First Responder Program
The First Responder program began 2 years ago as a way for the Club to respond and address possible outbreaks of serious diseases, specifically American Foul Brood (AFB), affecting Honey Bees, and then refer positive AFB cases to the New York State Bee Inspector. Three Club members were trained in methods of looking for disease, prevention of disease transmission, and identification of American Foulbrood. A grant was written and obtained to conduct this training and re-imburse for expenses and equipment for the first year of the program.
This LIBC program was successful in providing a means for beekeepers on Long Island to have a second set of eyes look at their hives when the beekeeper suspected a serious disease and could not identify it. The club administered this program and decided it was in the best interest of the members to continue it, whether funded by a grant or not. Most of the beekeepers requesting a First Responder visit were new or less experienced beekeepers, and in some cases, the visit was more of a “Mentoring” or teaching opportunity. Although this was not the original intent of the program, the board decided it was a reasonable use of the program, in that it allowed an experienced beekeeper to assist and educate newer beekeepers. In many cases, although there was no indication of AFB, the visits were very productive and beneficial, and therefore deemed a good alternative use of the program.
A limit was set on these visits of one visit per new beekeeper, unless there were extenuating circumstances. Additional visits were at the discretion of the First Responder and were not normally considered part of the program.
Beekeepers who have concerns about their hives can contact any of the three “First Responders”, Moira Alexander, or Grace Mehl with their concerns. Beekeepers are encouraged to provide as much detail about the situation, and include pictures of their frames/brood/bees showing their concerns. Time frames, location/address, treatments, source of bees and when the hive was started should all be included with the initial contact. It is a good idea to send information about problems to all three of these persons using the emails below. This will allow for the most timely response, as, whoever is free can respond and whoever is closest can contact you about a visit if deemed appropriate. Contact should be at the emails or phones of the Responders listed:
Moira Alexander, Programs@longislandbeekeepers.org or phone 631 664-6810
Grace Mehl, Education@longislandbeekeepers.org or phone 631 766-5648
The Teaching Apiary
We are happy to announce the start of the Club teaching apiary this spring.
- The purpose of this venture is to provide hands on teaching capability to further your understanding of your bees, the colony development, different equipment configurations, and your management of colony health.
- The teaching apiary will be located on the property of the Sisters of St. Joseph’s near the building named “Honey House”. The address is 1725 Brentwood Rd, Brentwood, NY.
- The sessions will normally be on Saturday, with Sunday as a rain date. However, the very first session will be on Sunday, April 4th as the packages arrive sometime on April 3rd. Time will be 10:30 to 12:00.
- Protocol for attendees is a Mask and Veil as a minimum. Other PPE as desired, a notebook and pen are suggestions. Class size will be limited to 12 with a waiting list, if required.
- Signing up for the sessions will be by emailing the instructor for that session. The schedule will be posted on the website for the coming month. We ask all students to share the opportunity and not attempt to sign up for each session. If you have previously signed up and attended a session, you can send a request to the instructor to be placed on the waiting list in hopes that the class will not be full. Instructors will let you know if you can attend as a repeat if there is room in the session a few days before the class.
- Directions: Enter at the 1725 Brentwood Rd entrance (across from 5th Ave.) and pass the guard shack going straight, then bear to the right in front of the Maria Regina Rehab Center and then go right again at the small sign that says “garden” and go through the parking lot to the end and park there. Walk to the Honey House where the group will gather and meet your instructor.
This is a new program for the club and we expect some growing pains and that the system will evolve over time as we all learn.
For the schedule, please log in to your My Account page.
