Native Bee Bootcamp

Native bees are an ecologically important and remarkably diverse group of insects. In this 3-day field course, you will learn to observe, recognize, and understand the natural history of native bees of the Northeast.

Coursework will emphasize skills in:

• identifying live bees to genus
• photographing live bees
• netting and curating bee specimens
• sharing your observations with others.

Short lectures on bee ecology aim to ground field observations in scientific understanding.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is designed for naturalists, students, researchers, land managers, and gardeners–anyone eager to cultivate their curiosity about pollinators and gain tools to deepen this understanding on their own. The program assumes no prior knowledge of wild bees.

Please note that classes will take place partially outdoors and may require travelling over uneven terrain. Participants should feel comfortable spending several consecutive hours outdoors each day.

Accessibility

Duke Farms is committed to equitable nature access, and the following accommodations may be available, depending on the program:

• Paved, flat trails
• Instructors with voice amplifiers
• Assistive listening devices (ALDs) for indoor programs
• American Sign Language Interpreters, with ten (10) days’ notice
• KultureCity sensory bags
• We welcome working, trained service animals as described by the ADA

We may be able to provide additional, reasonable accommodations not listed here; please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

Your Instructors

Nick Dorian, Ph.D. is an ecologist, educator, and naturalist. Currently, Nick is an Assistant Professor of Biology at City College of New York where he studies the ecology of urban gardens.

Max McCarthy is a Ph.D. candidate at Rutgers University, where he studies populations of the rare Parnassia mining bee and the pollination ecology of their host plant, Grass-of-Parnassus (Parnassia).

Together, Nick and Max have a decade of experience as environmental educators and are the authors of watchingbees.com, a free online field guide to wild bees of The Northeast.

Program Guidelines

All programs begin at the Farm Barn Orientation Center unless otherwise noted.

Registration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable.

Programs at Duke Farms are held rain or shine, but in the event of severe or impeditive weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.

What to Bring

We recommend the following supplies:

• Insect net (we like these collapsible nets)

• Close-focus binoculars (Pentax Papilio 8.5 x 21)

• Any pinning boxes and pins you may have (we will have a box and ~50 pins for everyone, but if you have your own supplies, please bring those)

• Water bottle

• Sun hat

• Comfortable walking shoes and long socks that you can tuck pants into

Photography can greatly enrich the field experience. You may already have the following pieces of equipment and, if so, please bring them. If you are interested in our advice for camera equipment to photograph bees, please send us an email and we will be happy to advise.

• Digital camera (either digital SLR or smartphone) with macro lens
• SD card
• Laptop to process photographs

(Having a camera is not required for course participation.)

Lodging and Meals

Duke Farms is excited to offer on-site lodging for participants. Staying on the premises is encouraged to allow for full immersion in course activities, but participants who live locally may commute daily if preferred.

Selecting a ticket “with lodging” will reserve a private room in a cottage shared with fellow course participants. Cottages are recently renovated and include electricity, plumbing, a full kitchen, shared bathrooms, wifi, and electric vehicle

Meals are not provided, but Duke Farms is centrally located, with several grocery stores and a variety of restaurants within a ten-minute drive. On Friday and Saturday, our on-site cafe will be open from 10am to 3pm, as well.

Participants will have ample time to go out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day.