March and April beekeeping events

If you live in or near Louisville, Kentucky, there are some great opportunities in March and April to learn more about beekeeping and support an amazing master beekeeper.   Mark your calendars! 


March 4th:  Kentuckiana Beekeepers Association meeting, 7:30 pm at the Bon Air branch of the Louisville Free Public Library.  The evening will focus on "natural approaches to beekeeping and using top bar hives."  I'll be introducing the biodynamic approach to beekeeping (in 10 minutes or less) and sharing resources with the group.   Hopefully, the local top bar hive expert, Sara Fazio, will also be speaking about her experience using top bar hives.  Sara is amazing and passionate about honey bees and beekeeping and I look forward to hearing more about her experience. 

http://www.kyanabees.com/

March 8th:  Louisville's 3rd Pecha Kucha night.  It will be at 21c.   I'll be presenting on the importance of Louisville's urban beekeepers - and showcasing several of them.  The interviewing process was really fun, and I got to visit several urban apiaries!   Here's more about the event: 

http://www.pecha-kucha.org/night/louisville/3


March 12th:  The annual Bluegrass Beekeeping School.  It's held on the KY State University campus in Frankfort.  Hundreds of people attend - from all walks of life.  It's really fun - one of my most favorite days of the year, in fact!    There are so many types of classes, you get to meet other great people who love talking about bees, and there are vendors selling lots of great beekeeping related supplies, books, etc.  Including one of the Louisville beekeepers, Bekah Lunn, who created really cool honey bee inspired items.

I'm doing a workshop on Urban Beekeeping.   Here's the description: 

"Small backyard? Living in the city or near other neighbors? Curious about roof top hives? Maintaining hives in populated areas brings special challenges and considerations. Join
Carrie for some tips on how to be a great urban beekeeper as well as creating a community of
great honey bee neighbors. If you're currently an urban beekeeper, please join the conversation to share your experiences."  

Here's more about the school:  
http://www.kyagr.com/statevet/bees/bee%20schools/KYBeeSchoolFrankfort.htm

March 13th:  
Fresh Start Growers is hosting a great workshop where I'll be doing a 45 minute class for new beekeepers "5 key decisions a new beekeeper must make."  I'll bring some fun beekeeping supplies with me. 

March 13 Workshop: BeeHave!

Get bee savvy, tame your weeds, and get your plant starts going.
- Introduction to urban beekeeping with Carrie Van Winkle of Fleur de Bee.
- Organic plant starts with Kim Jordan of Wilson Nurseries.
- Organic weed management techniques with Steve Paradis of Fresh Start Growers' Supply.

WHERE: Creation Garden Marketplace, 725 East Market St., Louisville, KY 40202
WHEN: 1-5pm, Sunday, March 13
COST: $15 per person
RSVP: (502) 442-7883 with credit card

All proceeds go to The Shelter for Women & Families Raised Bed Garden Project.