Knox Cellars Mason Bee Classes
Expert talks on orchard mason bee biology, nesting setup, parasite management, and seasonal care — held at wild bird stores and nurseries throughout Washington and Oregon.
About the event
Knox Cellars' Carrie teaches classes on orchard mason bee (Osmia lignaria) keeping throughout the year — spring classes focus on bee emergence and deployment, fall classes cover cocoon harvesting and winter storage. Classes run approximately 1–2 hours and are hosted at local nurseries as a community service.
2026 spring venues include Wild Birds Unlimited locations in Bellingham, Gardiner, Olympia, and Wenatchee, plus Bremerton City Nursery, Airport Garden Center in Port Angeles, and Pierce County and Key Peninsula Beekeepers clubs.
What to expect
A 1–2 hour talk covering mason bee lifecycle, housing block selection and placement, tube cleaning, parasite identification, and how to support bees during their 4–6 week active spring window. Nesting materials and cocoons are available for purchase at the class.
Spring classes are timed to mid-winter through early spring — before the bees emerge — so you have time to prepare your setup. Fall classes coincide with the harvest window when cocoons are removed from used tubes for winter storage.