What’s Buzzing at the New Canaan Nature Center?
Honey Bee Open House
Saturday, July 25
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Did you know that one third of our food is pollinated by honeybees? Did you know that we have lost 50% of our honeybees in the United States due to environmental stresses and a little known condition called Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD)?

Everyone is invited to our Honey Bee Open House to learn more about honey bees and honey, pollination, the amazing health benefits and the importance to our environment and ecosystem. .

In addition to the activities below, kids will have the chance to complete a honeybee themed scavenger hunt, hear from NCNC educators and Backyard Beekeepers experts, view the new observation hive and see an exhibit of Encaustic artwork by a group of local artists. There will also be a bake sale of honey-inspired items benefiting New Canaan Nature Center.

WEAR YOUR STRIPES! All are encouraged to dress in black & yellow for the honeybee costume parade at 1:30PM!

• 10:00AM Unveiling of the new honeybee observation hive in the Discovery Room
• 11:00AM – Noon Marina Marchese, owner of Red Bee Honey will share her experiences as a beekeeper and conduct a honey tasting to highlight different nectar sources that create each unique flavor profile
• Noon – 1:00PM Encaustics (beeswax) art demonstration with Silvermine Guild artist Elizabeth Back, Nash Hyon, Kari Englehart, Leslie Guiliani and Maria Marchese
• 1:00PM Wildflower walk & talk
• 1:30PM Honeybee costume parade - prizes will be awarded!

Other Special Events include:

• Birds of Prey Day: an in-depth look at the world of hawks, owls and other raptors. September 2009
• Cider Saturday: a celebration of cider season, press your own cider and NCNC history tours. October 2009
• Fall Fair: our most popular community event, featuring traditional games, rides, entertainment, food and more. October 17, 2009
• Syrup Saturday: a festival celebrating maple syruping season! February 2010