Ohio is home to an incredible diversity of over 500 bee species, ranging from tiny bees no larger than an eyelash to robust giants the size of a thumb. Their lives are as compelling as any television drama or romantic comedy, weaving tales of fairytales, murder, intrigue, madness, survival, and triumph.

This immersive workshop invites you to uncover the fascinating behaviors of these industrious pollinators, exploring their natural histories and the vital roles they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Through hands-on hikes with bee nets and two engaging evening lectures, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate and often surprising relationships between wild bees and the flowers they visit.

Saturday evening will feature a special ticketed presentation, open to the community as well as workshop participants, offering a unique opportunity to share in the wonder of these remarkable creatures. On Sunday morning, we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast together before departing for a guided hike, where you can experience firsthand the beauty and complexity of bees in their natural habitats. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about the buzzing world around you, this weekend promises to inspire, educate, and connect you to the wonders of Ohio’s wild bees.

Questions or interest in making lodging reservations:
For event & lodging information: Cassidy Drummond, Education Coordinator at 937-794-3360
Email: cassidy.arcofappalachia@gmail.com

Cancellation policy.  In case of cancellation, refunds will be granted in full up until July 16, 2024. After that time, all payments are final and if not used, will be recorded as a tax-deductible donation to the Arc of Appalachia. Registrations are transferable. If transferring your registration to another party, please be sure to give us the recipient’s name and email.

Lodging. Lodging at the Sanctuary is optional but highly encouraged since we will be exploring the Sanctuary both during the day and into the night. The cost is $50/night in a room shared with another registrant of the same gender, and $85/night for a private room.

Meals. The course includes one lunch. All lodges are equipped with fully equipped kitchens and dining facilities. Participants are asked to bring their own food supplies. Please plan to provide a packed lunch on Friday, which will be eaten at the Appalachian Forest Museum with your colleagues. We will also provide local options for meals.

What should I bring? 

• Binoculars with the capacity for close-up focus (if you don’t have a pair, 8x42 is a good option). 

• Cell phone for insect ID apps, navigation, and photography

• A light separate from your phone. Flashlights and headlamps are encouraged (don’t forget to pack the charger or the rechargeable batteries!)

• Raingear

• Insect guide of choice (and./or download iNaturalist on your phone before arrival)

• a clear plastic jar (such as a Parmesan cheese bottle) - this will be helpful for temporarily catching insects. (We can also supply jars if you don’t have them) All insects will released exactly where they are found in their established home territory. You will be shown how to do this gently and safely.

• Water bottle and day pack to carry it in

• a day pack or fanny pack to carry things into the field

• Walking sticks to support being on your feet all day.

• a notebook or clipboard, pen, pencils, and paper (for sketching and field notes)

• Pocket money for snacks and small purchases

• A light-weight wide-brimmed hat for sun protection

• Light-weight long-sleeved shirts and long pants are recommended for sun and insect protection.

• Personal care items (soap, shampoo, etc.);  Sunscreen if you use it (note some are more environmentally friendly than others)

• Sunglasses if you are sensitive to bright sunlight

• First aid kit appropriate to your needs

• Optional. Insect repellent for ticks & chiggers, see details below.

Cell phone coverage and the internet are limited. Please note that the Sanctuary is in a rural location in the foothills of the Appalachians. Cell phone coverage is spotty and connectivity depends on your phone service company. However, limited Wi-Fi is available at the Museum headquarters where we will be spending a lot of time, while a short drive to Highway 50 connects to nearly every service provider.

Comfort in the out-of-doors. We will be spending most of our time in the field, so please pack clothing that will allow you to be comfortable for a variety of weather conditions. In southern Ohio, our temperature highs could be anywhere from the high eighties to the low nineties. We encourage you to check the weather forecast before you pack. Night-time lows are equally variable, anywhere from the fifties to low seventies, but most likely in the mid-sixties. 

Flying in? Participants may fly into either Cincinnati or Columbus. Both airports are 1 hour and forty-five minutes away from the Sanctuary. Shuttles are not available so participants may need to rent a car.

Emergency Messages. Emergency messages for course participants can be left at the mainline of the Highlands Nature Sanctuary (937) 365-1935 during daytime hours.

Poison Ivy. You will have minimal but possible exposure to poison ivy. In any case, the leaders know the plant well and will help you avoid exposure. If you do touch the leaves, washing vigorously with soap within an hour avoids reactivity in most people.

Should I prepare for insects?  Generally, the Sanctuary is not a buggy place for biting insects. We experience very few to no mosquitoes or black flies at the Sanctuary. You may encounter several species of ticks in the open fields, and chiggers in tall grass if you choose to wander into them (which is a good reason not to), and a few deer flies in low moist areas. That said, our tick population here is lower than in most southern habitats. If any of these challenges are new for you, let us know and we will do our best to orient you. No exposure to at least some insects in southern Ohio is not a realistic expectation for outdoor fieldwork. Since we do have ticks in our southern Ohio preserves, please read the notes below.

Please click here to learn about the considerable hazards presented by ticks and chiggers, and prepare your own insect repellant that is safe to use, affordable to make, and will give you the confidence to enjoy the out-of-doors.