Beyond the honey bee: Pennsylvania's native bees

LAKE WALLENPAUPACK — On Wednesday, Apr. 30, from 7-8:30 p.m., The Lacawac Sanctuary will host Beyond the Honey Bee: Pennsylvania’s Native Bees. Many of us know something about the honey bee, Apis mellifera, which is actually an introduced species in North America. But the over 400 other species of bee that are native to Pennsylvania are often not recognized as not being honey bees or are too small to notice. Carpenter bees and bumble bees are easy to spot, but how many different kinds live in your backyard? Come see the wonderful array of colors and sizes of bees that are important pollinators of our crops and wild plants. And hear about the current work on surveying coordinated by the United States Geologic Survey. Presented by Anita M. Collins Ph.D., Research Geneticist, retired, USDA, Agricultural Research Service. Dr. Collins has conducted honey bee research for over 35 years. The cost of the program is $3 for Lacawac members and $5 if you’re not a member. There is no charge for children under 12. For information call 570-689-9494 or email info@lacawac.org. The 520-acre Lacawac Sanctuary is a non-profit nature preserve, research field station and historic site located on Lake Wallenpaupack. The sanctuary’s programs are open to the public and include environmental, historical and cultural offerings as well as two miles of hiking trails. Membership, directions, program and other information can be found at lacawac.org.