Beesentation: Pollinators, Plants & the Power of Bees
Description
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.
Gallery
FAQs
- Is admission to Mounts Botanical Garden included with my Beesentation registration?
No. Registration for Beesentation provides admission to the presentation only. Admission to Mounts Botanical Garden is separate and is not included with your event registration.
- Do I need to be a member of PBCBA or Mounts Botanical Garden to attend?
No. Beesentation is open to the public. You do not need to be a member of the Palm Beach County Beekeepers Association or Mounts Botanical Garden to attend.
- Is this event only for beekeepers?
Not at all! This presentation is designed for anyone interested in bees, pollinators, gardening, plants, nature, or the environment. Whether you're an experienced beekeeper or simply curious about the bees visiting your backyard, you're welcome to attend. No prior beekeeping knowledge is needed.
- Is the event really free?
Yes. There is no charge to attend Beesentation. PBC Beekeepers Association is offering this program as part of our educational mission. Donations are appreciated and help us continue providing educational programs and community outreach, but they are completely optional.
- Do I need to register even though the event is free?
Yes. Advance registration is required because seating is limited. Each person attending should be included in the registration.
- Where will the presentation take place?
The presentation will be held at Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach. Your event registration information will provide the details you need for arrival and check-in, and final details will be emailed to all registered participants.
- Will we be working with live bees?
No. Beesentation is an indoor, picture-packed educational presentation. You will not need beekeeping equipment or protective clothing.
- Can children attend?
Families interested in bees, gardening, and pollinators are welcome. Because this is a seated educational presentation, children should be able to comfortably participate in a presentation-style program.
- Can I purchase honey at the event?
PBC Beekeepers Association will have locally produced Florida honey available. Attendees can also pre-order honey during registration and have their order reserved for pickup at the event.
- What kinds of honey can I pre-order?
Orange Blossom, Wildflower, and Saw Palmetto honey are available, along with our Taste of Florida Honey Collection featuring all three varietals.
- What if I register and later cannot attend?
Because seating is limited, please cancel your registration if your plans change. This allows us to make your seat available to someone else who would like to attend.
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