New Jersey State Apiarist Tim Schuler works on a hive.
A growing number of New Jersey residents who want to do something for the environment and help the ailing honeybee at the same time have taken up bee-keeping, a relatively inexpensive activity that can be done in a backyard.
The Master Gardeners Program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County will hold a workshop, “Introduction to Bee-Keeping,” at the EARTH Center in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, South Brunswick, NJ, on May 11, from 10 a.m. to noon.
By hosting this event, the EARTH Center hopes to spark residents’ interest in this age-old environmental stewardship practice.
Rutgers Master Gardener and amateur apiarist Pat Evans will lead the workshop and share her experience and demonstrate the basics of establishing a hive on your own property. With the loss of pollinators due to Colony Collapse Disorder, hobbyist beekeepers have been responsible for helping to increase the honeybee population.
Garden plants that can serve as pollen sources in late summer when naturally occurring sources are not easy to find in our area will be discussed. A supply of catalogs will be on hand for reference. Weather permitting, the lecture will be followed by a brief walk outside.
At registration, there will be a request for a $15 donation towards program materials.
Even if you can’t visit the EARTH Center this season, you can still get great gardening tips by calling the Middlesex County Master Gardner Helpline at 732-398-5220.
