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For Release:	IMMEDIATELY UPON RECEIPT
Contact:	TIM MASSIE (845) 575-3171 DR. RICHARD FELDMAN (845) 575-3000, EXT. 2335

MARIST TALK TO EXAMINE BEE COLONY COLLAPSE

POUGHKEEPSIE - Agriculture is a leading economic engine in the Hudson River Valley. What would happen if bees no longer continued their role of pollination? What would that mean for farmers, home gardeners, and those who enjoy locally produced fruits, vegetables, and flowers?

"Bee colony collapse" will be the topic of a presentation by Melissa Schacker on October 22, at 7 p.m., in Room 225 of Donnelly Hall on the Marist campus. The event is free and open to the public. Parking will be available in the Donnelly Hall lot. Refreshments will be served following the talk.

"Bee colony collapse has been spreading for several years, puzzling beekeepers, farmers, agricultural extension agents and researchers," said Dr. Richard Feldman, associate professor of environmental science at Marist. "The annual die-off of 30 percent of bees is beginning to have profound effects upon our food supply, as bees are important partners in the production of many of our fruits and vegetables."

Michael Shacker, a political and environmental writer, authored A Spring without Bees: How Colony Collapse Disorder Has Endangered Our Food Supply. Following a stroke, his daughter Melissa, who was mentored by her father, has carried on his work and will talk about the book. The Schackers are Hudson Valley residents.

The lecture is co-sponsored by the Marist College School of Science's Department of Environmental Science and Policy; Students Encouraging Environmental Dedication (SEED), a student environmental club; and the college's Campus Sustainability Advisory Committee.

For further information, contact Dr. Richard Feldman at (845) 575-3000, ext. 2335, or richard.feldman@marist.edu.

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For further information, call the Marist College Office of Public Affairs at (845) 575-3174.