The UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology will present a wetlands restoration exhibit led by medical entomologist-geneticist Geoffrey Attardo during the university’s 112th annual Picnic Day on April 18. The event, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Briggs Hall, will showcase macro photographs and videos of aquatic invertebrates that play vital roles in wetland ecosystems.
The exhibit aims to highlight the ecological importance of wetlands for public and environmental health as well as their role in mitigating climate change. Attardo said, “Many of these [mosquito-borne diseases] derive from human development, ecological disruption, and climate change. A historical method of mosquito control has been drainage and conversion of wetland ecosystems for agriculture and urban development to reduce mosquito populations and increase land productivity. Wetlands were stigmatized by western culture as sources of mosquitoes, disease, and sloth. It’s estimated that in California, more than 95 percent of the wetlands existing prior to western colonization have been drained and converted.”
Attardo also emphasized the cultural significance of wetlands: “In contrast to these views, these ecosystems were an essential part of Californian Native American culture and considered sacred and treasured spaces. Native people relied on wetlands for clean water, abundant food, and raw materials for shelter, clothing, transportation, and ceremonial dress.” He added that recent findings show healthy wetland biodiversity can regulate insect populations that transmit disease.
He continued: “Recent findings on the role that wetlands play in vector borne disease contradict the popular view that these ecosystems are sources of disease… Proper restoration and care of wetlands can provide a multitude of benefits that address societal needs including restoration of biodiversity, improved water quality, disease transmission [reduction], carbon sequestration, flood control… However disruption… can have the opposite effect.”
Attardo is collaborating with traditional ecological knowledge practitioner Diana Almendariz to educate visitors about wetland services using traditional methods alongside modern science.
The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), which supports such outreach programs through public contributions according to its official website, promotes sustainable practices aimed at strengthening resilient ecosystems according to its official website. UC ANR utilizes nine research centers representing California’s diverse environments according to its official website.
UC ANR is recognized for connecting research with community needs according to its official website as part of the University’s Cooperative Extension system according to its official website. Each year it conducts over 33,800 educational events with more than 18,400 volunteers involved in initiatives across California according to its official website.
Attardo recently received the Excellence in Teaching Award from the Pacific Branch Entomological Society of America (PBESA) at their conference held April 12–15 in Spokane. He is now nominated for a national award from PBESA’s parent organization.