Resilience from the Wild: Rethinking Beekeeping Through Nature-Inspired Models.

Amid an ongoing crisis in honey bee health, U.S. commercial operations reported survival rates dropping to nearly 30% in early 2025, while many free-living honeybee populations persist at close to 70%. In this presentation, Michael Thiele of Apis Arborea will share findings from a 7-year research project at the Galbreath Wildlands Preserve and introduce LocApiary—a regenerative, place-based model that biomimics wild nesting parameters and seasonal dynamics to strengthen local, self-sustaining honey bee populations. Discover practical, ecology-aligned strategies for backyard beekeepers and how community collaboration and ecological integration can benefit the wider pollinator community. This a free event and is organized by the Ulster Beekeeper’s Association. Access via Zoom: PC: ulster