It’s officially spring and we all know what that means.

Time to get ready for the outdoors activities, growing things, and sunshine. In the beekeeping season we’re at the point where the bees might be flying if it’s warm enough, and hopefully managing the moisture. This is a dangerous period for our ladies as the rapid changes in temperature can trap them out of cluster or away from the stored honey.

For us beekeepers it’s a time of looking ahead, and looking at our bees with anticipation of spring growth and getting our equipment ready for it.

At the next meeting of the Leatherstocking Beekeepers’ Association Mike Hoyt will be presenting “What You Actually Need To Start Beekeeping” covering the basics of equipment for the beginning beekeepers. That will be followed by a discussion of the monthly tasks in beekeeping which will include a look ahead at what we can expect in the month of April.

Then, stay tuned for the business meeting as we will be electing our president for the year, and then raffling off several items including a nucleus colony and other items to some lucky beekeepers.

Only members will be able to enter the raffle which is $10 for an individual or $15 for a family up to 4 people, and enables you to participate in votes on club business, get discounts at participating bee suppliers, and access to any group purchasing the club chooses to conduct.

We’ll Bee seeing you there!

The Leatherstocking Beekeepers’ Association will be meeting on March 26 at 6:30 p.m., with the monthly presentation starting at 7 p.m., at the Fenimore Farm and Country Village (formerly The Farmers’ Museum), at 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown.

The 2026 ‘To Bee or Not to Bee: Introduction to Beekeeping Short Course’ is in the books.

We’d like to thank everyone who came out to learn about beekeeping, the Clark Sports Center for allowing us to host this course in the wonderful facility, and to the members who presented.

And also, thank you to the companies who donated items for the raffle.

It was a fun class this year, and we are looking forward to next year.

The Leatherstocking Beekeepers’ Association returns for our February meeting with a very special guest.

New York Apiarist, Anne Mills, will be our presenter for the evening with information on what New York State does for honey bees and the beekeepers’ who care for them. She will also be discussing the new and improved state registration page for beekeepers.

New York State requires all beekeepers to register their hives as part of tracking the spread of diseases such as American Foul Brood. Registering allows the state to send out notifications when this deadly fungus is discovered in the region.

Following the presentation will be the regular business meeting and a chance for members to mingle, discuss the bees, and more.

Refreshments will be available at 6:30 p.m., presentation to begin at 7 p.m. on February 26 at the Fenimore Farm and Country Village (formerly The Farmers’ Museum), at 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown.

New to beekeeping? Want to get a friend into beekeeping? The “To Bee or Not to Bee? Introduction to Beekeeping Short Course” will be held February 28 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Clark Sports Center. The course is taught by our very own knowledgeable and experienced members. Tickets are going fast so sign up soon at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/introduction-to-beekeeping-course-tickets-1978785272016?aff=oddtdtcreator

We’ll Bee seeing you there!