We have had an exciting fall this year! We have hosted a variety of activities for students at the University. Dr. Ernesto Guzman’s Honey Bee Biology course is fully enrolled again, with over 800 students per year! In September, the class toured our centre to learn about beekeeping activities from our team. In October, a landscape architecture class toured our new site to examine the surrounding vegetation and recommend new plants. We also hosted numerous student groups for tours.
The Apiculture Club is in full swing again, with the new executive team keeping up the momentum from last year! Each week, they meet to take part in apiculture activities such as crafting candles, lip balms, and beeswax food wraps. In addition, they also take part in beekeeping activities. More exciting events are planned in the future, including a honey competition at College Royal in the winter.
This fall, we have also been busy with speaking and outreach engagements. Paul Kelly presented our low varroa growth (LVG) breeding program and other topics in both Maine and Massachusetts. Janet Tam and Dr. Guzman each spoke at the OBA convention about our new building and upcoming research. In addition to talks, we also had a booth with the University of Guelph at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. There, we were able to engage with people of all ages to educate the general public more about honey bees. In the new year, we are looking forward to attending the North American Honey Bee Expo where we will have an educational product sales booth and Paul will be giving more presentations.
