Get Buzzing - Save the Bees

This blog will follow us through the initial phase of learning how to start a hive, to the presentation to our local Homeowners Association, and then with a lot of luck, the starting of a hive. On May 17, the Nature Committee in our neighborhood will have our first meeting with the VP of the Delaware Beekeepers association. At that meeting we will learn about starting and maintaining a hive. If it's a task the committee thinks we can handle, we have to prepare a presentation for the Homeowners Association for approval to start a hive. Here is the agenda we have prepared for our first meeting. Wish us luck. I'll let you know how the meeting goes!!!

Bee Keeping Information Sharing Session

May 17, 2017

The Peninsula on the Indian River Bay

Why Bees?

· Overview on role of pollenating bees in our environment

· Benefits of bee keeping

· Delaware specific

How does a hive work?

Are we a good fit for a hive?

Getting Started

· When is a good time to start a hive?

· What is a good location?

· How many hives do we start with?

· What tools/supplies/gear do we need

· What is the Cost?

Did you say honey?

Maintenance- Bee health and care

· How do we maintain a hive?

· What are signs to look for?

· How much time do we invest?

· Is it four seasons?

· What can go wrong?

· Can we get a mentor?

Common Misconceptions

· Will we get stung?

· What about African bees?

Liability in our HOA?

· Obtain approval

· Receive regular reports on hive health

· Can a hive be moved if there is an issue?

Record bee keeping

· Record experience from day 1

· Provide monthly updates