A celebration of bees and native plants took center stage at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center, where visitors were treated to a bee-themed art exhibition, educational demonstrations, and a native plant sale aimed at supporting local pollinators.

The art exhibit featured works by local artists inspired by bees and their vital role in the environment.

Artists included Regina Glauder, who showcased acrylic paintings; Amber Horwath and Sherry Ferguson, both with photography displays; Felice Picchieth, with pieces done in crayon pencils; and Debbie Garlicki, who contributed oil paintings.

The event highlighted the importance of pollinators and native flora, with educational displays about planning pollinator-friendly gardens.

According to materials shared at the event, planting native flowers that bloom from early spring through fall ensures nectar sources for pollinators year-round.

Pollinator gardens thrive in sunny locations with wind protection and help support butterflies, bees and other species.

“Native plants are the ecological basis upon which life depends,” noted one of the educational posters.

“They support a higher diversity of life, provide food for many insects, and help create a healthier environment and ecosystem.”

Visitors also had the opportunity to purchase native plants, with all proceeds supporting the Nature Center’s native landscaping programs

The sale was coordinated by Anna Costello, LGNC office administrator and leader of the Garden Group, and Kathie Romano, a longtime member and volunteer.

Bees were a major focus of the day’s programming.

Tom Lindeman, of Dedko’s Bees LLC, provided a demonstration on the critical role bees play in agriculture and biodiversity.

“There are 4,000 types of bees in the United States and 400 in Pennsylvania,” Lindeman told attendees.

“Honey bees are crucial pollinators for many crops, contributing significantly to food production.

They also help maintain biodiversity by pollinating various plants.” Lindeman, who receives around 125 calls annually from residents seeking hive removal, advised that if a hive is not posing a danger, it’s often best to leave it until frost, when the colony naturally dies off.

He also shared facts about honey bees, noting they can fly at about 15 miles per hour and are typically small, hairy, and dark brown with yellow or orange bands.

Alexander Metz joined Lindeman during the demonstration to help assemble a beehive box, offering hands-on insight into bee habitat construction.

The event underscored LGNC’s mission to educate the public and promote conservation through native species and habitat protection.