PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Whether you’re talking about European honey bees, or our many North American native bees, these hard-working insects are truly powerhouse pollinators. They even may be the key to preserving and protecting our ecologically sensitive environments and endangered plant species. Learn more about these tiny titans, and how they are being encouraged to frequent our local preserves, and what you can do to encourage them in your own yards and landscapes.
This Florida Master Naturalist Learning Series topic will be presented on Thursday, March 15 at 7 p.m. at the Savannas Preserve State Park, 2541 SE Walton Road, Port St. Lucie. The informational evening is presented by the Florida Master Naturalist Program – St. Lucie Chapter, under the facilitation of the UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County Natural Resources Extension Agent.
An avid gardener and Florida Master Naturalist, Michelle Peterson started beekeeping eight years ago after noticing a scarcity of honey bee pollinators and later learning about Colony Collapse Disorder. In 2011, she founded the Treasure Coast Beekeepers Association to support beekeepers and bee advocates in St. Lucie, Martin, and Indian River counties. She continues to serve as a Florida Master Gardener in St. Lucie County and a Master Beekeeper in the UF/IFAS Master Beekeeper Program, with a specialization in Native Bee Apiculture. Most recently she became a Florida Master Naturalist for Coastal and Upland Systems, and is working to create native bee habitats in local preserves. Michelle has a strong interest in supporting backyard beekeepers, promoting and encouraging native bee and butterfly pollinators in residential gardens and landscapes, and discouraging the use of pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids, that are harmful to pollinators.
For more information, please email floridamasternaturaliststl@gmail.com
What: Florida Master Naturalist Learning Program
Backyard Bee Conservation by Michelle Peterson – Florida Master Naturalist
When: Thursday, March 15, beginning at 7 p.m.
Where: Savannas Preserve State Park, 2541 SE Walton Road, Port St. Lucie
Registration: Not Required; open to the general public
Cost: Free
Information: Contact: Susan Hamburger, floridamasternaturaliststl@gmail.com
—St. Lucie County
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