I don't know about you, but all the rain and cold weather we're experiencing in Northern California have left me especially eager for this year's gardening season to begin. And if learning more about bees and gardens is something you'd like to do this year, we've got a class for you! We're offering all classes as either remote or in-person. Both methods include videos to view at your leisure; there's additional hands-on instruction with the in-person classes.

All in-person classes take place at the Haven on the UC Davis campus. Class fees support the Haven and our programs. 

2023 classes: 

I Planted a Bee Garden: Now What?

April 1, 2023 9am to 10:30am

Instructor: Christine Casey, Ph.D., UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology

Many California gardeners are removing their water-hungry turf and replacing it with lower-water plants that provide food and habitat for bees and other animals. But if all you know about garden maintenance is how to start the lawnmower, deciding what to plant and learning how to maintain it can be daunting.

Aimed at beginning bee gardeners, this class will cover the basics of turf conversion and weed control along with plant selection for bees and other pollinators. We'll also cover maintenance of a turf yard compared to planted borders. The in-person class includes hands-on practice with gardening techniques and a tour of the Haven's plants.

Remote class registration ($25 fee): https://registration.ucdavis.edu/Item/Details/939

In-person class registration ($40 fee): https://registration.ucdavis.edu/Item/Details/940

Advanced Bee Gardening 

April 22, 2023 9am to 10:30am

Instructor: Christine Casey, Ph.D., UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology

This class is for experienced gardeners who want to better support bees in their gardens. We'll discuss garden design and plant selection based on bee biology as well as how to encourage insect natural enemies to keep bee gardens pesticide-free. We'll also learn about some of the latest research on bees and gardens and how to incorporate this into your garden. The in-person class will conclude with a tour of the Haven for a hands-on look at plants and bees.

Remote class registration ($25 fee): https://registration.ucdavis.edu/Item/Details/941

In-person class registration ($40 fee): https://registration.ucdavis.edu/Item/Details/942

Collecting Bees Through Photos

April 1, 2023 11:30am to 1pm

Instructor: Christine Casey, Ph.D., UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology

Bees are fascinating animals, and many people are intrigued by the idea of having their own bee collection for closer observation. An effective way to ‘collect' bees without harm is by making a bee photo album. We'll start with an overview of bee anatomy and classification and learn how to distinguish bees from other insects. We'll then look at key features of common bees that can be used to identify them in flight. The class will finish outdoors for hands-on experience observing, identifying, and photographing bees.

Remote class registration ($25 fee): https://registration.ucdavis.edu/Item/Details/937

In-person class registration ($40 fee): https://registration.ucdavis.edu/Item/Details/938