There are about 20,000 species of bees found throughout the world with a wide variety of behaviors. Some live underground, others high in trees or even in the walls of homes. We need bees to pollinate most of the fruit and vegetable crops that make up our food.
There are four broad groups of bees: solitary, bumble, stingless and honey bees. The latter originated in Eurasia and Africa, though they are now found on every continent except Antarctica. They were introduced to the New World by Europeans in the 17th century.
Join master beekeeper Alexandra (a.k.a. Alix) Bartsch of the Lexington Bee Company and “third floor” beekeeper to learn more about bees in general and in particular the honey bees housed on the balcony of the third floor of the Robbins Library. This event will feature a short video showcasing Alix and created by Joe Snodgrass. The video will be followed by a discussion led by Alix. Topics will include hive management, the importance of urban pollinators, and the specifics of maintaining a colony on the Library balcony. All ages are welcome to attend and ask questions.
This event will take place in the Robbins Library Community Room, lower level, on Wednesday, April 29 at 7:00 pm and is open to all. The Friends of the Robbins Library will hold a brief Annual General Meeting prior to the program.