Wednesday, May 5, 2010

SAV 106 - Establishing a Beehive in your Garden/Farm

Albert Einstein once said: “If the bee disappears from the surface of the earth, man would have no more than four years to live. No more bees, no more pollination … no more men!” He wasn’t an entomologist, but entomologists around today agree that the sudden and mysterious disappearance of bees from their hives poses serious problems!

Instruction: Tom Morrisey and Tina-May Luker, Lavender Hills Farm
Location: Kilworthy, ON, Meeting Place - Muskoka Meats, Hwy 11 Kilworthy
Date: June 6, 2010
Contact : info@savourmuskoka.com (705) 706-1649

Workshop Introduction: This is a three hour introductory workshop about the fundamentals involved in starting a honey hive and the work involved in bee keeping. Many commonly asked questions about honeybees will be addressed. Plantings to attract pollinators and starting a Mason bee colony will also be covered.

Workshop Description: The workshop covers topics suitable for individuals considering establishing an apiary or those wanting to know more about honey and the bees that produce it. Themes that the workshop will touch on include, but not limited to:
• Why keep bees? Is it something I can manage?
• Components of a beehive, building supers, feeders & frames
• Stings, protective clothing and working around bees
• Buying Bees and finding a suitable location. Bear protection.
• Keeping a bee colony healthy
• Products of the hive: honey, propolis, pollen, wax and bees.
• Other pollination options – Mason bees, establishing a colony
• Learning More...local Muskoka club, courses, bee books
• Planting for bees and other pollinators in your garden or fields

Workshop Objectives: Upon the completion of the workshop and experiences provided in the workshop, the individual should expect to be able to:
• Identify standard beekeeping equipment.
• Outline the process of producing honey.
• Discuss considerations in establishing a beehive.
• Select several plants suitable for attracting bees and pollinators.

Workshop Agenda:
• 1.00 pm Arrival at Muskoka Meats, networking and orientation
• 1.15 pm Travel (Car Pool) to Kilworthy Bee Keeping property
• 1.20 pm Tour of live bees in an observation hive
• 2.00 pm The seasonal cycle of the bees and their keeper
• 2.45 pm Return to Muskoka Meats for a BBQ tasting, discussion and questions
• 3.15 pm Honey Tasting, Planting for bees, Products of the hive
• 4.00 pm Closing remarks

Workshop Cost: $30 per person, Max Eight People

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