Apis Arborea, a California based non-profit, recognizes agriculture’s essential role in protecting life and safeguarding biodiversity. Farms can be an important stakeholder in holistic apicultural practices and innovative conservation models involving wild honeybees during our current crisis in planetary ecology.

This workshop will introduce ‘Wilding’ as a system-based approach to novel apiculture and conservation practices. Through hands-on activities as well as observation and discussion, we will explore the parameters of the natural nesting habit of honeybees, the role of biomimicry in nest design, and the relevance of non-human birthrights.

The landscape for honeybee nests will be assessed by participating in the ancient craft and science of beelining, a technique that allows us to follow honeybees back to their home nest. Beelining is used today to locate wild honeybee nests for conservation and research. Workshop guests will also install a TreeNest (natural nest habitat) in one of the trees at Yellow Barn Farm.

Recent entomological studies and the research by AA underscore the remarkable resilience and robust health observed in wild honeybee populations. AA attempts to leverage this research by integrating it into system-based conservation strategies that empower the resilience of local bioregions. It is a novel pathway that allows local communities to create regenerative systems in collaboration with non-human constituencies.

A brown bag lunch and refreshments will be served. This Workshop is limited to 25 people and will sell out immediately so please don’t wait to make your reservation if you want to attend. Please email elizabeth@madagriculture.org to let us know of any dietary restrictions.

This event is a part of the Mad Agriculture & Apis Arborea weekend:

Thursday June 6, 6-10 PM, Mad! Community Potluck with Apis Arborea // Sold Out

Friday June 7, 5-7 PM, Mad! Reception for Michael Thiele of Apis Arborea

Sunday June 9, 10-2:30 PM, Honeybee Wilding Workshop with Michael Thiele of Apis Arborea