WOODLAND, California — Northern California’s largest varietal honey and mead tasting room, the HIVE, hosts its 3rd annual Nature Day event on Saturday, April 6 from 11 a.m. – 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 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 Shoshana Zeldner, Director of Brand Strategy at Z Specialty Food.
Hands-on activities include Build your Own Native Beehive and wildflower seed bomb making; paper squash and beeswax candle making with Golden Honeybees; repurposed woodworking and natural dye painting with Darcy Zloczewski; a pollinator garden scavenger hunt; button making and nature books with the Woodland Public Library and more.
Presentations focus on a range of topics including Pollination 101 with Dr. Elina L. Niño, Associate Professor of Apiculture, UC Davis; Discover the World of the Stingless Bee with Dr. Jean-Philippe Marelli and Carlos Santana of Arimubee®; Tomato Tips: Get the Best Yield and Outcome with the Right Care, Kelly Lowrie, The Traxx Farmstand; and The 4 P’s of Bee Health with Wendy Mather, Co-Manager, California Master Beekeeper, UC Davis.
Attendees will enjoy a guided honey tasting with Queen Bee, Amina Harris; Uncle Jer’s Bee Show (including a live demonstration beehive); a pollinator garden tour; Story Time with Tuleyome, reading Who Stole the Bees Wings; and learning activities with the CA Master Beekeeper’s Program, Yolo Basin Foundation and the Sacramento Area Beekeeper’s Association.
Nature Day vendors feature Melipona honey from Arimubee® (produced by stingless bees), handwoven crafts from aana janna 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 butters 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 honeys.
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.”
Guests are encouraged to bring their friends and families to this free educational event. For a full schedule of activities and presentations visit https://zspecialtyfood.com/event/nature-day-3/.
The HIVE Tasting Room and Kitchen is open Tuesday – Friday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Z Specialty Food is home to Island of the Moon Honey and Moon Shine Trading Co., all based at The HIVE Tasting Room & Kitchen in Woodland, CA. Founded in 1979, Z Specialty Food offers more than 30 varietal honeys from across the US and Mexico, honey fruit spreads, nut butters and beehive products. Through nearly 45 years of dedication to this mission, educational partnerships, and events, Z Specialty Food has become a regional and national authority on honey education, flavor and the precious pollinators and environment needed to create every delicious jar. Visit www.zspecialtyfood.com, and The HIVE Tasting Room & Kitchen (1221 Harter Ave in Woodland, CA) to experience all that Z Specialty Food has to offer.

– @thehivewoodland –