SWOCC release - Coos Bay, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College invites the community to join us on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 6:00 pm, for “Pollinators at the Coast: Supporting Honeybees and Native Species” with Ann Marineau and Darcy Grahek of the Coos Beekeepers Association. This is a free event; all ages are welcome.  Coos County residents can join us in-person in the Umpqua Hall lecture room (room 184) on the Coos Campus, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay.  Curry County residents can join us for a watch party on the Curry Campus, 96082 Lone Ranch Parkway, Brookings.  For those not able to attend in person the lecture will be streamed live on the College’s YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/@southwesternOR/streams.  Explore the vital role that honeybees and native pollinators play in our local ecosystems and food systems. Learn about the unique challenges pollinators face in our region today, including habitat loss, climate impacts, and pesticide exposure. The lecture will highlight how coastal environments influence pollinator health and showcase practical, science-based ways residents can support pollinators — particularly through pollinator-friendly yard and garden choices. Discover how small, local actions can help create healthier habitats where pollinators can thrive.  For more information about this lecture contact DeAnne Varitek, Dean of Career Technical Education at Southwestern at [email protected] or 541-888-7312.  To learn more about Southwestern’s Agroecology program visit: https://www.socc.edu/agroecology.