Event Details: The GFL Celebration on March 30 from 12-5PM is a free community event celebrating ways we can all make a difference to preserve and protect biodiversity in the Carolina Foothills and beyond. Join us for a day of discovery, of surprise and of lively community conversations. Enjoy speakers and exhibiting, with a booth…

Course Details: Hundreds of bee species are native to our Western North Carolina mountains. Pollen is their only source of protein, that’s why they actively–not accidentally–collect it. No wonder bees are considered the best pollinators in the temperate world! This class explores their life cycles, nesting habits and floral preferences. Additional Info: "All About Bees"…

The Blue Ridge Naturalist Network is pleased to present a workshop by Spriggly's Beescaping. From the largest to the smallest, native bees are fascinating and extremely beneficial. Learn approaches you can take in your everyday gardening to make a huge difference to the bees and other beneficial wildlife around you. This program is free and…

This program is brought to you by the Bee City Committee of Laurel Park. The committee, guided by the Xerces Society, recognizes, supports and encourages pollinator conservation. Join us for the two-part presentation. Part 1 “Queen of the Sun” is an alternative look at the global bee crisis. The film explores a catastrophic disappearance of…

Explore common drainage problems found in and around gardens and yards. Review multiple techniques to slow, control, and minimize stormwater runoff, such as catch basins, french drains, and rain gardens. Learn which native plants are the best to deal with water issues and discover how your rain garden can double as a pollinator garden.

Creating a pollinator garden requires more than just planting flowers, although those are a great start! Learn how to create a pollinator garden that provides forage and habitat year round for a variety of pollinators, along with other beneficial insects and animals. Discover which Integrated Pest Management practices can be applied to your pollinator garden…

Kids ages 5-10 are welcome as Jill and Brannen from Spriggly’s Beescaping introduce kids to native bees and other spectacular pollinators! We will read our book, Finding Home: A Story of a Mason Bee and then lead a kid-friendly craft to help create habitat for native bees! Jill Jacobs and Brannen Basham.

Honeybees are a well-known pollinator, but have you ever heard of mason bees, one of our more efficient pollinators? Or learned more about the bumble bee, known for its “buzz pollination” that helps flowers bee more productive? Join us to learn more about the native bees in our area and why it’s so critical that…

In this class, participants will learn about the pollinators, predators, prey, and pests found in the environment and methods to work with the ecosystem rather than against it. Chemicals should never be needed when proper Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is used. Participants will explore the necessary steps to create a Pollinator-Friendly IPM plan that…

Presentation Name: Native Bees and the Habitats They Require By Brannen Basham and Jill Jacobs, Spriggly’s Beescaping Presentation Details: Pollinators are essential for our survival. Did you know that there are almost 4,000 species of bees native to North America that are doing the lion’s share of work pollinating our gardens? Learn about the lives…

Presentation Name: Native Plants and Pesticide-Free Solutions Presentation Details: Discover the incredible benefits of native plants and what they can do for the environment. From supporting local ecosystems to battling drainage issues and erosion, increasing the diversity of native plants has never been more important. Finally, explore how best to manage your outdoor spaces without…