Courtesy of The Nature Museum at Grafton
Beekeeper Ross Conrad collects honey from his bees. Conrad will share his passion for bees at a workshop Saturday. One can’t help but wonder how many times he’s been stung!
Saturday, March 14 at 9 a.m. — CHESTER — Celebrated Vermont beekeeper Ross Conrad will host an organic beekeeping workshop on Saturday, March 14, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. This workshop includes two highly-requested topics by local beekeepers: “Overwintering Bees and Spring Management” and “Beeswax: Production, Collection, Processing, and Uses.” The event is presented by The Nature Museum at Grafton and will take place at NewsBank Conference Center at 352 Main Street in Chester, across from the main NewsBank campus.
One of the most challenging aspects of keeping bees in the Northeast is successfully overwintering the hives so that bees survive through the spring. In “Overwintering Bees and Spring Management,” Ross will discuss the primary issues that need to be addressed to help bees survive the winter and how to steward colonies through the critical time period of late winter and early spring.
“Beeswax: Production, Collection, Processing, and Uses” will cover the resources within the body of the bee for health and healing, everyday practical use, and artistic expression. Participants will explore the origins of beeswax within the hive, its properties, how bees use it, and how we benefit from this incredibly useful substance. Various methods of collection and processing will be discussed that are especially suited for the small-scale, hobby, or part-time beekeeper.
Conrad will present a balanced view of natural and organic beekeeping topics not often covered by conventional beekeeping lessons. Questions are encouraged at this interactive workshop, and plenty of time will be allotted to discuss beekeeping and answer questions. Conrad will be signing copies of his book following the workshop. Light morning refreshments will be served, featuring special treats from Grafton Village Cheese. Participants are encouraged to bring a brown bag lunch. Register by Monday, March 2, to receive the early bird price of $25 for this four-hour workshop. After March 2 or at the door, the price will be $35.
For more info, visit www.nature-museum.org or call 802-843-2111 to register.
