Citizens United To Protect The Maurice River - What It's Like To Be A Bug: Hymenoptera / 3-24-26

This year marks an exciting shift from our popular What It’s Like to Be a Bird series to a new focus on the fascinating world of insects. Throughout 2026, CU naturalists and guest scientists will guide participants in learning to identify local insect groups while gaining a deeper understanding of how insects support healthy ecosystems through interactive workshops and garden-based experiences.
 
The series begins with a program on Hymenoptera, the insect group that includes bees, wasps, and ants, with a primary focus on native bees, presented by Michael Hoban of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. This group of insects is vital to ecosystem functioning, providing essential services such as pollination, natural pest control, nutrient cycling, and soil health.

Participants will explore their behaviors and ecological importance and take part in a Make and Take workshop where they will create bee nurseries, while learning how to use them responsibly to support pollinators at home.