New England is home to a rich diversity of wild bees. In this introductory

course, you’ll develop a deep appreciation for the diversity, ecology,

and behavior of these charismatic pollinators. Throughout the week, we

will explore a variety of habitats in search of bees and learn skills including,

but not limited to, field identification to genus, voucher specimen

collection, nest searching, photography, and journaling. Afternoon lab

work will reinforce identification skills through microscopy. Coursework

will be enriched with evening lectures on related topics including

pollination biology, the role of bees in agriculture, and strategies for

supporting bees in natural and cultivated spaces. This seminar will be

of interest to naturalists, gardeners, farmers, landscape designers, and

managers of public and private lands. Ultimately, we will aim to cultivate

curiosity about the natural history of bees and their interactions with

plants and animals, and leave you with practical, concrete skills for

deepening this understanding on your own.