The talk, the Dating Game – Plants and Pollinators, will touch on some basics of pollination and then discuss the differing types of pollinators - bees/wasps, flies, butterflies/moths, beetles, and birds. Since bees are the most important pollinator group there will be an extensive discussion on native bees and European honeybees which includes differing characteristics such as: solitary vs social, generalist vs specialist, flight distances, and tongue (proboscis) length. The upsides and downsides of European honeybees will be covered before diving into native bees - bumbles, mason/orchard bees, sweat, and wasps. Flies are discussed as are beetles. The life cycle of butterflies and moths will be explained along with differing plant associations. This leads to a discussion of caterpillars and their importance up the food chain for birds and their raising of young as documented by Professor Doug Tallamy's books. The importance of oaks will be highlighted along with other native trees/plants along with the number of caterpillar species they each host. Invasive plants and trees will be mentioned in terms of the food chain that they don't support. The talk ends with some recommendations - plant in groups, natives over non-natives, cultivars require questions, fall planting of perennial seeds, native bee nests and spring cleanup, spraying concerns, and why pure grass lawns are deserts. Finally, the Xerces website is mentioned as a great starting resource for local pollinator plant recommendations.