Native Bees in Your Backyard: An Introduction to the Often-Overlooked Bees Who Matter Most

When most people think of bees in their backyards, they think of honeybees, bumblebees, and maybe yellow jacket wasps. The reality is that our backyards, open spaces, and farmland can host dozens or even hundreds of different species of bees if the area is managed properly. This program will highlight some of the most commonly seen groups of bees in our area, and include information about their natural history, ecology, and conservation. You will learn about the diverse and unique needs of your backyard bees that are often overlooked when planning your landscape.

“Native Bees” Presenter:
Kyle Testerman is a resident of Simsbury, Simsbury High School alumni, and member of the Simsbury Pollinator Pathway Board of Directors. A UConn graduate, Kyle has a Master’s Degree in Biology, focusing on wildlife management from CCSU. He has worked on wildlife projects in Alaska and across Connecticut. Kyle works as a Wildlife Specialist for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and currently serves as a commissioner on Simsbury's Conservation Commission. Kyle’s passion for bees and other pollinators was sparked at the beginning of the pandemic when he began photographing the bees in his native plant garden.

A presentation by the Pollinator Pathways Committee and the Simsbury Library.