Santa Ynez Valley Natural History Society

Dedicated to the study, exploration, and appreciation of natural history
in the Santa Ynez Valley region.

The ABCs of California’s Native Bees

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Three male all-white micro digger bees (Anthophora hololeuca) sleeping on small wirelettuce stem (Stephanomeria exigua). Photo by Krystle Hickman.
The A B Cs of California’s Native Bees book cover courtesy of Heyday Books

Free live lecture, Zoom webinar, and book-signing with Krystle Hickman

Co-sponsored by Solvang Library

Join National Geographic Explorer and community scientist Krystle Hickman for a presentation about her studies of California’s native bees, which culminated in her new book, The ABCs of California’s Native Bees. California is home to one of the most biodiverse bee populations in the world with over 1,600 species of native bees throughout the state. A committed conservationist, Hickman spent more than a decade capturing exquisitely detailed photographs of our native bees and making exciting discoveries about their behavior in the field.

Male agile longhorn bees (Melissodes agilis) sleeping on flaxes (Linum sp.). Photo by Krystle Hickman.

 

During her illustrated lecture, Hickman will share some of her bee-seeking adventures, which have ranged from suburban native plant gardens to far-flung wild places within California and beyond. Her collection of bee stories—one for each letter of the alphabet, matching the first letter of a bee’s scientific name—offers an intimate look at the daily habits of rare and overlooked native bees in California. We’ll learn that many native bees are cloaked in green or black or red. There are those that live alone in the ground or sleep inside flowers. Some aggressive species will invade nests and pillage resources. Still others are devoted exclusively to the pollen of a single type of flower.

Native bee photographer Krystle Hickman in the field with her camera equipment. Photo courtesy of Coriolis Company.

 

Krystle Hickman strives to elevate awareness of the decline of native bee species through her passion for nature and an eye for artful photography. Hickman’s influence extends beyond the lens: She has graced multiple television and online broadcasts, been interviewed on podcasts such as Ologies, presented at the 2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Colombia, and lectured at colleges such as Harvard, UC Irvine, UCLA, and more.

 

How to Attend

Event date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Live lecture location: Solvang Library: The courtroom adjacent, 1745 Mission Drive (CA Hwy 246)
Zoom: Register for the webinar here: California’s Native Bees.
A book signing and light refreshments follow the presentation.
The presentation recording will be posted online after the event.

 

 

 

 

 

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