The beekeeping presentation sponsored by the Agricultural Commission has been re-scheduled from earlier this month to TONIGHT, Wednesday, March 23 at 6 pm (zoom link below). This means it will take place immediately before the Tree By-Law Public Hearing in a happy act of serendipity.

In case you want to know more about how trees and bees are friends, check out this information from Michigan State University (yes, Go Blue fans, it pains me too to link to the Spartans but get over it because…bees): “Flowering trees are an important source of pollen and nectar for pollinators. They are especially important in spring, when tired, overwintered bees emerge and need food. Maples and willows are notable trees that provide an early supply of food.”

On Wednesday, March 23 at 6 pm, join an informational ZOOM presentation on beekeeping at the beginning of its regularly scheduled Agricultural Commission meeting.

“Bees perform approximately 80% of all pollination worldwide and bee colonies have declined precipitously over the last few years. Maintaining a backyard beehive can help increase our local bee population which in turn will foster community pollination and support our local food supplies.”

Award-winning beekeeper Mel Gadd will speak about how to set up and manage a small honey beekeeping operation in your backyard. Mel was named “Beekeeper of the Year” in 2017 by the Massachusetts Beekeepers Association and has extensive experience with area beekeeping organizations. He is knowledgeable about honey beekeeping as well as native pollinators.

Topics to be covered include:
• How to start a backyard beehive
• Purchasing basic supplies
• Protective gear
• Setting up your hive
• Installing bees
• Beekeeping trouble shooting
• Where to go for support
• Question and Answer session

March 23nd at 6pm via ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85069478419