Make a Bee Hotel: Supporting Native Solitary Bees

Name: Make a Bee Hotel: Supporting Native Solitary Bees
Start: 2026-07-09T10:00:00-04:00
Location: 265 N 6th St, Highlands, NC, United States, North Carolina 28741

Schedule

Thu, 09 Jul, 2026 at 10:00 am

UTC-04:00

Location

265 N 6th St, Highlands, NC, United States, North Carolina 28741 | Highlands, NC

Instructor: John Kotab
Native solitary bees play a vital role in pollinating plants throughout the Southern Appalachians. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn about these fascinating insects while building a bee hotel that provides nesting habitat for local species.
During this engaging session, instructor John Kotab will introduce participants to the diversity of native bees in our region and explain how their life cycles differ from the better-known honeybee. Participants will learn about several native bee species, their nesting behaviors, and the important role they play in healthy ecosystems and gardens.
The workshop combines natural history with practical skill-building. With guidance from the instructor, participants will construct their own bee hotel using simple woodworking techniques. Along the way, attendees will gain experience using basic tools and learn skills that can be applied to future projects at home.
In addition to leaving with a finished bee hotel, participants will walk away with:
• A beginning knowledge of native solitary bees and their lifecycle
• An understanding of how bee hotels support pollinator habitat
• Hands-on experience with basic woodworking techniques
• A completed bee hotel ready to install at home
Workshops like this have been widely enjoyed by community groups, craft guilds, and nature organizations, offering a fun and empowering opportunity to learn both about pollinators and practical hands-on skills.
The workshop typically lasts just under two hours, making it an accessible and engaging introduction to pollinator conservation.
Whether you are a gardener, nature enthusiast, educator, or simply curious about supporting pollinators, this workshop offers a fun and meaningful way to connect with the world of native bees.