It may be hard to believe, but Alabama is home to dozens of varieties of bees. And despite their sting, virtually all of them have an important role in our ecosystem.

To that end, the Limestone County Extension office will host a Native Pollinator Workshop Wednesday, Aug. 22. The workshop, which runs from 10 a.m.-noon, will be held at the Extension office at 1109 W. Market St., Athens. The cost is $5; snacks will be provided.

Taylor Reeder, regional grounds agent for Home Grounds, Gardens and Home Pests, said honey bees receive a lion’s share of attention, but there are may other varieties like solitary bees and southeastern blueberry bees, which are the primary pollinators of blueberry bushes.

“A lot of our native bees are solitary and don’t live in hives. They may live in the ground or dig holes in your siding,” she said, adding it’s important to protect pollinators.

Reeder said those who attend the workshop will learn more about their habitats and what they eat. Attendees will also build a bee hotel for residents to put in their yards. The $5 entry fee covers the cost of materials.

“You can build them in all kinds of different ways, using a block of wood or even tying bamboo together,” she said. “You want a hole or crevice for (the bees) to lay eggs and just have a safe space. We’ll use tubes and cap off the ends so diseases can’t get in. We’ll include an awning to protect them from the rain.”

Those interested in signing up for the workshop should call 256-232-5510. The number of attendees will be capped at 20.