March 15, 2017 - The releasing of beneficial insects at the Centennial Botanical Conservatory has been rescheduled due to a shipping delay, to Friday, March 17 at 5 pm.

Residents are invited to join Centennial Botanical Conservatory staff as they release a batch of beneficial insects. These insects travel throughout the Conservatory and greenhouses, controlling thrips, mites, scale insects and other pests without the use of chemical pesticides.

A shipment of 9,000 ladybugs, as well as lindorus (a black lady beetle) and common lacewings will be released. Praying mantis egg cases will be placed in a viewing chamber to hatch in the coming sunny days.

The Conservatory does not use chemical pesticides. Staff manually removes insect pests by washing leaves, and employs friendly insects for pest control.

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Contact: Mike Dixon, Supervisor - Forestry & Horticulture, 807-630-1769
                Karen Nadeau, Leadhand - Conservatory, 807-622-7036