BEE SCHOOL 2023

515 South Waverly Road,Holland MI 49423

11 February, 2023

Description

Come learn from seasoned beekeepers in the West Michigan area! Our morning Keynote Speakers is Charlotte Hubbard from the Kalamazoo Bee Club presenting "What We Wish We'd Known in the Bee-ginning." Thousands of beekeepers were surveyed, and shared what they wish they'd known when starting to better help this fascinating insect, save money, and avoid stings. Charlotte's compiled this information and will share these insights in a lively, inspiring presentation, to guide "new-bees" and remind experienced beekeepers of the challenges we all face. Charlotte, a beekeeper since 2008, now manages about a dozen colonies. She and her late husband Marshall routinely ran 30 – 50 colonies, with excellent overwintering survival. Michigan’s 2018 Beekeeper of the Year, Charlotte is the lead instructor for KVCC’s beekeeping program, a board member for the Kalamazoo Bee Club, and author of numerous articles and books on beekeeping, including a chapter in Honey Bee Medicine, a veterinary textbook. All profits from her writing and charity go to feeding the homeless in SW Michigan. Learn more at www.hubbardhive.com. The afternoon Keynote Speaker is Rich Wieske, current President of Michigan Beekeepers Association presenting "Thoughout the Beekeeping Year" providing an overview of the beekeeping calendar of events and activities to successfully manage bee colonies. Rich states that "All my life I hated meetings, quiet, introvert, discovered mead, then apis melifica and all i can say is that the bees made me do it.” A lifelong camera operator and media production company owner, mushroom hunter and tree hugger. Travelled around the world on a ship and love making candles and chocolate truffles. Currently, President of Michigan Beekeepers Association (MBA) and Educational Director of the Southeastern Michigan Beekeepers Association (SEMBA) and past president Heartland Apicultural Society (HAS) Love going to conferences and talking with beekeepers, some of the greatest people in the world. Elective breakout sessions geared for beginner and intermediate beekeepers are offered throughout the day. The topics to choose from include the following: What beekeeping equipment you need, How and when to purchasing bees, How to conduct a hive inspections, Learn about bee biology, Learn about honey bee pests, diseases & treatments, Learn how to create new colonies and manage swarms,Learn about pollination, pollinator habit and the importance of honey bees in pollinationAlso, throughout the day, you will have an opportunity to ask questions of seasoned beekeepers, visit vendor booths to shop for bee equipment, reserve bees for Spring, shop beekeeping books, and craft products of the hive. If you have any questions, please send a note to [email protected] We look forward to seeing you at Bee School!!