Survey: The Future of MSBA Meetings

Please consider taking the anonymous survey below: your input is crucial! As a member of the MSBA community, you can help us understand how “to educate beekeepers and those interested in bee culture by presenting and discussing new ideas; and exchanging information, goods, and services” as our constitution and bylaws charge us to do. MSBA has historically done this through newsletters, meetings, and classes. Since the pandemic, however, beekeeping associations find that holding meetings is a guessing game: who will Read More …

MSBA Recognitions and Awards, 2024

Each year, MSBA presents two special awards to members of our association who make important contributions to beekeeping education, in two different ways. The George Imirie Education Award includes a monetary prize, and goes to beekeeper(s) who have made a contribution to the education of the Maryland apiculture community. The Free State Beekeeper Citizenship award faces into the community around us: it celebrates efforts to education and inform the public about beekeeping, its contributions, and its importance. Monica Schmitt was Read More …

MSBA at ABF and the North American Honey Bee Expo: We are the champions!

January is a big month for beekeeping conventions, if only because Marylanders cannot do much with the bees themselves for a while. Maryland beekeepers were present at meetings on both sides of the country as delegates, attendees, competitors, networkers, customers, and apiculturists intent on learning what they can to help their bees and grow their understanding and skills. The American Beekeeping Federation (ABF) Conference, including the Apiary Inspectors of America meeting, has been a staple for about 80 years. Maryland Read More …

Apiary Inspector Letter: It’s Time to Register Your Apiary!

In case you missed it, here is this winter’s reminder to register your colonies and to support the Apiary Inspectors Fund! You can easily download the registration form from the Maryland Department of Agriculture, and we have simplified donations right here on our website! Everything you give to the Apiary Inspectors Fund here goes to the program! [Return to February 2025 Beeline newsletter]

Beekeepers Image Gallery, February 2025

Click to enlarge! Please celebrate, with us, the observing eyes and extraordinary photographic skills of Maryland Beekeepers. The Beeline is honored to feature your photos, artwork, and other images, with all rights and credit reserved to you! Please submit your gallery contributions to beeline@mdbeekeepers.org!

Excerpt from prize winning caramel recipe

Award Winning Honey Recipes from MSBA

Thanks to the inspiration and hard work of one inspired volunteer, the MSBA website now has a growing collection of recipes using local honey (including recent award winners at our own and national honey shows) for you to browse, print and prepare in your own home! Each page includes a link to local sources of honey: MSBA members who have indicated that they have honey for sale are automatically included on the list! In 2024, while helping at MSBA’s annual Read More …

Bee hives with icicles on the landing board, with snow on the ground in the winter

“Bee Observant,” February in the Bee Yard

by David Papke It is hard to bee observant in the dead of winter. The barren trees and brittle fields seem empty of any promise of spring or summer’s abundance. Yet one notices the bluebirds investigating their nest boxes or squirrels gathering dried leaves for theirs, a red-tailed hawk rides the airwaves overhead and in the snow-covered apiary there are the meandering tracks of deer and rabbits and fox, and the occasional curious beekeeper. Early February: On any sunny day Read More …