This workshop is the ultimate day for bee enthusiasts and experts alike! Join Dr. Olivia Carril, world renowned bee specialist and author of The Bees In Your Backyard, for an unforgettable and engaging gateway into the world of bees in your backyard and the role these powerful pollinators play in our food system and future. Oliva joins us all the way from New Mexico where she is currently working on native bee surveys at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument at Bandelier National Monument.

With over 450 native bee species in Ohio, there are bound to be differences in how each bee pursues the tasks of building a nest, securing resources, and providing for offspring.  We’ll begin the day with an overview of native bee biology, exploring some of the fascinating nuances that separate our common native bees from each other.  As we work through different bee groups, we will learn some of the basic features that can help us distinguish these bees in the field, and why native bees are critical to our food supply,

We’ll spend the afternoon outside scouting for bees and observing pollinators as they visit the rich diversity of flowers at Stratford Ecological Center. Explore photographing bees in action and discuss methods for identifying these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. We’ll end our day with plenty of time for discussion and opportunities for continued learning!

Lunch and all materials provided.  Lunch will include gluten free, dairy free, and vegetarian options.

Limited spots available | Registration Deadline: August 31, 2023