Apis Arborea – Rewilding Honeybees with Michael Thiele
In the second meeting of the 2018 Biodynamic Series presented with Demeter USA, Michael Thiele will present “Apis Arbora – Rewilding Honeybees” in a workshop suitable for beginning and advanced apiculturalists, and those curious about the inner life of bees.
“In Wildness Lies the Preservation of the World”
In this workshop, Michael will give an introduction to ‘Apis Arborea’ (www.apisarborea.com) and share various aspects of his work, among them examples from current rewilding projects, the craft of traditional tree-apiculture, bee-centric strategies for beekeeping, and an introduction to the intricate nature of honeybees. Rewilding and the restoration of natural honeybee nest habitat are part of an effort to develop a comprehensive and wholesome paradigm of apiculture. The accelerating loss of animal species and biodiversity reflects the urgency with which we need to move towards preservation and a systems-oriented approach. The framework of Apis Arborea is one of honoring and protecting the essential role of honeybees in sustaining life on our planet while preserving their life and fostering environments conducive to their health and dignity.
Michael Joshin Thiele is leading an innovative approach within the biodynamic apiculture movement and teaches in the United States and abroad. Gaia Bees (www.gaiabees.com) is engaged into the research of Apis Mellifera and new dimensions of apiculture in a sociocultural, agricultural and spiritual context. Michael has been involved with the creation of Honeybee sanctuaries and refuges since 2007. In 2013, he worked as a biodynamic consultant for the USDA in the Dominican Republic, and more recently he presented his work at Harvard University. His approach to apiculture is documented in various national and international magazines, books and film documentaries (“Queen of the Sun”). In 2017 he founded ‘Apis Arborea’ (apisarborea.com), which is dedicated towards rewilding honeybees and an innovative, holistic apian paradigm. Michael is available for consultations, seminars/workshops and set up of sustainable apiaries. He lives with his family in CA, USA.