The Beltsville Garden Club welcomes Dr. Michael Raupp of the University of Maryland, on Wednesday, March 24, at 7:30 p.m., for his presentation on how insects are adapting to climate change. Dr. Raupp will be joined by graduate student, Angela Saenz, who will be a co-presenter.

Several factors threaten the sustainability of our forests and residential landscapes. Two existential threats include an influx of exotic invasive pests as a global economy creates a global biota and the warming of our planet which alters the distribution and ecology of plants, insect pests, and beneficial organisms. Dr. Raupp will dis-cuss these threats, explore strategies for mitigation, and discuss one of the newest invaders, the spotted lan-ternfly. On a lighter note, he will highlight the fun, fear, and fantasy surrounding the imminent visit of billions of periodical cicadas coming soon to a neighborhood near you.

Dr. Michael J. Raupp is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Entomology at the University of Maryland College Park campus. He has published many articles, made numerous presentations, and frequently appears on television and radio. His most recent book, 26 Things that Bug Me, introduces youngsters to the wonders of insects and natural history. Managing Insects and Mites on Woody Landscape Plants is a standard for the arboricultural industry. His websites www.BugOfTheWeek and www.youtube.com/user/BugOfTheWeek are viewed by thousands of visitors weekly.

A Zoom link will be sent to you prior to what will be Dr. Raupp’s 3,122nd presentation to a community group!