Northern California’s largest varietal honey and mead tasting room, The HIVE, is set to host its 4th annual Nature Day event on Saturday, April 5, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This free community-wide celebration is packed with engaging workshops and hands-on activities for all ages, presented by local beekeepers, entomologists, farmers, environmentalists and horticulturalists.
In addition to a focus on honey and mead, The HIVE, located at 1221 Harter Ave. in Woodland also features a pollinator garden and restaurant.
“Nature Day grew out of our love and appreciation for the pollinators who sustain and support us all as well as a desire to transform The HIVE into a vibrant space for community learning and fun,” says Director of Brand Strategy at Z Specialty Food Shoshana Zeldner.
According to a press release, the hands-on activities will include a live observation beehive, wildflower seed bomb making, natural dye painting, tactile learning activities from Yolo Basin Foundation and Tuleyome, a pollinator garden scavenger hunt, button making and nature books with the Woodland Public Library, sustainability activities with EnviroWoodland and CalRecycle and more.
Learn from leading on a range of topics including:
- What’s Happening with the Honey Bees? with Dr. Elina L. Niño, Associate Professor of Apiculture, UC Davis
- Pollinator and Climate Ready Gardening with Rachel Davis, GATEways Horticulturalist, UC Davis Arboretum
- Discover the World of the Stingless Bee with Dr. Jean-Philippe Marelli and Carlos Santana of Arimubee®
- The First Honey Bee Disaster Response Team with Patrick Hardy of Bee Platoon
- The 4 P’s of Bee Health with Wendy Mather, Co-Manager, California Master Beekeeper, UC Davis
- Why Choose Native Plants? with Grace Amico of Miridae Mobile Nursery
Attendees will also enjoy a guided honey tasting with Queen Bee, Amina Harris; a pollinator garden tour with Garden Educator and Steward, Rowan Boswell; Story Time with Tuleyome, reading Who Stole the Bees Wings; and learning activities with the CA Master Beekeeper’s Program, Yolo Basin Foundation, Tuleyome, the Burrowing Owl Preservation Society and the Sacramento Area Beekeeper’s Association; screen printing demonstrations from TANA; hands-on fun with the Center for Land Based Learning.
Support local farmers and artisans at the Nature Day market featuring native plants from Miridae Mobile Nursery, Melipona honey from Arimubee® (produced by stingless bees), honey and herb-based products from Pearly Everlasting, veggies, flowers, tea and more from Good Humus Farm, and a seedling sale from The Traxx Farmstand.
During the event, guests can taste and learn about over 30 varietal honeys, honey fruit spreads, and nut butter, as well as a house-curated selection of mead. The HIVE’s craft kitchen will feature a special menu showcasing local and seasonal produce, products, and honey.
Amina Harris, Queen Bee at Z Specialty Food and mother to Joshua and Shoshana Zeldner, explains, “During this year’s event, I’ll be leading a guided honey tasting to help attendees of all ages notice each varietal honey’s unique color, flavor, aroma and texture. Everyone walks away with a new discovery.”
For a full schedule of activities and presentations, visit thehivewoodland.com/event/natureday.
