The LocApiary Program is a watershed-centric ecological restoration initiative fostering self-sustaining networks of wild, unmanaged honeybee populations within local ecosystems. It aims to conserve locally adapted genetic stock and reduce the spread of pests and pathogens associated with industrial beekeeping. Once established, these apian networks allow local honeybee swarms to become the primary supplier for apiaries, minimizing the impact of industrial beekeeping practices on backyard beekeepers and the wider pollinator community. In this session we will examine the overarching qualities and constitution of our local ecologies, delving into their profound implications for the health and well-being of honeybees. Our engagement with a particular place is deeply shaped by our understanding of its unique composition, and we will introduce LocApiary as an innovative model for healing and rebalancing of local honey bee populations and back yard beekeeping.
Discussions will revolve around LocApiary principles and how to apply “wilding” to honeybee networks in various ecological settings—whether wild, remote, intermediate, or unprotected. Each application will draw inspiration from wild honeybee nests, serving as a central guidepost for design development. We will discuss how:
- Models for the protection for our own watersheds and how to empower local honeybee networks
- Sustainable alternatives for commercial agri-cultural pollination
- Actor Networks & Apian networks
- Nativism and novel ecosystems
- Land assessment and how to differentiate various landscapes
This is the forth of 6 sessions that can be booked individually. The live-streamed event fosters interactive learning and vibrant discourse, welcoming participants of all experience levels. Led by Michael Thiele and the team of Apis Arborea, the sessions will cultivate a deeper connection with the wisdom of wild honeybees, inspiring a reimagining of apiculture practices in harmony with natural ecosystems. Recordings will be available after each individual session. Scholarships are available upon request.
Dates: Wednesdays from 5:30 – 7:00 pm PDT
- Session 1: March 19, 2025
- Session 2: April 16, 2025
- Session 3: May 21, 2025
- Session 4: June 18, 2025
- Session 5: August 20, 2025
- Session 6: September 17, 2025