Mini Bee School Kootenays

Presented in partnership with the Kootenay Native Plant Society, this classroom based workshop will 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 there is the option to join a walk on Record Ridge, exploring an amazing local natural area 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.

Day 1 Rossland Seniors Centre 9am-4:30pm Day 2 Record Ridge - 10am-3pm

Our field day will occur on Record Ridge - this is a moderate intensity alpine hike. We expect to go a maximum of 6 km (less if we find good bees on the way!), with an elevation gain of about 400m. Learn more about the field location here: https://westkootenayhiking.ca/record-ridge/

Student/Low income pricing available, bursaries available for financial need.

Event must meet minimum enrollment to proceed.