Have you always wanted to know how to ID the amazing diversity of bees buzzing around your flowers? Where do they nest, what do they eat, and how can you support them? Join our Bee Biology and Identification workshop!
About the Event
This two-day session will start in the classroom to provide you with identification strategies for common native bees, as well as in depth information on their nesting, overwintering, and flower preferences! The following day we will go on a “Bee Quest”, exploring local natural areas and observing bees and their habitat in the field.
This workshop is suitable for beginner to intermediate students and will focus on recognizing common bumble bee species and common solitary bee genera. We will be examining bee specimens using low magnification digital microscopes, focusing on features that can be observed in the field and in photographs. In the field we will discuss the use of iNaturalist and the NBSBC’s BC Bee Atlas as tools for supporting native bees. We will also look for examples of important native bee habitat features and discuss practical habitat conservation measures that community members can take.
May 10 9am-4pm VIU Nanaimo room 205 in the Sciences building With 1hr Lunch
May 11 field day! 10am-3pm Lotus Pinnatus Park, Nanaimo
$200 for NBSBC Members and $250 for non-members for Day 1 (Classroom)
$50 for Day 2 (Field Day)
Student/Low income pricing available, bursaries available for financial need.
Event must meet minimum enrolment to proceed.