03/05/2026
Native Bees for Beginners
Sunday, March 8 | 3:00 to 5:00 PM
Leaven Community Center
5431 NE 20th Ave, Portland, OR 97211
Register NOW! :: https://events.humanitix.com/native-bees-for-beginners
Native bees are some of the Pacific Northwest’s most powerful pollinators, especially for native plants, fruit trees and backyard gardens. Yet many people do not realize how simple it can be to support them.
Join Bee The Change Landcare for an interactive, beginner-friendly community class all about our native Mason and Leafcutter bees and how you can help them thrive right where you live. This class is designed for curious beginners, gardeners, homeowners, renters, and anyone who cares about pollinators and local food systems.
Together we will explore how native bees strengthen our gardens, increase fruit production, and support environmental resilience in our communities. You will learn what their life cycle looks like, how they differ from honey bees, and what it actually means to host them in your own outdoor space.
This event brings together three Pacific Northwest leaders in native bee education and community abundance:
Carly Thomasset, Founder of Bee The Change Landcare
Carly works directly with homeowners to install and steward native bee houses in urban landscapes. She will share practical, real-world guidance on how native bee installation works, what ongoing stewardship looks like, and how this simple shift can increase biodiversity and food resilience in your own backyard. If you have ever wondered whether you could do this yourself or would prefer support, you will leave with clarity.
Dave Hunter, Founder of Crown Bees
Dave is one of the leading educators on native bees in the Pacific Northwest. He will walk us through the life cycles of Mason and Leafcutter bees, explain why they are such powerful pollinators for fruit trees, and share research-backed insights on how small habitat changes can dramatically increase pollination success.
Kathryn Howard, Portland Fruit Tree Project
Kathryn will speak about what happens when pollination succeeds. Portland Fruit Tree Project mobilizes volunteers to harvest fruit and distribute it to neighbors in need. Healthy pollination leads to abundant harvests, and abundant harvests can strengthen community food access. You will see how native bees, fruit trees, and local food systems are deeply connected.
Together, this class represents a full stewardship pipeline:
Education → Installation → Pollination → Harvest → Community Abundance
What you will leave with:
• A clear understanding of native Mason and Leafcutter bee life cycles
• Simple steps to host native bees in your own yard, garden, or outdoor space
• A deeper understanding of how pollinators support local ecology and food systems
• Practical next steps, whether you choose a DIY approach or supported installation
This class is welcoming, interactive, and designed to make the topic feel approachable and empowering. There will be time for questions, discussion, and connection with local experts.
Tiered tickets ($20-$50) are available + a pay what you can option.
An optional donation to Portland Fruit Tree Project can be added at checkout.
https://events.humanitix.com/native-bees-for-beginners
All registered participants of the Bee The Change Landcare 2026 Native Bee Stewardship Program receive free admission. Enroll through Humanitix at the $0 option if you are already signed up.
Space is limited.
Reserve your spot today!
