Beekeeping in NYC

This past weekend I fulfilled one of my childhood dreams of beekeeping. My only wish is that it wasn't so short lived and I had a place to have a beehive of my own. 

For the past couple of years I have been trying to find a place where I could take classes on beekeeping or at least just experience beekeeping in some way. I couldn't find anything! Finally, on one such occasion I stumbled upon a once-a-year beekeeping workshop right here in the Bronx! I couldn't believe it. I found it on the internet in January, but the registration wasn't until March. The anticipation pretty much killed me. We were able to register with our friends, Nate and Ashely (fellow animal and I guess insect lovers), and I couldn't wait until we were finally able to charm the bees. 

We were actually scheduled for the beekeeping workshop last weekend, but due to bad weather the class was postponed a week. But alas, the wait was well worth it, as all four of us were able to learn all about bees and the miracle of how honey is made. 

The workshop was at the most beautiful private park, Wave Hill,  in the Bronx right next the Hudson River. I hope we can go back and explore this area more, as it was such a vacation from city life, and was only a 20 minute drive. 

In anticipating the registration for this class, I was scared that it would quickly sell out as they only allowed 12 people in the class. However, when we went the class only had 8 people, including us, which made more a more personal and interactive experience. 

Our instructor was great, as he really loved bees and beekeeping. He really inspired me to one day have my own beehive. 

Ashley

Nate

Pat

Lindsay

The smoke that was used to "calm" the bees. We actually learned the reason
why smoke calms bees is because they think there is a fire so they start eating
all the honey to preserve it and then get all sluggish from over eating.
Hahaha silly bees!

These bee canals that you see really excited our instructor. Apparently this means that the bee colony is divided
and another Queen bee was prepared and there was going to be a take over of the hive. 

Fresh honey

 

The day was absolutely perfect and so much fun. I learned so much about beekeeping even though a lot of it went over my head. I now have a huge respect for bees and will no longer fear them. I think it is absolutely miraculous how they are able to make honey and hope some day to enjoy the process first hand!