Colorado Native Bees 101 Workshop
Native Bees of Colorado: Diversity, Ecology and Identification
Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Did you know Colorado is home to more than 1,000 species of native bees, and that the familiar honey bee isn’t even native to North America? Have you ever wondered who the real pollinators of Colorado are, how many different kinds there are, why they are important, and how they live? If so, this is the class for you.
Colorado Native Bees 101 offers an engaging, approachable introduction to the incredible diversity of bees living right here in our state. From tiny metallic sweat bees to fuzzy bumble bees and specialist solitary species, you’ll learn how native bees live, nest, and pollinate, and why they are so essential to Colorado’s ecosystems.
This class provides a hands-on, guided experience to help you recognize different native bee groups, appreciate how they differ from honey bees. Whether you’re a gardener, naturalist, educator, or simply curious, this class will give you the knowledge and confidence to see your local landscape in a whole new way.
By the end of this class participants will:
- Understand the diversity and ecology of native bees in Colorado
- Learn how native bees differ from honey bees
- Recognize major bee groups and life-history strategies
- Gain experience in ethical bee netting and specimen handling
- Practice basic bee identification using microscopes and keys
Time and Date:
Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Schedule:
Classroom Session: (2 hours)
- Introduction to Native Bees
- Native Bee Biology and Life Histories
- Major Native Bee Groups of Colorado
- Pollination and Plant Relationships
- Bee Conservation & Ethical Sampling (10 min)
Outdoor Field Collection: (50 minutes)
- Netting Techniques and Safety Briefing
- Active Bee Netting Session
- Specimen Handling and ID
Identification Workshop: (1 hour)
- Basic Bee Identification (under microscope)
- Hands-On ID Practice
Wrap-Up and Discussion (10 minutes)
Instructor:
- Francisco Garcia Bulle Bueno, Director of Research and Conservation, Butterfly Pavilion
Fee:
Member: $68
Non-member: $75
