Series of Seven Classes, April 9 through October 7, 2026
This series of workshops provide comprehensive learning opportunities focusing on pollinators and their habitats. This is a series of seven workshops, weekdays and at varying times. Sign up for one, two or all seven … whatever piques your interest.
Classes will be held rain or shine, so dress for the weather. Supplies, booklets and handouts will be provided as needed, plus a snack/beverage. Some classes are limited to 15 participants for the most benefit to the individual. Cost: $20 members, $25 non-members.
Plantings for Pollinators
Thursday, April 9, 10 am – noon
During this field trip to the Eastridge Nursery (near Centreville), you’ll peruse the herbs and perennials with a leisurely opportunity to learn what you need to know for your home garden (types, exposures, flowering periods and more). Meet Judy Wink at CBEC at 10 am, and we will carpool to the nursery.
Sticky Business: Pollination
Wednesday, May 20, 10 am – 11 am
Join Judy Wink for an indoors presentation on pollination. Learn about the function of static electricity in pollination, wind events, pollen transfer and self- and cross-pollination. Find out what happens when pollen is transferred to a “new” plant. Knowledge of what to do and what not to do may improve your landscaping and gardening skills.
Bloom Business
Tuesday, June 16, 10 am – 11 am
This will be a fun two-part experience, both indoors and outdoors. The hour’s focus will be on flowers, their structure and function. We will “surgically examine” flowers indoors and then carry our newfound knowledge into the field. You will leave this presentation with more knowledge about flowers than you thought was “out there in the garden.”
The Beekeeper
Wednesday, July 22, 10 am – 11:30 am
Mary McEvoy, a long-time beekeeper tending bees in Maine and Maryland, will open your eyes to the social involvement of a honeybee colony. Honeybees have varying jobs within the hive hierarchy, all benefitting hive perpetuation. They are critical to our food production, and always challenged in our environment to continue their pollination benefits. McEvoy will provide the facts, focusing on their natural history and the benefits to us. Indoor presentation.
Flutter and Buzz: Meet The Pollinators
Wednesday, August 26, 10 am – 11:30 am
Mike Raupp, professional entomologist and engaging speaker, will talk about “everything you ever wanted to know about pollinators,” and then take us afield to observe pollinators in their daily routine. You will master the sweep-net technique when you go out to locate insects—it’s easy! This will be a fun learning experience that moves you up in knowledge of pollinators. Dress for the weather, including closed-toe shoes. Indoor/outdoor activity.
Friend or Foe: Beetles
Tuesday, September 22, 10 am – 11:30 am
Add to your pollinator knowledge by joining Judy Wink for an indoor/outdoor experience learning the “ins” and “outs” of the beetle brigade as pollinators. In this group there are both friends and foes, and we’ll explore both. They are an interesting bunch of bugs! Dress for rain or shine. We will catch a few specimens and examine closely.
Preparing for Winter Rest
Wednesday, October 7, 10 am – 11:30 am
This presentation will wrap up our pollinator series with an outdoor activity, preparing our meadow for winter. You will learn how to prepare “wintering homes” for solitary pollinators and overwintering pollinators, as well as prepare patches of herbs and other biennials or perennials for winter. Learn whether to “cut back or leave stand” specific plants for early sprouting in spring, as well as tips for general maintenance of a pollinator meadow. This activity will be hands-on, rain or shine, so dress for outdoors. Equipment will be provided.