Workshop: Introduction to Identifying the Common Native Bees in Maryland

Sponsoring Organizations: Natural History Society of Maryland and Towson University

This will be a one-day introduction to identifying the common native bees in Maryland.

• We will emphasize learning a small set of species to genus so you can spot them on the wing, with cameras, and with hand lenses.
• We will have identified specimens available at the course that you can keep and use at home.
• We will introduce you to the use of online guides to the genus and species of bees.
• We will send you lists of resources, a state list of bee species, and manuals for working and monitoring bees.
• We will introduce you to the use of microscopes and how to handle specimens.
• We will talk briefly about how to catch and process bee specimens.

Instructor: Sam Droege works for the U.S. Geological Survey where he designs and develops large scale surveys of animals and biodiversity. For the last 10 years he has been working on the creation of bee surveys and bee identification guides for the nation.

Location: Room 271 Smith Hall, Towson University; parking on campus is open on Saturdays; http://www.towson.edu/main/maps

Cost: $55 for Natural History Society of Maryland members; $65 for non-members. (You can become a member at http://www.marylandnature.org/membership.htm.)

How to register: visit www.meetup.com/marylandnature. RSVP on the website; then bring cash or a check (made out to The Natural History Society of Maryland) on the day of the workshop.

Bring: bag lunch and drink; a wi-fi-enabled laptop or be willing to share with someone in the course.

Note: Once you RSVP, we’ll send you links to online resources to review beforehand and request your email address so that we can set up guest access to the campus wi-fi service.