Esmeralda Reyes
MSC, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (EXPECTED GRADUATION, SPRING 2024)
THESIS TITLE:
Plant-pollinator networks in native-landscaped yards
Brief Background
Esmeralda is a graduate student studying how urban ecosystems influence insect and bird populations in Greater Los Angeles. Esmeralda will be focusing her work on pollination networks of insects in native- and conventionally-landscaped residential yards throughout Greater Los Angeles. Esmeralda’s project will illuminate important plants within residential yards that support native insects.
This monarch (Danaus plexippus) is obtaining nectar from narrow-leaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis), a plant that is native to the region. Esmeralda’s study will focus on understanding the network of plants that insect pollinators use in native-landscaped and conventionally landscaped yards (those dominated by grass and ornamental plants).