Evento

Introduction to Bees at Beacon Food Forest

This class is an introduction to all bees, their importance to our food system, and the role of urban agriculture. The class includes a guided tour of the farmsite, a chance to see a honey beehive inspection, and identification of wild bees in the field. While many classes explain "how to manage honey bees," this class is both more and less: if you're going to keep honey bees (especially if) you need to know this information. And if you simply want to do your part for our native, wild bees, this class will help you too.

Students will learn about the diversity of pollinators in our region and learn how to identify some of them. You'll see numerous samples of these bees both under a magnifying glass and also (if the bees cooperate) in the field. We'll talk about ways to attract these wild bees to your garden or yard, and how you can help local conservation efforts. And we will discuss social bees, particularly honey bees, and examine a resident hive. Bee veils and gloves are provided.

Suited for: people aged 12 and up interested in beekeeping, wild bees, pollinator gardening and urban agriculture.

About the Instructor: Bob Redmond is the manager of Beacon Food Forests pollinator services, including the bee hives, and mgr of Urban Bee Company. A journeyman-level certified beekeeper, Bob serves on the Apiary Advisory Council for the national organization Certified Naturally Grown.