Northern California’s largest varietal honey and mead tasting room, The HIVE, is set to host its 4th annual Nature Day event on Saturday, April 5, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This free community-wide celebration is packed with engaging workshops and hands-on activities for all ages, presented by local beekeepers, entomologists, farmers, environmentalists and horticulturalists.

In addition to a focus on honey and mead, The HIVE, located at 1221 Harter Ave. in Woodland also features a pollinator garden and restaurant.

“Nature Day grew out of our love and appreciation for the pollinators who sustain and support us all as well as a desire to transform The HIVE into a vibrant space for community learning and fun,” says Director of Brand Strategy at Z Specialty Food Shoshana Zeldner.

According to a press release, the hands-on activities will include a live observation beehive, wildflower seed bomb making, natural dye painting, tactile learning activities from Yolo Basin Foundation and Tuleyome, a pollinator garden scavenger hunt, button making and nature books with the Woodland Public Library, sustainability activities with EnviroWoodland and CalRecycle and more.

Learn from leading on a range of topics including:

What’s Happening with the Honey Bees? with Dr. Elina L. Niño, Associate Professor of Apiculture, UC Davis

Pollinator and Climate Ready Gardening with Rachel Davis, GATEways Horticulturalist, UC Davis Arboretum

Discover the World of the Stingless Bee with Dr. Jean-Philippe Marelli and Carlos Santana of Arimubee®

The First Honey Bee Disaster Response Team with Patrick Hardy of Bee Platoon

The 4 P’s of Bee Health with Wendy Mather, Co-Manager, California Master Beekeeper, UC Davis

Why Choose Native Plants? with Grace Amico of Miridae Mobile Nursery

Attendees will also enjoy a guided honey tasting with Queen Bee, Amina Harris; a pollinator garden tour with Garden Educator and Steward, Rowan Boswell; Story Time with Tuleyome, reading Who Stole the Bees Wings; and learning activities with the CA Master Beekeeper’s Program, Yolo Basin Foundation, Tuleyome, the Burrowing Owl Preservation Society and the Sacramento Area Beekeeper’s Association; screen printing demonstrations from TANA; hands-on fun with the Center for Land Based Learning.

Support local farmers and artisans at the Nature Day market featuring native plants from Miridae Mobile Nursery, Melipona honey from Arimubee® (produced by stingless bees), honey and herb-based products from Pearly Everlasting, veggies, flowers, tea and more from Good Humus Farm, and a seedling sale from The Traxx Farmstand.

During the event, guests can taste and learn about over 30 varietal honeys, honey fruit spreads, and nut butter, as well as a house-curated selection of mead. The HIVE’s craft kitchen will feature a special menu showcasing local and seasonal produce, products, and honey.

Amina Harris, Queen Bee at Z Specialty Food and mother to Joshua and Shoshana Zeldner, explains, “During this year’s event, I’ll be leading a guided honey tasting to help attendees of all ages notice each varietal honey’s unique color, flavor, aroma and texture. Everyone walks away with a new discovery.”

For a full schedule of activities and presentations, visit thehivewoodland.com/event/natureday.