As spring approaches and the bees start flying, the Toe Cane Beekeepers Association is hosting three events to help beekeepers and prospective beekeepers get ready for the season. Please mark your calendars and save the dates for the following March events:

Saturday, March 11: Beekeepers and educators Ang Roell and Bi Kline of They Keep Bees will give a special presentation on which methods of splitting hives are the most effective and productive. The event will be held at the Yancey County Extension Office. If weather allows, the presentation will be followed by a hands-on presentation at the nearby Blue Rock Apiary. Admission is free and open to the public.

Saturday, March 25: Bee Basics for Beginning Beekeepers is a one-day hands-on introductory class for new beekeepers and people considering becoming beekeepers. This class is an introduction to beekeeping and covers hives and other beekeeping equipment, sting prevention, how to work a hive, and troubleshooting. Participants will get to open a hive and remove and inspect a frame of bees. Held at the Blue Rock Apiary outside Burnsville, the class is free, but you must be a TCBA member to attend. If you are not a member, you can join or renew your 2023 membership for $10 online. Register for the class by clicking here.

Tuesday, March 28: Our regular monthly meeting will feature a talk by Lee Knott, host of the popular podcast Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm. Admission is free. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Spruce Pine and is open to the public.

This is a save the date notice.  More information for each event will be forthcoming.