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

The flowers are out and the bees are hard at work.

The next meeting of the Leatherstocking Beekeepers’ Association will be held June 22, 2023 at 7 p.m. at The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown.

This time, we will be learning how to test for one of our bees biggest pests, the Varroa mite. Mike Lyons will be presenting “Sugar Shake – Mite Test.” The presentation will also discuss the temperature requirements of the various available treatments, and their impact on honey production.

In other news, there are still slots available for the Field Trip. This will feature an apiary tour and hands on hive inspection. A great follow up for those who attended the Intro to Beekeeping course in February or for those who just can’t stay away from bees. Will be held July 15 with a raindate of July 22. The Tour will commence at 10 am and refreshments are included.

Also on our calendar,

• The St. Johnsville Honey Bee Festival honoring Moses Quinby. July 22 from 10 am to 5 pm held at 44 Bridge Street, St. Johnsville.

•The July Meeting of the Leatherstocking Beekeepers’ Association featuring a panel discussion on “Preparing Your Beeyard For Winter.” July 27, 2023 at 7 p.m. The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown.

•National Honey Bee Day. August 19, 2023.

•Leatherstocking Beekeepers’ Association annual picnic. August 24, 2023. Details to be announced.

Join the Leatherstocking Beekeepers’ Association for the monthly meeting on May 25 at 7 p.m. at The Farmers’ Museum.

Highlights of this month’s meeting will include member Richard Burroughs presenting on “Inspecting your hive frames: essentials for evaluating an installed nuc colony,” followed by guest speaker Mike Johnston, of Johnston’s Honeybee Farm in Eaton NY, presenting on “Package bee, nuc, and Queen production.”

Each presentation will include a Q&A session so come with questions!

In July, the beekeepers will be hosting an On-site Hands-on hive inspection where novice/beginner beekeepers will get pointers on the best ways to work with the bees. There will be 14 spaces available at this workshop, held July 15 at 10 a.m. with a raindate of July 22, so sign-up early.

We’ll see you there, and happy Beekeeping.