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.