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ILLINOIS STATE BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION
Calendar Page
Events


Northern Illinois

February 1, 9, 15, 22, 2023  -  Beekeeping 101 - McHenry County College

Here is where the aspiring beekeeper begins.   We’ll cover bee biology, modern beekeeping techniques, construction of hives, and how to acquire bees. Keep bees for the fun of it, as a sideline job, or to help your garden and orchard. Enter the intriguing world of the honeybee.  Zoom option available.

Four Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm  beginning February 1. 

Location:
McHenry County College
8900 Route 14
Crystal Lake, IL

Registration Fee: $59
Registration Link

or call Dori Sullens 815 455 8559.

March 1,  2023  -  7 Ways to Raise A Queen- McHenry County College

The number of small-scale beekeepers is increasing and the demand for locally raised
queen bees is growing. Purchased queens are often raised in areas of Africanized Honeybees or come from migratory bee operations where dangerous viruses are exchanged.  Here is an evening discussing the methods used by small-scale beekeepers to raise locally-adapted honeybee queens.  Zoom option available.

One Wednesday evening at 7:00pm   March 1.  $25.00

Location:
McHenry County College
8900 Route 14
Crystal Lake, IL

Registration Fee: $25
Registration Link

or call Dori Sullens 815 455 8559.

March 8,  2023  -  Comb Honey - McHenry County College

Comb honey is old fashioned, honey harvested in the bees own wax case. A hundred years ago honey was removed from the hive and eaten in the comb. Today extracted honey - honey in the jar - is the norm. This course is an opportunity to return to the old (and some contend the healthiest) way of harvesting honey. Producing honey in the comb is the beekeeping challenge, an old-fashioned challenge, explored in this class.

One Wednesday evening at 7:00pm   March 8.  $25.00.  Zoom option available.

Location:
McHenry County College
8900 Route 14
Crystal Lake, IL

Registration Fee: $25
Registration Link

or call Dori Sullens 815 455 8559.

April 8 & 15,  2023  -  Beekeeping Field Study - McHenry County College

This short course will provide practical, hands-on instruction for installing, manipulating, and inspecting colonies of bees. This hands-on class will meet in a bee yard, so appropriate clothing and bee equipment will be necessary. Spring is the time to start with bees, and this course will walk through it step by step. Learn what you need to know to start out right with bees.  This two-meeting class will install a new colony of bees in the first class and return a week later to inspect the colony’s progress.

Two Saturdays April 8 and 15 10:00AM until noon.  

Location:
McHenry County College
8900 Route 14
Crystal Lake, IL

Registration Fee: $59
Registration Link

or call Dori Sullens 815 455 8559.

Downstate Illinois

January 19, 2023  - Fireside Chat - Don't Procrastinate - Zoom Session -   7 PM St. Clair Beekeepers

Session STARTS AT 7 pm - Click the below link on your smart device or computer to join in

Fireside Chat Zoom Link   pass code 123456

January 28, 2023  - Beekeeping 101 - Bloomington, IL    Central Illinois Beekeepers

Interested in beekeeping?
  •  Learn how to manage your hive and harvest honey
  • Use tools and equipment
  • Promote bee health
  • Seasonal Care
  • Mentoring

Click on the link below to download the pdf with complete information on how to register.  

Fee: $100 for CIBA Members, $120 for non members

Beekeeping 101 Workshop Flyer


February 11, 2023  - Beginning Beekeepers Class-  St. Clair Beekeepers - Edwardsville, IL

A one day beginning beekeeping class conducted by St Clair Beginning beekeepers.
Class session is  08:00 AM to 5:00 PM, 
Registration Fee:  $60 and second person is $30

For more information (class agenda and map to location) and to register, click on the below link

Beginning Beekeepers Class Registration


Location:
Madison County Farm Bureau
900 Hillsboro Ave
Edwardsville, IL 62025 

 
​February 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23  -  Introduction to Beekeeping 2023 - Springfield, IL

 
Explore the fascinating world of honey bees and the steps to becoming a beekeeper at “Introduction to Beekeeping.”
 
This series is designed for someone interested in starting beekeeping or would just like to learn more about honey bees. Topics that will be covered by experienced beekeepers include:

  • life of the honey bee
  • common pests and diseases
  • bee equipment
  • how to assemble bee equipment
  • placement of a hive
  • where to obtain honey bees
  • new package installation
  • how to inspect a hive
  • care of the colony.

The six-part series will be offered in person and via zoom on Thursdays, February 16 and 23, March 2, 9, 16 and 23, from 6 to 7:30 pm.

In addition to the weekly sessions, participants will be encouraged to view pre-recorded videos and review reading material. If weather permits, an outdoor hive viewing inspection will be held on the last class session night.

This program is sponsored by
  • University of Illinois Extension Logan-Menard-Sangamon Unit 
  • Sangamon County Farm Bureau
  • Prairie State Beekeepers.

Registration fee $45 includes copy of First Lessons in Beekeeping book
Shipping of book is an additional charge if you cannot pick up the book at the Extension Office.

Advance registration is required and is on-line via the U of I Extension Logan-Menard-Sangamon events webpage.

Class size will be limited. The class tends to fill quickly so register early

Online registration link for Introduction to Beekeeping Class (is open January 3 to February 10, 2023)

Questions, call the Extension office at (217) 782-4617.
March 29, 2023  - Fireside Chat - Queen Rearing - Zoom Session -   7 PM St. Clair Beekeepers

Queen rearing by Johnny Murdock

Session STARTS AT 7 pm - Click the below link on your smart device or computer to join in

Fireside Chat Zoom Link   pass code 123456

July 14-15, 2023  -  ISBA Annual Summer  Meeting - Quincy, Illinois
Picture
Registration to the ISBA Summer Conference in Quincy Illinois on July 14 & 15, 2023 is now open.

Your ticket provides you admission to both days of the conference.

There are  two ticket options: 
  • Without meals (i.e. meals on your own)  OR
  • With meals for both days - Friday Box Lunch: Turkey or Ham Croissant or a Grilled Chicken Salad, (Each box lunches includes chips, fruit, & dessert). Friday Banquet: BBQ Chicken or Brisket, (includes loaded mashed potatoes, baked beans, coleslaw & muffin). Saturday Noon Meal: Pulled Pork Sandwich (includes chips & fruit). Selections may vary
Please note:  if you want tickets with meals included, they need to be purchased BEFORE June 10, 2023.   Only tickets without meals will be available for purchase after June 10, 2023.

For more information on ticket prices and how to register, visit the Mississippi Valley Beekeepers Association website

A detailed agenda will be published as it becomes available.
Picture

Link to a pdf version of the above image file​
Location: 
Oakley Lindsay Center
300 Civic Drive
Quincy, IL  62301

Phone:  (217) 223-1000    Fax: (217) 223-1330

 Map and driving directions

OUT OF STATE


None scheduled at this time

Contact ISBA
Illinois State Beekeepers Association      -    P.O. Box 21094    -   Springfield, IL   62708
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