We are now taking reservations for 2023 guided tours. Tours are available on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10am and 11am. We regret that we cannot offer tours at other times. We have reached our capacity for school group tours for the spring and summer. September tour dates are open and may be reserved.
To request a tour for your group, please email beegarden@ucdavis.edu with “Tour request,” the date and time desired, the type of tour requested (see below), and the number in your group in the subject line. Tours must be requested at least 7 days in advance of the desired date. Thank you.
We offer two types of tours to meet varied interests. The content and fees are as follows, with all fees supporting the garden’s operation.
General tours (all ages welcome, but content is most suitable for 12 and older)
The fee is $8 per person for anyone 3 or older. Tours last 45 minutes and include the following topics:
- History and purpose of the garden: concept to reality, how it’s used, supported, and maintained
- Honey bees and other bee pollinators: biology, economic importance, why they’re in trouble and what’s being done to help
- Plants: what is pollination, how the garden’s plants are selected and grown
- Bees and food production: key crops and how they are pollinated, UC Davis research, ideas for home food gardens
- What you can do: applying principles of bee biology and ecology in your own garden, how to build and maintain a bee garden, how to observe and study bees, supporting bee outreach and research
School group tours (ages 6 through high school)
The fee is $5 per person, including adults. We require at least 1 adult per 15 students, with a maximum of 35 students per group. Tours last 45 minutes. Content is grade-appropriate and is based on the Science Content Standards for California Public Schools. Topics include:
- Why bees, pollination, and the Haven are important
- Bee and flower biology and structure and how they are related
- Overview of common bee and plant species in the garden
- Student collection and observation of live bees. This is done safely with adult supervision.
Cancellation policy: bees are not active during cool, wet, windy, or cloudy weather. Due to our exposed location, the garden is often windier than other parts of campus or Davis. Under these conditions, however, other garden features such as plants and bee houses can still be observed. Should you wish to cancel your tour, we require at notice at least two hours prior to your scheduled tour time. To cancel and receive a refund of your tour fee, please email us. No refunds will be given for tours cancelled with less than two hours notice or for no-shows.
Click here for more information on planning your visit. Please note that we do not have drinking water, restrooms, or trash service at the garden. Nearest campus services are here.
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