T.B. Scott Library’s Word Worth Hearing series continues April 12 with a beekeeping program, “What’s the Buzz All About.”
Bill Heipp of Moonlight Honey, Wausau, will present the program which begins at 6 p.m. in the library’s community room.
Keeping bees isn’t something you just jump into without doing your homework, but even the best books and websites can fall short of one-on-one advice from people who know the trade inside and out.
People turn to beekeeping for different reasons. In Bill’s case, a glass of Mead (honey wine) was the spark that started it all. After reading “Beekeeping for Dummies,” Bill was fascinated by honey bees and wanted to learn more. His work began with a local commercial beekeeper that had 2,500 hives during the 2011 season. He worked for free in exchange for the knowledge and training he received during that season. Before the next season, Bill was hired by the commercial beekeeper and continued learning the art and science of beekeeping during the 2012 season. Teaching himself to raise queen bees during that season was instrumental in Bill becoming self-sufficient and no longer reliant on package bees from outside the state. Bill has dedicated his operation to sustainable beekeeping. There are bee yards in both Lincoln and Marathon counties that carry his name. He has mentored several beginning beekeepers and continues to lecture and teach about bees.
Bees are a fascinating creature and can quickly become a passion. Being a beekeeper in one of the top honey producing states presents some challenges and rewards beekeepers in other states don’t get to experience.
Bill will cover the following topics related to beekeeping: Equipment, honey production, overwintering bee colonies and other interesting factoids.
This program, part of the library’s Words Worth Hearing series, provides an opportunity for those interested in beekeeping with a taste of what a beekeeper’s year entails.
Refreshments will be provided compliments of First Street Coffee Station and The Checkered Churn. Find out what’s happening at your library at www.tbscottlibrary.org, @TBScottFreeLibrary on Facebook, or by calling 715-536-7191.