Join Beekeeper Michelle Peterson for her informative presentation on Florida's native pollinators.

When you hear the word "bee," most people think of the yellow striped European honey bee. But did you know there are more than 4,000 "stingless' native bees in the United States, and more than 300 species right here in Florida? Learn more about our area's many interesting native bee pollinators, and how you can invite them and keep them in your own backyards and landscapes.

An avid gardener and backyard beekeeper, Peterson started beekeeping five years ago after noticing a scarcity of honey bees in her garden.  There were not many pollinators visiting her flowers. When she learned about Colony Collapse Disorder, she became an active member of the Palm Beach County Beekeepers Association. In 2011, Peterson founded the Treasure Coast Beekeepers Association. Peterson is a Master Beekeeper in the UF/IFAS Master Beekeeper Program, with a major in Native Bee Apiculture.  She has an MBA in marketing and enjoys the arts. Additionally, she is a Florida Master Gardener, with a strong interest in promoting and encouraging native bee pollinators in residential gardens and landscapes. 

The Treasure Coast Beekeeper Association is an all-volunteer organization comprised of individuals interested in sharing information about honey bee management, promoting bee-friendliness, and community education. More information may be obtained at www.tcbeekeepers.org.

The Florida Master Naturalists are a citizen science group trained and certified by UF/IFAS and facilitated by Ken Gioeli, Extension Agent IV/Natural Resources & Environment with the UF/IFAS St. Lucie County Extension. For more information on the lecture series, please contact Mary White, St. Lucie chapter president at fmnmaryhwhite@gmail.com or call the Savannas Preserve State Park at 772-398-2779.