New research on the impact of climate change on global ecosystems continues to send our thinking in new directions. One of those sacred principles being challenged is the notion that nativeness is the gold standard in conservation biology. That isn’t necessarily so. Naturalized wild honeybees in remote landscapes are part of novel ecosystems. A Sonoma County nonprofit, Apis Arborea, has begun a seven-year research project on the Galbreath Wildlands Preserve to investigate the life cycles of wild honeybees and their role in a diverse pollinator community. Come visit several bee trees on the preserve with us, and learn about a successful bee-tree-locating technique called beelining.
Leader
Michael Thiele is the founder and president of Apis Arborea. His pioneering approach to apiculture and honeybee conservation has appeared in national and international magazines, books and films.
Details
Michael and his team have been using the beelining technique to locate hives of honeybees on the Galbreath Preserve for the past year. We will see a few of those hives, talk about the importance of (re)wilding, learn about beelining and the plans ahead for this project. We will also talk about opportunities for you to volunteer on the preserve with this project.
Logistics
We will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the Yorkville Post Office, 25400 Highway 128, Yorkville, between Cloverdale and Boonville. Parking at the post office is limited so please consider carpooling. At the post office, we will form carpools in 4- or all-wheel drive vehicles to caravan to, and traverse, the preserve. Masks are required. We will be doing a minimal amount of walking at the preserve, but it will be over uneven ground.
Participants must sign a waiver upon arrival. This event is recommended for ages 14 and up. All minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or a group leader who can legally take on that role (e.g., Girl Scout group). No strollers are permitted due to unpaved trails.
No previous experience or knowledge is required. There is a restroom available at the Galbreath Preserve, but no drinking water.
COVID-19 Safety
At registration, you will be asked if you can provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster. All staff are fully vaccinated and boosted. Do not attend if you test positive for COVID-19 or if you have any symptoms that may be indicative of COVID-19, even if you are vaccinated. SSU requires that you must properly wear a mask when indoors (e.g., carpooling), even if you are vaccinated. Bandanas, gaiters or vented masks are not suitable. We will spend our time outdoors where social distancing is possible. All SSU updated guidelines can be found here.
What to Bring
Please bring a suitable mask, sun and insect protection, at least 1 liter of drinking water, lunch and shoes to hike in. Layered clothing and long pants are recommended.
How to Sign Up
Register at the link below. Please have each person attending register separately.
About the Center
Sonoma State University’s Center for Environmental Inquiry empowers university students to work with community members on the environmental challenges of the North Bay. Our mission is to create an engaged and environmentally ready society, one where all people have the skills to find solutions to the challenges facing our earth. SSU Preserves are open to everyone engaged in education or research. Reservations are required.