Spots Open For Apiary Workshop

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Beekeepers young and old, new and experienced are invited to a guided workshop at the Apiary of Walt Heinrichs, former president of the Beekeepers’ Association, in Schenevus at 10 a.m. on July 15.

Each participant will work with an experienced beekeeper on the essential skill to keep beekeeping fun. We will practice opening and inspecting a hive, learn to recognize a brood pattern, capped honey, drones, find the queen, and how to work with the bees for everyone’s benefit.

RSVP required. Bring your beekeeping supplies including a veil, suit/jacket, gloves, closed top shoes, hive tool, and a smoker with fuel. There will be limited supplies available on site.

E-mail club secretary Richard Lercari at honeyChef3@gmail.com to RSVP or for more information.

Test for the Varroa Destructor

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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.

Evaluate an Installed Nuc and Hear from Johnston’s Honeybee Farm

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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.