A panel of three experts will help beekeepers in Mitchell, Yancey and Avery counties better understand how to prepare their beehives to survive the winter. The panel discussion will be hosted by the Toe Cane Beekeepers Association at 6:30 p.m. on August 27 and is open to the public. The meeting will be held at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Spruce Pine.

Backyard beekeepers lose approximately 40 percent of their hives annually, with most of the deaths coming during the winter when hive strength is low and there is little or no food available for the bees. The panelists will each discuss what they do to increase overwinter survivability, followed by an open discussion with questions from the audience. New and experienced beekeepers are encouraged to attend.

The featured panelists are Lewis Cauble, Leigh Wilkerson and Willie Pascal.

Lewis Cauble is the WNC region apiary inspector for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. He travels throughout the state’s 21 westernmost counties, investigating beehive deaths, inspecting hives for disease and helping beekeepers understand beekeeping management best practices. When he is not in the field, Cauble finds time to care for his own apiary. His passion is Varroa management, and he will discuss how Varroa mite management is the key to healthy winter bees.

Beekeeper Leigh Wilkerson, host of the podcast Beekeeping at Five Apple, will discuss how she overwinters her bees in a treatment-free environment. A beekeeper for more than 14 years, her popular podcast can be found at PodBean, Apple, Spotify or wherever you download your podcasts. Episode 118 debuted July 15.

Willie Pascal is the senior western regional representative for the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association and has kept bees for 15 years. He is currently a journeyman in the Master Beekeeper Program and is completing his master level requirements.

The Toe Cane Beekeepers Association is a nonprofit organization serving the honey bees and beekeepers of Mitchell, Avery and Yancey counties. It offers educational and training opportunities throughout the year for new and experienced beekeepers and engages in community outreach through area schools and at special events. For more information, to join, or to make a donation, visit www.toecanebeekeepers.net