Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, in partnership with the Northeast Minnesota Beekeepers Association, is hosting a day-long workshop called “Beekeeping and More!” on Saturday, February 20, 2016, for anyone interested in learning about beekeeping as a hobby or as a commercial enterprise. The workshop takes place from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the college’s amphitheater and student commons, and pre-registration is encouraged in order to receive a box lunch.
Session topics include equipment, planting habitat, diseases, pests, mite treatment, general troubleshooting, and getting stung. Several hands-on activities are also part of the program, including learning to make lip balm, fire cider, and oxymels. Participants will learn about collecting aamoo ziinzibaakwadaaboo (sweet bee water) to make a range of products from a hive.
Experts from the University of Minnesota Bee Lab, the Northeast Minnesota Beekeepers Association, Boreal Natives, and Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College will present the sessions and answer questions throughout the workshop. Informational displays and door prize drawings will also be part of the workshop.
“This will be a great event for both novice and experienced beekeepers,” said Courtney Kowalczak, Director of the Environmental Institute at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. “There will be plenty of time to meet other beekeepers, ask for advice and get questions answered, and share ideas. We are expecting more than 100 participants, so this will be one of the largest beekeeping workshops in the northern part of Minnesota.”
Opening speaker Roy Ober of the Northeast Minnesota Beekeepers Association will introduce the basics of beekeeping. Jen Stenersen of Boreal Natives will talk about creating pollinator habitat and avoiding invasive species. Becky Masterman of the University of Minnesota Bee Squad will present the latest research on diseases and pests, plus a closer look at queen bee source and hive health.
The event closes with hands-on activities on making products from a hive.
“One of the workshop highlights will be the demonstrations and opportunities for hands-on learning about the products that can be made,” said Kowalczak. “I think people will be surprised at the range of products.”
The “Beekeeping and More!” workshop is presented by Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College through support from a USDA-NIFA grant and in partnership with the Northeastern Minnesota Beekeepers Association. The workshop is part of the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College Environmental Institute and Extension programs.
A box lunch is included with pre-registration. Registration is $12 in advance for Northeastern Minnesota Beekeepers Association members, or $17 for non-members. Online registration is available at www.fdltccbeekeeping.zapevent.com.
For more information, contact Courtney Kowalczak at 218-879-0862 or via email to courtneyk*AT*fdltcc.edu.