Backyard beekeeping topic of Spiral Living class
From our weekly issue dated March 03, 2010
I.V. News file photo
Spiral Living Center (SLC) offers a workshop “Backyard Beekeeping,“ with valley beekeepers Ron & Ann Padgett on Saturday, March 13, from 1 to 3 p.m.
The Padgetts will discuss current topics including bee biology, site selection, necessary tools and equipment, and challenges to raising bees.
The workshop will promote the rewards of bee-keeping using organic and sustainable practices. The Padgetts will address the question, “Is beekeeping for everyone““
“This is a valuable opportunity to learn beginning beekeeping skills with experienced apiarists, at a time when the populations of honeybees are threatened by mites and parasites, as well as pesticides and herbicides used in farming,“ said SLC.
Honey bees not only provide honey, propolis, and bee pollen, they are necessary pollinators for local fruit and nut crops. Through pollination, it has been estimated that bees are responsible for 15 to 30 percent of the food U.S. consumers eat. But in the last 50 years the domesticated honeybee and wild bee populations have been on the decline.
The loss of bees has been noted around the world, with local beekeepers hit hard by what is being called “colony collapse disorder.“ This workshop will be of interest to those concerned with this problem, said SLC.
The Padgetts have been keeping a few hives of bees since the 1980s. They live in Illinois Valley and have 12 hives of bees. Cost of the workshop is $20. Current SLC members receive a $10 discount on each workshop.
SLC has been giving workshops and classes in Illinois Valley since 2006. Its mission of promoting sustainable living in the valley is supported by a wide and diverse group of community members.
See the full schedule at www.SpiralLiving.org or phone 541-592-3642 Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
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