Spring Management & Reversing Workshop Recording
Protect Your Apiary From Bears
It's not hard to set up an electric fence but it can seem daunting if you've never dealt with electric fences before. Vermont Certified Beekeeper Fred Putnam covered the basic principles for installing any electric fence with special focus on deterrent electric fences for apiaries in this online workshop recorded last night. (Login required.)
Also see our Guide to Protecting Bee Hives from Bears and Skunks.
Deadouts Redux
If you missed yesterday's Deadout Analysis Workshop (or if you'd like to view it again) we've posted the recorded presentation online for members to view. Login to the site and look under the Calendar menu for Past Workshop & Events Recordings.
Presenters Fred Putnam and Andrew Munkres describe many of the factors and causes leading to the loss of overwintered colonies. The workshop includes photos giving you the ability to diagnose the causes and adjust your management for next winter to improve survival. (Also see the updated VBA Deadout Diagnosis Guide.)
Resources for Land Stewards
The purpose of this resource page is to support the adoption of land management practices that promote the well-being of pollinators. There are many well-described practices that land stewards can take to support honey bee and pollinator health. This web page includes a collection of links to information that is relevant to honey bee and pollinator health in Vermont regional settings.
Is it a Bee? Identification Resources:
Bees, the Forest, and Natural Landscapes:
- The Importance of Forests in Bumble Bee Biology and Conservation, John M Mola, Jeremy Hemberger, Jade Kochanski, Leif L Richardson, Ian S Pearse, BioScience, Volume 71, Issue 12, December 2021, Pages 1234–1248
- Pollinators in Woods
- Vegetation Helps Wild Honey Bees Survive the Winter
- Forest Bees: The role of forest resources in wild bee conservation and management (video)
Planting for Bees:
- UVM Extension Master Gardener Pollinator Planting eBook
- The Secret Ultraviolet Colors of Sunflowers Attract Pollinators
- University of Guelph Bee Garden Brochure
- University of Guelph Bee Garden Plants for Bees
- UNH Bee Plants for Northern New England Gardens
Backyards (and Front Yards!) for Bees:
Farming for bees:
How, and What, Are We Doing?
Recent Vermont Beekeepers Association (VBA)
Initiatives and Accomplishment
April 2, 2022
Over the past few years, the VBA has taken on an ever-increasing activist role for all of us involved in apiculture in Vermont.
The VBA has continued to develop and strengthen training and information for members and other beekeepers.
We sincerely appreciate the help from VBA members across the state who stepped up to help on Working Groups and Committees dealing with specific efforts.
Presentations Online
If you missed yesterday's presentations at the "Winter" Meeting of the Vermont Beekeepers Association (or if you'd like to view them again) we've posted the meeting presentations online for members to view. Login to the site and look under the Calendar menu for Past Workshop & Events Recordings.
Beekeeping Basics
Have you thought about keeping bees? This is the opportunity to learn more about these vital and fascinating creatures providing so much of our food. The instructors have over 50 years of experience among them. The three sessions will enlighten, and maybe inspire, you to start a few hives of your own or learn more about your bee passion. Plenty of question-and-answer time and all the info needed to start your own operation.
2022 New England Honey Bee Update
Virtual Lunch and Learn Series!
Join the New England and New York state Apiary Inspectors to “Lunch and Learn” by getting the latest updates on honey bee health and seasonal management recommendations for ensuring healthy colonies. Events will be held virtually via Zoom on Fridays from 12pm-1:30pm and are free and open to the public, no (pre)registration required. Educational content will focus on topics of interest to beekeepers and regional colony management. Events will not recorded so BEE THERE or BEE SQUARE - Bee sure to come prepared with questions to ask the inspectors! Sponsored by the Apiary Inspectors of America (AIA).
