Learn from a local beekeeper the history of the honey bee, why bees are important to us and how a bee society works within the hive. You’ll learn also what other products bees produce and how they are collected and used. Hear myths and truths about bees, their products and our health. This course will be up close and personal…a one hour lecture followed by a walking tour of a working apiary. It will be a short, flat walk. The beekeeper will describe what the group is seeing while the bees go about their normal foraging. After the tour, you will have an opportunity to taste the honey.
If you are interested in becoming a beekeeper you will find this course an extremely useful primer and you will have the opportunity to learn how to start a hive of your own.
Note: You must wear a hat that can fully contain your hair, and shoes that are comfortable for walking in some sand; boots are highly recommended.
Faculty: David L. Maislen has an Executive MBA in Management from the Claremont Graduate School. He retired in 1996 from a very successful career with General Electric has since taken up diverse hobbies such as beekeeping, growing rare fruit, and driving both school buses and charter tour buses. In 2001 he won 18 blue ribbons including Best Non-Commercial Beekeeper of the Show at the Los Angeles County Fair. He lives in Arroyo Grande.
091-1195
Michael Lane, Arroyo Grande
Tuesday, July 7
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
1 Session
Maximum Class Size: 20
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Lotusland Botanical Garden Tour
This is a special opportunity to visit one of the most interesting and famous botanical gardens in the West. A unique 37-acre estate situated in the foothills of Montecito, Lotusland was created by Madame Ganna Walska, who owned the property from 1941 until her death in 1984. Among Lotusland’s fascinating treasures is one of the World’s largest collections of cycads—common plants during the days of the dinosaurs.
The tour, conducted by specially trained docents, will stroll through the magical landscapes of Lotusland while using the aesthetically pleasing formal gardens as a living laboratory to teach about endangered plants of the world. This is an unusual chance to get up close and personal with an amazing diversity of rare plants and learn some interesting biology.
The best time of the year for viewing the gardens at Lotusland is in July when the Lotuses are in blossom and that is when this special tour will take place.
For a “sneak” preview of these lovely gardens, visit: www.lotusland.org
Note: You must be able to walk for 2 hours with short rest stops; restrooms available. Be sure to bring money for our two rest stops along the way.
Faculty: Specially trained docents of Lotusland. Tours are led in small groups of 8-10 to maximize your viewing and ability to ask questions about the gardens.
091-2242
Lotusland, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
Friday, July 10
7:00 am - 3:00 pm
1 Session
Maximum Class Size: 40
Fee: $44, includes entrance in to Lotusland and the bus.
It does not include coffee and lunch.
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