The 19th annual Honey Harvest has Creative Discovery Museum buzzing with excitement

The Creative Discovery Museum will be buzzing with beekeepers and guests celebrating the work of some of nature's hardest workers - pollinators - when the 19th annual Honey Harvest is held at the Chestnut Street children's museum on Saturday and Sunday, July 27-28.

This year's event includes activities to increase awareness of honeybees as important pollinators, as well as native insect pollinators that are threatened by the same factors that affect honeybees.

"Just like monoculture agriculture is harmful to the environment, so is depending solely on honeybees to provide the majority of pollination for food crops," said Karen Dewhirst, science manager at CDM.

"Honeybees are not native to North America. However, there are over 4,000 different bees that are native to North America. Bringing awareness to children and families about native pollinating insects is a first step to addressing a pressing environmental concern."

The status of honeybees has changed drastically during the 19 years since Honey Harvest began. Worldwide honeybee populations have been in decline for the past 10 years. Each year, beekeepers lose anywhere from 30 to 50% of their honeybees. Scientists cannot pinpoint any one problem, but think it is a mix of problems causing this decline in honeybee health and populations.

"It is important for the museum to provide accurate, but also timely, information to guests about honeybees," said Dewhirst. "Honey Harvest, the only event of its kind in Chattanooga, began as a way to connect children and families with the world of insects in a fun, positive, tasty and affirming way and continues to do so today."

Activities during the event include:

» Making honey lip balm, beeswax candles and honey soap to take home.

» Tasting different varieties of honey in Culinary Corner.

» Participating in honey extraction and meeting beekeepers.

» Learning how to encourage native pollinating insects to yards.

The museum will host a Welsh Honey and Hive product show that will take place in Discovery Library during both days of the event. Guests can view prize-winning honey, honey-related products and also be able to purchase products made by regional beekeepers.

Organizations participating in this year's Honey Harvest include the Chattanooga Beekeepers Association, Chattooga County Beekeepers Association, Cherokee Beekeepers Association, Highland Rim Beekeepers Association, Ocoee Beekeepers Association, Tennessee Valley Beekeepers Association and Tri-State Beekeepers Association.

For more information: 423-756-2738 or www.cdmfun.org.