Kalamazoo Bee Club Apiaries

Young-Beekeepers-First-Hive With the goals of hands-on education and to share different beekeeping techniques and hive configurations, we offer Apiary Days throughout the season.

These free events will often be held at the new club apiary. Additionally, some will be hosted at various locations in the Kalamazoo area, when we have opportunities to demonstrate and share other aspects of bees in the yards of generous hosts.

Apiary events will be announced via the monthly newsletter, and registering is required. These events are FREE — registration is required so we can keep participants updated about any changes. (Like weather, for example.) And, space will be limited in some of the event locations.

Everyone is invited to join us for an up-close look and some hands-on beekeeping. Bring your own protective suit / veil if possible; a limited amount of protective wear is available through the club. (See more info on what to wear below.)

All participants must sign a safety release; we’d appreciate it if you review and sign it prior to the event; we’ll keep them on file. Thank you.
Click here for the Safety Waiver (PDF)

The location, date and time of events may be found on the home page.

What to Wear When Working Bees

For safety, NO ONE may participate in Apiary Days without minimally a veil. The club has about a half-dozen veils available. The club also has a limited quantity of full protective suits and jackets to borrow.

We recommend long, loose, light-colored pants, tall socks, STURDY, CLOSED SHOES and a long-sleeved, light-colored shirt, especially if you’re just using a veil. GLOVES will be provided. If you own beekeeping gloves, please do not bring them. For biosecurity issues, everyone MUST use club-provided gloves.

A hat is helpful for sun protection and keeping the veil from falling against your face. Please also bring water or snacks for yourself.

Bees react to scent. If you wear perfume, deodorant, aftershave or eat bananas (the scent of which mimics th bees’ alarm scent) you may find you have more “friends” than expected.