Join Wild Ones for a free Webinar, “Bees Beyond Honey: Understanding the Roles of Native and Managed Bees in Pollination,” featuring Sam Droege, Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS); Dave Hunter, Founder & Owner, Crown Bees; and Lora Morandin, Associate Director, Pollinator Partnership. Together, we will explore the diverse roles bees play in ecosystems, the challenges they face, and the delicate balance between managed and wild pollinators. Don’t miss this opportunity to broaden your understanding of bees and their vital contributions to biodiversity.
Thursday, February 20th at 6:00 p.m. CT
Join us virtually: Link provided with registration. This webinar will be recorded and available to watch after the premiere.
About the Webinar
Pollinators are essential to biodiversity and food security, but their complex roles often lead to misconceptions and conflicting approaches to conservation. In a round table format, we will discuss the complex roles and interactions of both bees and the people working in these areas and unpack the unique contributions and challenges of native, solitary, and honeybees. This webinar will explore the importance of responsible management practices, the interactions between managed and wild bees, and actionable ways to support all pollinators.
Attendees will gain insights from experts with over 90 years of combined experience, including Dave Hunter of Crown Bees, Dr. Lora Morandin of Pollinator Partnership, and Sam Droege of the U.S. Geological Survey. Together, they’ll address pressing topics such as competition between species, habitat restoration, and the role of advocacy in protecting pollinators.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the unique roles of native, solitary, and honeybees in pollination and biodiversity.
- Learn about the competition and potential conflicts between managed and wild bees.
- Discover responsible practices for managing bees and fostering healthy pollinator populations.
- Gain actionable advice on planting native plants, participating in community science, and advocating for policies that protect pollinator habitats.
This engaging discussion aims to broaden perspectives, challenge misconceptions, and inspire attendees to take evidence-based actions to support pollinators and biodiversity.
About the Presenters

Sam Droege – Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Sam Droege is a biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Maryland. He has coordinated major wildlife monitoring programs, including the North American Breeding Bird Survey and the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program, and has developed community-based initiatives like BioBlitz and FrogwatchUSA.
Currently, Sam focuses on native bee conservation, leading efforts to create comprehensive monitoring programs and online identification tools. He also works on reviving the North American Bird Phenology Program to document migration trends.

Dave Hunter – Founder & Owner, Crown Bees
Dave Hunter is the founder of Crown Bees, a company dedicated to sustainable pollination through solitary bees. With over two decades of experience, Dave has shaped the commercial mason bee industry, co-authored The Mason Bee Revolution, and founded the Professional Orchard Bee Association.
Through programs like the Bee Buy Back and collaborations with researchers, Dave promotes ethical practices and regional bee conservation. He is a passionate educator, sharing practical knowledge with gardeners, farmers, and researchers to support pollinator health and sustainability.

Lora Morandin – Associate Director, Pollinator Partnership
Dr. Lora Morandin has been researching bees and pollination since 1997, with a focus on native pollinator conservation and sustainable agriculture. She earned her PhD at Simon Fraser University and conducted post-doctoral research at UC Berkeley, studying how small-scale farm restoration enhances pollinators and natural enemies of pests.
As Associate Director at Pollinator Partnership, Lora works to balance agriculture and biodiversity, advocating for habitats that support both managed and wild pollinators. She has authored numerous publications and guides, highlighting the economic and ecological benefits of pollinator conservation. Lora lives in Victoria, BC, where she enjoys her urban farm and exploring nature.