NOPBA Mentorship Program

Sometimes, it’s just nice to have someone to call. One of the benefits of NOPBA membership is our mentorship program. Our program is intended to provide those just starting in beekeeping a solid foundation and support.

Field experience with a mentor is an opportunity for active, hands on experience working with bees, hives, and beekeeping equipment. As a mentee, you choose the level of involvement. Optional activities are organized by the beekeeping season and availability of the participants. Mentoring matchups will be in place for the calendar year.

Copies of the program handout as well as the sign ups will be available at the April meeting or sign-up online.

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Coffee Group

WHERE: Common Grounds Cafe, 525 E. 8th St., Port Angeles

WHEN: WHO: WHAT:

Saturday mornings, 8:30 am, Everyone welcome!

Discuss Beekeeping Topics

On March 16th, Rex provided a short focused presentation on a portion of Derek Mitchell’s new work comparing the different physical properties of natural tree cavities with those of man-made beehives. It’s not news that tree cavity spaces are preferable environments for honey bees because they are the “natural” choice. But for perhaps the first time in the history of beekeeping, by utilizing measurement techniques and analysis from a background in mechanical engineering (computational fluid dynamics), Dr. Mitchell, himself a beekeeper in the U.K., has shown how the internal heat reservoirs of various cavity space configurations are physically influenced by top and bottom entrances in the presence or absence of hive insulation.

  • Tom Seeley was recently quoted in a podcast saying, “I wish we would have known about these findings years ago.” Mitchell’s research is now showing us the physics of “how” the properties of tree cavities are superior to our thin walled man-made boxes. Indeed, beginning now, this information will be influencing how many of us will be managing our bees this year. To find out more, come join us. Check out Derek Mitchell’s work below:: 

Ratios of colony mass
Thermal efficiency
Top Ventilation

Please note our collection of background material on the internal hive atmosphere is available on the Resources link.

We’re all learning and the whole idea of a bee club is to have some fun. Please join us every Saturday (until further notice), for informal discussions about anything of bee related interest.

As the season progresses, we will be following coffee with apiary visits.

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Beginning Beekeeping Classes

March 10, 2019 - Beginning Beekeeping Classes begin.

Throughout the season, this series of ten one-hour beginning beekeeping classes are held starting at noon prior to our general business meetings which begin at 1:00PM. Optionally, for individuals wishing to pursue certification, successful completion of this class meets the requirements of Washington State Beekeepers Association Beginning Beekeeper Certification. Class material includes a workbook/manual for $20.00

2019 Classes Poster.jpg
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February Meeting - Weather Alert

We had planned to have a very special guest speaker, Sue Cobey, on Sunday, Feb 10. However, due to inclement weather, Sue would like to visit us another time.

Mark Urnes, our Education Coordinator, would like to proceed with the beekeeping class at noon on Sunday. Barring any major change in weather. Similarly, it will be followed by a brief business meeting/open discussion for those in attendance.

I’ll post here if there is an update or change from this plan.

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November Elections - 2019 Board

At our November 11, 2018 General meeting, we voted for the members of our executive committee for the upcoming 2019 season and approved a few updates to the association bylaws. Please join us in welcoming our new board members:

  • President:  Rex Roberton

  • Vice President: Paul Sprague

  • Treasurer returning: Chris Beatty

  • Secretary returning: Greg Butler

  • Education returning: Mark Urnes

  • Library: Kristine Roberton

  • Community Outreach (new position): Herb Senft

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September Meeting

As is tradition, we will not be having our usual meeting and education session in September. Instead, all active members are invited to Mark's home for a picnic Sunday, Sept 9 at around noon. You should have received an email from Greg with the details. If you missed it, please email us and we will get the details over to you! 

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July Meeting & Newsletter

"Calm weather in June sets corn in tune."

I received Greg's email today with the July newsletter attached. One, he's cranked out another great edition for your reading pleasure; Two, where did that month go?! Our apiary has been hopping and blackberry's are blooming!

Time to get together and "talk bees" this Sunday, July 8. Usual times and place: Noon for the class and 1pm for the business meeting.

 

 

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North Olympic Peninsula Beekeepers' Association - Clallam County, Washington
PO Box 3036, Sequim, WA 98382
info@nopba.org