Beesentation: Pollinators, Plants & the Power of Bees

Beesentation: Pollinators, Plants & the Power of Bees by Charlie “CharBee” Koenen Presented by the Palm Beach County Beekeepers Association in collaboration with Mounts Botanical Garden and UF/IFAS Extension Palm Beach County The Palm Beach County Beekeepers Association is proud to present this special educational event in collaboration with Mounts Botanical Garden and UF/IFAS Extension Palm Beach County. Join nationally recognized bee educator and BeeVangelist Charlie “CharBee” Koenen for Beesentation, a fascinating, picture-packed journey into the remarkable world of bees and the plants they depend on. Honey bees may receive much of the attention, but they are only one part of a much larger and incredibly diverse pollinator community. During this engaging presentation, Charlie will explore how honey bees and native bees pollinate gardens, natural spaces, and food crops, why they are essential to healthy ecosystems, and how each of us can help support them. Along the way, Charlie will clear up common myths about bees and share practical, bee-friendly choices that can be made in yards, gardens, schools, neighborhoods, and community spaces. From planting for pollinators to rethinking habitat management, attendees will leave with useful ideas that can make a meaningful difference. What You Will Learn • The important roles of honey bees and native bees • How pollinators support gardens, wild spaces, and food crops • Why bees are essential to healthy ecosystems • Common myths and misconceptions about bees • How to choose plants that benefit pollinators • Ways to create more bee-friendly habitats • Practical steps individuals and communities can take to help slow pollinator decline Whether you are a beekeeper, gardener, homeowner, educator, student, or simply someone who enjoys nature, this presentation offers something for everyone. No prior beekeeping experience is needed. Event Details Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026 Location: Mounts Botanical Garden 559 North Military Trail West Palm Beach, FL 33415 Admission: Free Please note: Admission to the Gardens is NOT included with this event. Registration is required. Seating is limited, and advance registration is necessary to reserve your place. Donations Appreciated: This event is offered free of charge as part of PBCBA's mission to educate our community about bees and pollinators. While there is no cost to attend, donations are always appreciated and help us continue offering educational programs like this throughout the year. About Charlie “CharBee” Koenen More than 20 years ago, Wisconsin native Charlie Koenen left the technology company he founded, which helped introduce desktop publishing and Apple computers, to focus on bees. Since then, “CharBee” has been sharing what he calls the “Gospel of Abundance According to Bees.” He leads BeeVangelists, a collaborative that provides advocacy, education, and resources for beekeepers, landowners, organizations, clubs, and schools. Charlie is a nationally recognized public speaker, President of the Milwaukee/Waukesha Beekeepers Association, a former Wisconsin State Bee Inspector, District Chair of the Wisconsin Honey Producers Association, and inventor of Beepods, a vented top-bar hive system. Today, Charlie champions all pollinators. He supports approximately 30 honey bee colonies and countless native bee houses throughout the urban Milwaukee landscape while encouraging people to support bees in ways that go beyond traditional beekeeping. About the Palm Beach County Beekeepers Association The Palm Beach County Beekeepers Association is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about honey bees and other pollinators, promoting responsible beekeeping, supporting local beekeepers through education and mentorship, and encouraging pollinator conservation throughout our community. Through monthly educational meetings, hands-on workshops, community outreach, and partnerships with local organizations, PBCBA works to increase understanding of bees and their essential role in agriculture and the environment. About Mounts Botanical Garden Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County is a vibrant destination for horticulture, education, and connection with the natural world. Its mission is to nurture meaningful connections with nature through immersive experiences and educational offerings. Through its diverse gardens, educational programs, special events, and community partnerships, Mounts Botanical Garden provides visitors with opportunities to explore plants, discover sustainable gardening practices, and deepen their appreciation for the relationships between plants, wildlife, pollinators, and healthy ecosystems. Taste of Florida Honey As part of the event, the Palm Beach County Beekeepers Association will have a selection of locally produced Florida honey available for guests to taste and purchase. Sample some of Florida’s distinctive honey varietals, including Orange Blossom, Wildflower, and Saw Palmetto, and discover how different nectar sources and seasons influence the flavor and character of each honey. Honey will be available for purchase at the event while supplies last. Proceeds help support PBCBA’s educational programs, community outreach, and mission to promote responsible beekeeping and pollinator awareness. We look forward to welcoming you to this special collaboration with Mounts Botanical Garden and sharing an inspiring presentation about bees, plants, and the many ways we can support pollinators.