Learn & Take Action
Whether you're a curious beginner or an experienced gardener, there's a way for you to make a real difference for honeybees in Central Maine. Our programs are designed to meet you where you are—offering hands-on learning, practical guidance, and meaningful ways to contribute to local conservation efforts.
Hands-On Learning
From beginner beekeeping workshops to advanced habitat creation, we offer practical education tailored to Central Maine's unique climate and conditions.
Community-Driven Impact
We believe in the power of collective action. Our programs range from individual learning to community-wide initiatives that create lasting change.
Accessible to Everyone
No experience necessary. Whether you're interested in keeping bees, creating pollinator gardens, or supporting conservation efforts, there's a program for you.
"Education is the foundation of conservation. By understanding the critical role honeybees play in our ecosystem, we empower ourselves and our community to take meaningful action."
Educational Philosophy
We combine science-based knowledge with practical, actionable guidance. Every program is designed to build confidence and equip you with the skills to make a real difference in protecting honeybees and supporting pollinators across Central Maine.
Expert-Led
Guidance from dedicated conservation professionals
Maine-Focused
Tailored to Central Maine's climate and ecology
Action-Oriented
Practical skills you can apply immediately
Community-Centered
Connect with like-minded conservation advocates
Ready to Get Involved?
Explore our full range of educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and conservation initiatives. Every action counts—join us in protecting honeybees and supporting pollinators across Central Maine.
Learn Beekeeping in Maine
Start your beekeeping journey with hands-on workshops designed specifically for Central Maine's climate and seasons. Whether you're concerned about pollinator decline or curious about keeping your own hives, our beginner-friendly programs demystify beekeeping and build confidence.
Beginner-Friendly Curriculum
No experience necessary. We cover everything from hive basics and bee biology to safety protocols and equipment essentials.
Maine Climate-Specific Guidance
Learn how to manage hives through harsh winters, prepare for Maine's unique nectar flows, and overcome regional challenges.
Seasonal Workshop Schedule
Spring through fall workshops align with beekeeping cycles, offering spring setup sessions, summer management training, and fall preparation classes.
Safety & Equipment Essentials
Address common concerns about stings, learn proper protective equipment, and understand realistic time commitments before you invest.
Hands-On Learning
Work directly with active hives, practice essential techniques, and ask questions in real-time with experienced beekeepers.
What You'll Take Away: Knowledge to start your own hive with confidence, connections with local beekeeping community, practical skills for Maine's specific conditions, and resources for ongoing learning.
Register for a Workshop
School & Youth Programs
Bring engaging, hands-on pollinator education directly to your students or youth group. We partner with educators and youth leaders to make honeybee conservation exciting and age-appropriate for every learning level.
Age-Appropriate Presentations
Customized content for elementary, middle, and high school students with engaging demonstrations and interactive activities.
Curriculum-Aligned Content
Programs align with Maine Learning Results and science standards, making them easy to integrate into your existing curriculum.
Flexible Delivery Options
Choose in-classroom presentations or outdoor field trip experiences. We work with groups of any size and adapt to your schedule.
Youth Group & Scout Partnerships
Perfect for scouts, 4-H groups, and community youth organizations. Programs support badge requirements and community service goals.
Teacher Resources & Follow-Up Materials
Receive activity guides, worksheets, and extension resources to continue learning after our presentation.
Accessible to all schools: We offer subsidized and free program options for schools serving low-income communities. No student should miss the chance to learn about honeybees due to budget constraints.
Create a Thriving Pollinator Habitat
Transform your garden or land into a vibrant sanctuary for honeybees and native pollinators. Whether you have a sprawling property or a small balcony, you can create meaningful habitat that supports these essential creatures right here in Central Maine.
Why Habitat Matters
Native Plants Support Local Pollinators
Native Maine plants are perfectly adapted to our climate and provide the nectar and pollen that honeybees need throughout the growing season.
Pesticide-Free Gardening Works
Eliminate harmful chemicals and create a safe environment where pollinators thrive. We'll show you effective alternatives to traditional pesticides.
Year-Round Blooms are Achievable
Our Maine-specific blooming calendar helps you select plants that flower from spring through fall, ensuring pollinators have food when they need it most.
Start Small, Think Big
No Large Space? No Problem
Container gardens, window boxes, and small urban plots can all support pollinators. We provide guidance for every situation—from balcony gardens to multi-acre properties.
Low Maintenance Options Available
Once established, native plants require minimal maintenance and no chemical fertilizers. You'll actually reduce the work compared to traditional gardens.
Garden Design Principles for Pollinators
Sunlight
Most pollinator plants thrive in full sun (6+ hours daily). Even partial shade spaces can support certain native plants.
Layering
Plant in layers—tall plants in back, medium in middle, low groundcovers in front—to maximize blooms and habitat.
Water Source
Provide shallow water sources like bird baths or small puddles. Pollinators need to drink, especially during hot months.
Maine Seasonal Blooming Calendar
Plan continuous blooms throughout the growing season with these Maine-native favorites:
Spring
- • Wild Columbine
- • Trillium
- • Phlox
Early Summer
- • Black-eyed Susan
- • Coneflower
- • Bee Balm
Late Summer
- • Joe-Pye Weed
- • Blazing Star
- • Bergamot
Fall
- • Asters
- • Goldenrod
- • Sedum
Common Questions About Habitat Creation
Even a single container garden helps! A 4x4 foot garden bed, a few potted plants, or a window box can all support pollinators. Start where you are and expand as you're able. Every native plant counts.
Native plants typically establish within 2-3 growing seasons. You may see pollinators visiting in the first year, but the garden becomes increasingly productive over time as plants mature and spread.
Absolutely! Most pesticides break down within a few weeks to months. Stop applying them now and let the soil recover. We provide guidance on organic alternatives for pest management that keep your garden healthy without harming pollinators.
Many local Central Maine nurseries now specialize in native plants. We maintain a list of recommended native plant suppliers in our region. Contact us for current resources and recommendations specific to your area.
Community Initiatives
Honeybee conservation thrives when we work together. We partner with local organizations, municipalities, and businesses across Central Maine to create meaningful, lasting change for our pollinator populations.
Our Active Projects
Pollinator Pathways Initiative
Creating connected corridors of native plants across Central Maine communities, allowing honeybees and native pollinators to move safely through fragmented habitats. We work with municipalities to integrate pollinator-friendly landscaping into public spaces.
School Garden Program
Partnering with Central Maine schools to establish pollinator gardens on school grounds. Students gain hands-on environmental education while creating vital habitat. Gardens serve as living classrooms for science curriculum.
Farm Partnership Network
Working directly with local farmers and agricultural businesses to implement pollinator-friendly practices. We provide guidance on pesticide reduction, habitat creation, and integrated pest management that protects honeybees while supporting farm productivity.
Native Plant Nursery Network
Establishing local sources for native Maine plants that support pollinators. We collaborate with regional nurseries and gardeners to propagate and distribute native species, making pollinator-friendly plants accessible to all Central Maine residents.
Partnership Opportunities
Municipal Partnerships
Towns and cities can integrate pollinator conservation into municipal planning, public lands management, and community engagement programs.
Business Collaboration
Local businesses can support conservation through sponsorships, employee volunteer programs, and sustainable practices that protect honeybees.
Organization Alliance
Nonprofits, schools, and community groups can co-create programs, share resources, and amplify conservation impact across Central Maine.
Whether you represent a municipality, business, organization, or community group, we welcome conversations about how we can work together to protect honeybees and build a more sustainable Central Maine.
Our Community Impact
Supporting pollinator habitats across the region
Through workshops and educational programs
New pollinator-friendly spaces in Central Maine
Making a difference in their communities
Ready to Join the Movement?
Whether you're an individual looking to volunteer, an organization interested in partnership, or a community leader envisioning pollinator initiatives in your area, we'd love to hear from you.