The calendar is turning and the time to prepare for winter is in the dog days of summer.

On that note, the next meeting of the Leatherstocking Beekeepers’ Association will feature a panel discussion by the education committee all about setting the groundwork for winter brood and preparing the bees and the yard in general. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. and is held at The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown.

Following the discussion will be a question and answer session.

The bees were buzzing, the sun was shining, and beginning beekeepers joined the Leatherstocking Beekeepers Association for a workshop at the apiary of Walt Heinrich in Schenevus.

Guided by Walt and experienced beekeepers Mike Lyons and Richard Lercari, the New Bees explored the apiary and paired off with the beekeepers to learn about working with the hives. They learned to open the hive, the best way to handle the frames, and were even able to find and observe a queen at her work.

It was a fun day of practical tips and hands on application for beginning beekeepers.

The next meeting of the association will be held July 27 at 7 p.m. at The Farmers’ Museum in Cooperstown