Wild Honeybees at Galbreath Preserve

Galbreath Wildlands Preserve
Sat, May 9, 9:30 am – 4:00 pm

Admission Fees: $10
 

Registration Links:
Register for this event through Apis Arborea
 

There is something truly awe-inspiring about witnessing honeybees flying in and out of their secretive wild abode nestled within a tree. Apis Arborea has been conducting fascinating research on wild honeybee populations at Galbreath Preserve for seven years. Come hear from the investigators themselves about this project, while traversing the preserve and even participating in research yourself!

**This event is being hosted and organized by Apis Arborea.

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

Field Trip to the Wild Honeybee Populations of the Galbreath Wildlands Preserve

Numerous indicators suggest that wild honeybees exhibit remarkable resilience and longevity, surpassing the health of their counterparts in managed apiaries. The intricate interdependencies within wild ecosystems appear to foster their flourishing. To delve into this phenomenon within our own bioregion, Apis Arborea initiated a comprehensive 7-year research endeavor at the Galbreath Wildlands Preserve, one of Sonoma State University’s Preserve.

Since 2021, almost 60 wild honeybee trees have been identified and are subjected to monthly monitoring. Through this endeavor, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing their intrinsic preferences and behaviors while delving into their life cycles and their role as integral members of a diverse pollinator community. Several research nesting sites have been established for climate monitoring, and in 2024, we collaborated with multiple universities for genetic sampling. The results of these efforts will be published later this year.

In an effort to extend this knowledge to our broader community, we’re offering a rare chance to join us on a field trip to the Preserve. During this excursion, we will spend the day exploring wild bee trees, delving into the intricacies of our project and its discoveries, and engaging in hands-on activities such as beelining.

We are looking forward to welcoming you for this trip into the Wild (please know that only a limited number of tickets are available).

“In observing bees in their most unadulterated state, we often find our perceptions of them undergo a profound transformation. Indeed, we may even discover that we ourselves are changed in the process”. Jonathan Powell (wild honeybee custodian, UK).

Logistics

• We will meet at the entrance to the Galbreath Preserve at 30720 Elkhorn Rd. in Yorkville, southern Mendocino County, off Highway 128. There we will form caropools to drive on the preserve. The preserve is a 90-minute drive from Sonoma State's main campus. Driving directions are provided here
• Parking is limited so please consider carpooling.
• It is not possible to join the event late or to leave the event early.
• All vehicles that enter the Preserve must be AWD or 4-wheel drive vehicle.
• You will receive more detailed information via email just before the event.
• Participants must sign a waiver upon arrival.
• This event is appropriate for minors 12 years and older. All minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian for the entire event, and all minors must be registered individually for the event (the parent’s/guardian’s email can be used for their registration)
• There is a restroom and (porta-potty) available a few miles from the entrance to the preserve.
• Pets and smoking are not permitted.
• Due to rocky, unpaved roads, sturdy shoes for hiking are required and no strollers are permitted.
• No previous experience or knowledge is required to participate.
• This is a rain or shine event, but if the weather forecast is concerning, we will notify you via email of cancellation.

What to Bring

Please bring a backpack, sun and insect protection, rain gear, a water bottle, a bag lunch or snacks, and sturdy shoes to hike in. Layered clothing and long pants are recommended. Walking sticks might be helpful. 

For more information about event logistics (transportation, meeting spot, timing, what to bring, amount of hiking planned) contact Michael at [email protected]. 

How to Sign Up

Register through Apis Arborea at the link above. Each participant should 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.