Upcoming Events

May 26, 2026

May MOnthly Meeting to Feature NC State’s Jennifer Keller

Jennifer Keller from the NC State University Appiculture Program will answer the question, is my hive really queenless? And why too many beekeepers panic and buy a new queen when they don’t have to. Meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. with official business starting at 6:30. Trinity Episcopal Church, 15 Hemlock Ave, Spruce Pine NC 28777. 

May 27, 2026

Hands-On Workshop with Jennifer Keller

Our guest speaker Jennifer Keller will host an all-day workshop in the TCBA apiary on Wednesday the 27th. It will provide attendees with practical skills and a deeper understanding of bee biology and queen production while helping strengthen the long-term health and sustainability of their colonies. Topics will include colony development, bee biology, different approaches to queen rearing, recognizing properly aged larvae, swarm management, making splits, improving local bee genetics, and practical hive stewardship techniques to help every beekeeper better understand and manage their colonies. 

Registration is REQUIRED to attend. Free to members $20 for non-members. Sign up online.

May 30, 2026

APiary Work Day

Work days at the TCBA Educational Apiary at Mayland are scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on the last Saturday of every month. Additional work days will be posted as needed. Activities include both beekeeping and grounds maintenance.

Come lend a hand and support this important community resource while learning alongside fellow beekeepers. Bring a friend, share knowledge, enjoy the camaraderie, and help us educate both new beekeepers and the public. Volunteers also earn entries into a special year-end prize drawing.

Bring weather-appropriate clothing, work gloves, and any lawn or hand tools you may have. Bring your bee suit if you would like to participate in hive inspections and hands-on apiary learning. 

June 13, 2026

annual Member Picnic

The TCBA’s annual picnic will be held in the new pavilion at the TCBA Educational Apiary at Mayland. Lunch will be served at noon, but the program starts at 10:30 with an educational program by NC Dept of Agriculture Apiary Inspector Lewis Cauble. He will perform a hive inspection and demonstrate a mite check using the new Dawn dish soap method.

Please note that this is a MEMBER ONLY event. The main course and drinks will be provided by the club, but participants are asked to bring a covered dish or dessert and a folding chair. A bee suit is required for participating in the hive inspection and mite wash.

July 28, 2026

July MOnthly Wih Guest Speaker Julia Mahood

Julia Mahood will discuss honey bee drone behavior, drone congregation areas, and why drones matter.
 Meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. with official business starting at 6:30. Check back for more details.

August 7-8, 2026

TCBA will be at the Mount Mitchell Arts & Crafts Fair

Look for the TCBA at the Mount Mitchell Arts and Crafts Fair in the Burnsville Town Square. Sample local honey, see our observation hive, and consider buying a T-shirt to support our education and outreach programs.

August 25, 2026

August MOnthly Meeting Featuring Ben Powell

Ben Powell will talk about the yellow legged hornet, which is closing in on North Carolina. In December, a nest was found just south of Charlotte.  Meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. with official business starting at 6:30. Check back for more details.