The Environmental Institute at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College (FDLTCC) and Northeast Minnesota Beekeepers Association (NEMNBA) are excited to invite the community to the 10th annual Bee Symposium at FDLTCC on Saturday, February 15.  During the in-person event, participants will learn everything from beginning beekeeping to the role bees play in human health.  Learn more about the 2025 Bee Symposium at https://fdltcc.edu/event/bee-symposium/.

“The Bee Symposium is one of my favorite events of the year,” shared Courtney Kowalczak, Director of the Environmental Institute of FDLTCC, “The opportunity to listen to nationally and internationally recognized pollinator experts is so exciting! From learning about bumble bees, to the medicinal properties of honey, and the social lives of honeybees, what a better way to think about spring!”

From great vendors and information tables to esteemed guest speakers, participants will learn everything from beginning beekeeping to the role bees play in human health. Listen to internationally recognized pollinator experts such as UMN’s Dr. Elaine Evans, whose research on bumble bees is opening eyes on their role as pollinators, UT- San Antonio, Dr. Ferhat Ozturk who is exploring the medicinal properties of honey, and Cornell’s Dr. Tom Seeley who has written bestselling books on the social structure of honeybees. His latest book is “Piping Hot Bees & Boisterous Buzz Runners”.

“For many years, the Northeast Minnesota Beekeepers Association (NEMNBA) has been a primary resource for beekeepers around this area. Our collaboration with FDLTCC, to once again co-host the 2025 Beekeeping Symposium, is truly one of our high points of the year.” shared Jeffrey Tibbetts, Title III Coordinator at FDLTCC and NEMNBA President, “NEMNBA strives to support aspiring beekeepers, regardless of their experience, to expand their knowledge and hopefully improve their success in beekeeping and also improving the habitat of all pollinators. Please join us on Saturday, February 15th, to welcome some of the top researchers in the field and to mingle with other beekeepers and vendors here at the newly renovated campus.”

Tickets for the 2025 Bee Symposium are $30 each and can be purchased in advance at https://fdltcc.edu/event/bee-symposium or at the door with cash or check on February 15. Anyone that becomes a member of NEMNBA will receive $5 off the price of admission. To become a member, visit https://www.nemnba.org/become-a-member/.

For more information on the 2025 Bee Symposium, please visit https://fdltcc.edu/event/bee-symposium or contact Courtney Kowalczak at courtneyk*AT*fdltcc.edu.

Testimonials

My favorite thing about FDLTCC is the people. I’ve met fantastic students, faculty and staff who go above and beyond what I expected.

I chose FDLTCC because of its size and the curriculum. When I first came here in 2019, I was just looking for what I needed to volunteer, perhaps in a crisis shelter. I met with Don Jarvinen, and the rest is history.

It is awesome here at the FDLTCC Education Program because it is like a family here, if you need help or are struggling with anything, you have quite a few people who will help you out.