COVID-19 Update
The WCBA Board of Directors sent the following email to all members on March 14:
Dear Members,
WCBA is committed to doing our very best to service our beekeepers and to ensure the health and wellness of our members.
As we monitor how the coronavirus (COVID-19) affects us all, We have decided to cancel all activities through the month of April. This includes Bee School and our April 3rd meeting. If you are enrolled in Bee School, the Bee School directors will be in touch with you shortly. [See below for the latest on Bee School]
Thank you all for your continued support. Our hearts to our to anyone affected by COVID-19. We want to protect the health and safety of all of our members and their families. We will continue to update you on activities as new developments arise.
Sincerely,
WCBA Board of Directors
NEXT MEETING - Friday, April 3, 6:30 PM - Chef Supper
The April Chef Supper & Meeting has been cancelled as part of WCBA's overall plan to ensure members' health & safety in light of COVID-19.
2020 WCBA BEE SCHOOL REGISTRATION IS NOW ONLINE!!
You can find details and register online HERE
As part of WCBA's ensuring members' health and safety in light of COVID-19:
- Bee school classes will not be held at Grafton High.
- Rather than cancelling Bee School entirely at this point, the possibility of holding bee school as a series of webinars is being investigated...
Stay tuned for more information
KID'S DAY - NATIVE BEE HOUSE PROJECT - Looking for Volunteers!
At our August WCBA meeting, Worcester County League of Sportsment's Clubs' (WCLSC) VP, Joe Afonso described their "Kid's Day" project which will prepare, assemble and distribute up to 400 Native Bee Hives to young Worcester County conservationists.
Joe and the WCLSC have asked WCBA to partner with them and are looking for volunteers in each phase of the project:
- Review and provide input into the design of the proposed bee house (Aug/Sept)
- Help acquire materials for the interior of the bee house (wood pieces w/holes, bamboo, etc. (Oct-Dec)
- Participate, if requested, at specific club Kids' Day events to promote the WCBA and explain the use of the kits (Feb - June, typically 8-10 events)
- Cut and package the kits for distribution (1 day event, late Jan/Feb)
For more information or to volunteer, contact Joe Alfonso at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 617-939-1605. WCLSC also has a facebook page here.
HONEY BEE SWARM COLLECTION AND COLONY REMOVAL
Honeybee swarms are a natural process where the bees divide their colony and half of them leave home along with their queen, to start a new hive. Before they find their new space, they may hang around in a temporary spot for a few hours. If you see a honeybee swarm, keep your distance and please don’t panic--they are normally fairly gentle. Do call a beekeeper who will come and get them.
A list of Worcester County Beekeepers who are on call to collect swarms can be found here. Most will also travel to nearby towns.
Sometimes a swarm will decide to take up permanent residence inside a structure such as in the walls of a house. If you are in need of someone to remove a colony and the associated honeycomb from a structure, please see this link.
WCBA HONEY EXTRACTORS !
WCBA has several extractors available for rent to our members. For details see here.
Honey as a Wound Dressing
Did you miss our February meeting? Would you like to get another look at those great slides from Drs. Allen and Jane Dennison? You can find them here.
SLIDES and VIDEOS from PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Insurance For Beekeepers (April 2018) -- Wendy Ashe of A&B Insurance in Westford
Temperature Probes for your hives (April 2018) -- Max Weagle, WCBA Director
Advanced Honey Bee Nutrition (October 2017) -- Dr. Eric Mussen, UC Davis
HIVE INSPECTIONS
If you are interested in having an inspector check your hive, please submit an online inspection request here:
MDAR Apiary Inspection Request Form
You can also call 617-626-1801 to request a visit from an inspector.
MA POLLINATOR PROTECTION PLAN
The MA Pollinator Protection Plan has been released and can be found at http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/agr/farmproducts/apiary/pollinator-plan.pdf
DOES YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS NEED UPDATING?
If your membership is up to date but you are not receiving club emails (quarterly newletter & important announcements), please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to update your email in our records.