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bees

Sep 03
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Discover Nature at Bonnet House: Birds, Bees & Beyond

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Bonnet House Museum & Gardens isn’t just a historic estate—it’s a vibrant sanctuary for wildlife and a hub for nature lovers. Whether you’re drawn to the flutter of wings or the buzz of bees, our immersive classes offer a unique way to connect with the natural world right here in Fort Lauderdale.

Birding at Bonnet House

With its lush gardens, coastal dunes, and freshwater sloughs, Bonnet House is a haven for birds year-round. From colorful warblers to majestic herons, the property attracts a wide variety of species, making it a prime spot for birdwatching.

Our Birding Classes are perfect for beginners and seasoned birders alike. Led by expert guide Paddy Cunningham, these sessions teach you how to identify species by sight and sound, use binoculars effectively, and understand bird behavior and habitats. Upcoming classes are scheduled for Sunday, October 5 and Sunday, November 9, so grab your gear and join us for a morning of discovery! Click here to learn more and register.

Beekeeping: Is It Right for You?

If you’ve ever been curious about the world of bees, our “Is Beekeeping Right for You?” class is a sweet place to start. This introductory class scheduled for Saturday, October 25th, explores the basics of backyard beekeeping, including hive maintenance, bee behavior, and the environmental benefits of supporting pollinators.

You’ll learn from experienced beekeeper Joanna Diamond and get a close-up look at how honey is made, what equipment is needed, and how to decide if beekeeping fits your lifestyle. It’s a fascinating journey into one of nature’s most important ecosystems—and a great way to support sustainability.  Click here to learn more and register.

Why It Matters

Both birds and bees play vital roles in our environment. By learning more about them, you’re not just gaining a new hobby—you’re becoming a steward of nature. Bonnet House is proud to offer educational experiences that inspire curiosity and conservation.

Ready to explore?
Click here to learn more and register for upcoming classes and learn more about our nature programs.

Aug 10
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Is Bee Keeping Right for You?

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Many people want to keep bees, they think they can just put them in a box and that’s it – but being a responsible beekeeper is so much more complicated and involved – come and learn the facts of Bee Keeping.

About Instructor Joanna Diamond:
Born and raised in South Africa, Joanna’s goal is to save as many honey bees as she can. Having volunteered for four and a half years for a bee Rescue & Removal charity, she has assisted with countless bee removals, is a registered Beekeeper, and has bee hives in her garden (which is a Certified Wildlife Habitat). She works closely with a South Florida beekeeper and live bee removal specialist whom she highly recommends for live bee removals. Joanna’s message is that honey bees are our best friends and full-time unpaid employees, working tirelessly for our benefit for no reward, they are misunderstood and feared unnecessarily, struggling to survive and we need to do everything we can as a global community to help them.

Saturday, October 25
10:00 am-12:30 pm
Island Theater
$30 members/$40 non members

Apr 11
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Oh HONEY

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“OH HONEY in your bonnet” at Bonnet House with Joanna Diamond

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Time: 10 am – 12:30 pm

This exciting class dives into the incredible, edible world of honey — that precious natural food that sustains honey bees and delights us in countless ways.

You’ll learn how honey and honeycomb are made, how honey travels from hive to jar, its many health benefits and uses, what causes honey to crystallize, and why “organic honey” is often misunderstood. We’ll also explore the massive issue of global honey fraud and how to identify the real thing.

We’ll compare wildflower (poly‑varietal) honey with mono‑varietal honeys such as orange blossom or clover, and discuss which varieties may offer greater health benefits. You’ll also get the truth about manuka honey — and whether the price tag is justified.

Discover just how hard honey bees work to produce honey (did you know one worker bee makes only one‑twelfth of a teaspoon in her entire lifetime?). You’ll also learn about the process of honey production, the meaning of honey color, and the difference between raw and processed supermarket honey.

The class includes a fun and surprising honey‑tasting session, where you’ll try a variety of samples and guess whether each one is raw honey straight from the hive or processed honey from a store. You’ll taste amazing creamed honey, whipped honey, foamed honey, ultra‑waxy honey, and some of the purest raw honey in the world.

Please Note: Raw wildflower honey will be available for purchase after class, along with Orchid Bee Feeders and Honey Bee Revival Kits — perfect for helping those tired little bees you may find on the ground.

About Instructor Joanna Diamond

Born and raised in South Africa, Joanna is passionate about saving honey bees and educating the public on their extraordinary importance. She spent four and a half years volunteering with a Bee Rescue & Removal charity, has assisted with countless rescues, is a registered beekeeper, and has earned the title of Master Beekeeper after three years of intensive study with the University of Florida/IFAS.
She works closely with a South Florida beekeeper and live bee removal specialist and strongly advocates for humane removal and protection of honey bees.

$30 Members • $40 Future Members