Operation Pollination — Leafcutter bees and building your own bee hotel

Operation Pollination, a program focusing on bees and other pollinators through hands-on experiences, begins at the Florence Indian Mound Museum, 9 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 13. Participants will learn about the leafcutter bee, one of Alabama’s most important summer pollinators, and will build and take home a bee hotel for their home gardens. Pollinators are responsible for one out of every three bites of food we take each day, but their populations are in jeopardy. Despite over 80% of flowering plants relying on pollinators, pollinator species have declined dramatically since the mid-20th century from habitat loss, pesticides, parasites and invasive species. A second program focused on pollinators’ fall harvest is Nov. 12. Participation is free. Registration is required – go here to sign up. For more information on this event or future programs, email msnha@una.edu or call 256.765.5028.