SPRUCE PINE, N.C. — The Toe Cane Beekeepers Association (TCBA) will host Dr. James Wilkes—beekeeper, professor, and entrepreneur—as the guest speaker for its monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 28. The meeting will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 15 Hemlock Avenue, Spruce Pine.

Wilkes is a fourth-generation beekeeper and farmer who manages over 100 colonies at his family-run Faith Mountain Farm in Creston, N.C. His presentation will focus on how to know what to do next in your apiary and when. It should be particularly valuable for those looking to improve their hive management, conduct better hive inspections, and run their bee yard more efficiently.

A computer science professor at Appalachian State, Wilkes is also the founder of HiveTracks, an app that helps beekeepers—from backyard hobbyists to commercial operations—track hive health and manage inspections through data-driven insights.

The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a bee community social. Light refreshments will be served. The official meeting and presentation will start at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

In the event of adverse weather, the TCBA will post any cancellation or postponement notices on its website.

The Toe Cane Beekeepers Association is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit promoting sustainable beekeeping practices in Mitchell, Avery, and Yancey counties. The association supports the beekeeping community by encouraging cooperation among local beekeepers and through hands-on training, mentoring, guest speakers, and classroom lectures. Click here to join or renew your membership.