Basics of Natural Beekeeping
This workshop is for beginners as well as those who have kept bees for some time. The workshop will largely follow the methodology of natural beekeeping. We will cover bee species and anatomy, planting a bee garden, the inner workings of a hive, scouting a location, colony management and swarming, installation and maintenance, biodynamics, herbs and tinctures, beekeeper supplies, methods of harvest, winterizing the hive, solar wax melters, as well as the legalities of selling and distributing and the beekeeper's yearly calendar.
March 10, 2021 at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Designing a Beautiful and Ecological Garden Border
Learn how to plan and build a special garden bed in your home landscape. We’ll explore plant selection, soils, planting techniques, easy-care perennials and shrubs that create a border that looks fabulous in all seasons. We'll also cover native plants that will invite birds, pollinators and butterflies to your border.
February 8 to March 15, 2021 at 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Bee Friendly Gardening
Bees are crucial in producing everything we eat. Without pollination, we wouldn’t have fruits, vegetables, nuts or hay for animal feed. Find out more about these hard-working insects and how to attract them to your own space, whether it’s a yard or a container. You’ll learn about the major types of bees in Michigan; what bees need for food, shelter and nesting; which plants attract bees at different times throughout the season; and how to garden without the pesticides that harm bees.
February 2020
Pollinator College Courses
BIO 101 Concepts of Biology
In this course, students will learn the basic principles and concepts of biological systems. Emphasis is placed on form and function, biological processes, diversity within and across taxonomic groups, and ecological interactions. Students will examine the fundamentals of biochemistry, cells, genetics, cellular energy, taxonomy, reproduction, evolution, ecology and sustainability.
Course discusses pollinators as part of evolution, ecology and sustainability
BIO 107 Introduction to Field Biology (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the field study of biological systems and biodiversity. Students will explore the techniques and complexities of studying Michigan organisms and ecosystems in an outdoor setting. Topics will include wetland and river habitats, native trees, shrubs and wild flowers, fungi, animal diversity, and ecology. Several off-campus trips will enhance the field experience in addition to exploring the natural areas on campus. As part of this course, students will keep a semester-long field journal on a specific natural area of study.
Textbook includes: Peterson First Guide to Insects of North America
BIO 161 General Biology I Ecology and Evolution
In this course, biology majors are given a detailed study of the concepts and evidence in evolutionary biology, an inclusive look at modern systematics and taxonomic organizations of all living organisms, an in-depth examination of the biological features (anatomy, physiology, and behavior) of all major groups of living things, and the application of these concepts into ecological systems. Basic concepts of genetics will also be covered. This course is part of a two-course sequence which serves as a comprehensive, year-long sequence for biology majors which can be completed in any order.
BIO 227 Biology of Animals
This course is an intensive study of the diversity, evolutionary and environmental relationships, structures and functions of the major animal groups. Animals are studied with an emphasis on comparative anatomy and physiology, behavior, and ecology.
ENV 101 Environmental Science 1
This introductory science course will cover the physical processes that affect the environment, the impact of people on the environment and the physical resources in our environment. It will also explore the causes, consequences and possible solutions to both local and global environmental issues.
Pollinator is topic of discussion for research instruction
Search the Library Catalog for a complete list of books on native bees, other pollinators, and gardening for pollinators.
Our Native Bees by 
Buzz by 
Bees by 
The Bees in Your Backyard by 
The Dancing Bees by