Have you ever noticed small half circles cut into your plants’ leaves? “Leaf cutter” bees do that. Despite their circular excavations, this native bee is small, docile, and solitary. Leaf cutter bees are one of the essential native pollinators in our gardens that contribute to the ecosystem. Virginia is home to over 400 species of bees, spread across six family groups. Your Elderberry’s pithy stems may even be home to some of them. Although we can’t cover all 400+ native bee species in this course, Stephey Baker, local artist and avid urban gardener, will introduce you to some spectacularly colorful buzzing beasties. Learn how to observe our native bees and use that knowledge creatively in a nature journal. To help you record your discoveries, step-by-step instructions will be provided. Foster an appreciation for our native bee species and inspire creative journaling!

You don’t have to be an artist, a writer, or a gardener to journal about the natural world. There are no artistic skills required to participate. From this course, you will:

–Learn how to observe native bees and record your observations in a nature journal 

–Discover the life cycle and habitat requirements of native bees (some live underground, in fallen wood, and even in Elderberry bushes!)

–Understand how to differentiate honey bees from native bees, bumble bees, and carpenter bees and explore the best resources for identifying bees

–Explore bee anatomy by creating a diagram in your journal

–Discover how to participate in free citizen science projects and make a difference in native bee conservation. Small changes can make a big difference in ensuring these important pollinators continue to thrive!

Interested in the Botanical Illustration Certificate program?  While new enrollments are on hold, this course offers guidance on how to cultivate your observational skills, which are essential in Botanical Illustration, and is one way to continue your artistic journey in the meantime.