Build Your Own Bee Hotel: A Native Pollinator Workshop

Karen DiDonato, Nurtured By Nature Growers

• Monday, June 16, 2025 – 6:30 pm–8:30 pm

Did you know that North Carolina is home to over 400 species of native bees? While honey bees often steal the spotlight, these native pollinators are the real MVPs—pollinating more efficiently, adapting to local ecosystems, and playing a critical role in maintaining biodiversity. Unfortunately, half of all bee species are currently in decline, and many are at risk of extinction. It’s time to step up and give these unsung heroes the support they deserve!

Kick off Pollinator Week (June 16–22, 2025) with us and special guest Karen DiDonato of Nurtured by Nature Growers for a hands-on, educational experience that will leave both you and your garden buzzing with excitement!

Part 1: Learn

In the first half of this in-person workshop, Karen will introduce you to the fascinating world of native bees: who they are, why they matter, and how we can create spaces that support their survival—especially as they face mounting challenges from climate change and habitat loss.

Part 2: Build

Then, roll up your sleeves and get crafty! In the second half, you’ll build your very own bee hotel—a cozy habitat designed to attract and support gentle native bees like mason bees and leafcutter bees. All materials are provided and included in your registration fee.

What You’ll Take Home:

• A completed bee hotel to help the pollinators in your home garden
• Practical knowledge on creating pollinator-friendly environments
• Inspiration to make your space a haven for biodiversity

Whether you’re a backyard gardener, nature enthusiast, or just curious about how you can make a difference, this workshop is a perfect way to learn, create, and contribute to the preservation of our native pollinators.

Spaces are limited—register early to reserve your spot and help support the bees who support us all!

About Karen DiDonato

Karen DiDonato is the founder of Nurtured by Nature Growers, LLC, a North Carolina-based nursery dedicated to sustainable gardening, native pollinators, and fruit trees that thrive in the region’s hot, humid summers and unpredictable winters.

After a 20+ year career in the Silicon Valley biotech industry, Karen relocated with her family to North Carolina in 2019 to pursue her lifelong passion for gardening. She became a certified Master Gardener Volunteer through the N.C. State Extension program, where her outreach and educational work inspired a shift toward full-time environmental advocacy.

Through her business, Karen promotes local food resilience by repurposing food waste and empowering individuals and families to grow their own nutritious produce while supporting biodiversity in their own backyards.

Cost

$50.00 per participant.

Registration includes Karen's lecture and all supplies needed to make a native bee habitat to take home.

Registration

Advance registration is required. Register through our online registration store.

Registration is considered complete when payment is received. You will receive a confirmation receipt from notify@cashnet.com when registered.

Cancellation

Program cancellations can be made up to two weeks prior to the program's start date. No refunds will be made after this time. A 15% cancellation fee applies.

Location

Ruby C. McSwain Education Center, JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC 27606.

Directions

Need directions? Click here.

Parking

Free parking is available at the JC Raulston Arboretum and along Beryl Road.

Questions

Contact the JCRA Education Team at jcraprograms@ncsu.edu for more information about this program.