Science Uncorked: Bringing Native Habitat Back to Grand Valley Yards

Presented by Isabella Zastrow, Mesa Conservation District

Friday, December 18th, 2026 from 6 pm to 8 pm

Little Patches, Big Payoff — Bringing Native Habitat Back to Grand Valley Yards

Presented by Isabella Zastrow, District Manager, Mesa Conservation District

Where have all the pollinators gone? As the Grand Valley grows, native habitat is breaking into smaller and smaller pieces, and arid-land and grassland birds have declined by more than 40%. The good news: a backyard, canal bank, or idle lot can become a stepping stone for pollinators, songbirds, and native plants. Join us to learn what makes a healthy microhabitat, how to score your own yard, and how Mesa Conservation District’s upcoming 2027 Microhabitat Program is helping landowners turn small patches into real habitat.

Isabella “Bella” Zastrow is the District Manager of Mesa Conservation District, where she leads the district’s Microhabitat Program.

Timeline:

6pm to 6:30pm(ish): Guests arrive, grab wine, chat, and settle in

6:30pm to 7:30pm(ish): Presenter speaks

7:30pm to 8pm: Q&A, visiting, wrap up