Mason Bees Unwrapped: The Art & Science of Cocoon Harvesting

Did you know your backyard is likely home to a variety of wild bees, including the gentle and highly efficient Mason Bee? Join MG Anne Bulger and explore the fascinating world of these non-stinging, native pollinators. This presentation will focus on providing Mason bees support during the fall and winter seasons. Discover their vital role in pollination, gain insight into their unique life cycle, and learn just what is inside those nesting cavities the Mason bees created. A demonstration of and hands-on cocoon harvesting and cleaning—an essential step in supporting healthy bee populations – is included. (Bring your own nesting materials to harvest, if you like.) Cleaned cocoons will be distributed to those interested in providing a house for the bees to nest in the spring. Don’t miss this opportunity to get up close and personal with one of nature’s hardest-working pollinators! Free. Saturday, October 24 from 9:30 to 11:30am. Register here. For more information: (564) 397-5738 or Erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu. Learn more at: http://extension.wsu.edu/clark/gardening/workshops-events/.