </span><span style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:#BABABA'>|</span><span style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:#2F2F2F'> Instant removal with <a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=001Vs-hDMJlFyg9Y9QV-EyzZA%3D%3D&se=001Ot4P9OtII6c%3D&t=001y5OVOFNyAABukz4lPF1avw%3D%3D&llr=tnjebhdab" target="_blank">SafeUnsubscribe</a>™ </span><span style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:#BABABA'>|</span><span style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:#2F2F2F'> <a href="http://ui.constantcontact.com/roving/CCPrivacyPolicy.jsp" target="_blank">Privacy Policy</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>The Xerces Society</span><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:#BABABA'> | </span><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>4828 SE Hawthorne Blvd.</span><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:#BABABA'> | </span><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>Portland</span><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:#BABABA'> | </span><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>OR</span><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:#BABABA'> | </span><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>97215<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal><img border=0 width=1 height=1 id="_x0000_i1032" src="http://r20.rs6.net/on.jsp?llr=tnjebhdab&t=1105072799341.0.1102968923571.4347&ts=S0605&o=http://ui.constantcontact.com/images/p1x1.gif"><o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>