For many people the word “bee” is synonymous with the non‐native “honey‐ bee.” But there are many kinds of bees in nature, even within urban areas in northern California. Many people are simply missing out on perceiving these beautiful, interesting, and beneficial insects. This workshop will showcase native bees for people who like nature, and for those who are involved in land management and conservation. Presentations will range from basic and introductory to technical. No specific knowledge of native bees is needed ahead of time, although a basic understanding of general insect morphology and some familiarity with dichotomous keys is desirable.
Major Workshop Goals
1) To promote awareness of (and appreciation for) diversity in local native bees by presenting general information in lectures with accompanying handouts, on aspects of bee natural history, behavior, habitat and biogeography.
2) To help with identification of four local families of bees with lectures and handouts, and with preserved bee specimens for keying in the laboratory.
Optional Follow‐up Fieldtrip (Tentative)*
On Friday 11 August, Rob Irwin will lead a fieldtrip (no charge, except for cost of gasoline in personal cars—with car‐pooling recommended) to higher elevations in Butte County to ob‐ serve native bees foraging on flowers and nesting in forest and meadow habitats. Persons registering for the 10 August workshop should indicate on the form if they wish to attend this optional fieldtrip. Rob will notify registrants ASAP if the fieldtrip has to be cancelled due to a scarcity of flowers and bees this summer.