Wilding Honeybees

Galbreath Wildlands Preserve
2:30 am – 7:00 am

Admission Fees: none

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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.

Leaders

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.

Cheyanna Bone  is the program director of Apis Arborea and is part of the Galbreath research team.

Details

Michael and his team have been using the beelining technique to locate nests of wild honeybees on the Galbreath Preserve for the past year. We will see a few of those bee trees - including nests with internal sensors, talk about the importance of 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. Even if you joined us when Michael led a trip in the Spring of 2022, this will be a different experience due to it taking place in the fall.

Logistics

We will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the Yorkville Post Office on Highway 128 between Cloverdale and Boonville where we will form carpools in 4- or all-wheel drive vehicles to caravan to the preserve. Parking at the post office is limited so please consider carpooling.

We will be doing a minimal amount of walking, but it will be over uneven ground. Walking sticks might be helpful.

You will be asked to sign a waiver upon your arrival. All children and 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 pets or smoking permitted. 

COVID-19 Safety

All staff are vaccinated. 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. You are encouraged to wear a mask when indoors (e.g., while driving in carpools). We will spend all of our time outdoors where social distancing is possible. All SSU updated guidelines can be found here.

What to Bring

Please bring rain, sun and insect protection, and water and lunch. Shoes appropriate for hiking, and layered clothing and long pants are recommended as protection against poison oak and ticks.

There is a restroom available at the Galbreath Preserve, but no drinking water.

How to Sign Up

See registration link below. Each person should register separately. This event is free of charge.

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.