A Chapter of the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association
Events
While we love talking about honey bees, we like to have fun, too. In addition to our monthly club meetings, there are opportunities for casual socials throughout the year, as well as our annual holiday party, where we try to outdo one another with honey-based recipes.
Monthly Meetings
The OCBA meets the second Thursday of every month from 7:00 pm to about 9:00 pm. In keeping with our spirit of continued learning, each meeting features a guest presenter who speaks on timely and educational beekeeping topics. We reserve the final 15 to 20 minutes of each meeting for club business.
Meeting location: Orange County Cooperative Extension Office 1020 US-70 West, Suite 130 Hillsborough, NC (map)
Pre-Meeting Socials
Prior to the monthly meeting starting at 7:00, please join us at the Orange County Cooperative Extension Office (map) for a pot-luck social at 6:00 pm and a “hive chat” guided discussion about what’s currently happening in our hives starting at 6:30. It’s a great chance to catch up with friends and talk about honey bees. Everyone is welcome.
Volunteer Opportunities
Our club runs on lots of volunteer hours. We encourage you to play a role in raising awareness about honey bees and beekeeping by volunteering for an upcoming event or project. It will be a great way to have some fun and get to know your fellow beekeepers. Check our calendar below for an opportunity that interests you.
Club Calendar
Check out the OCBA calendar for important dates, including meetings, socials, conferences, volunteer activities, certification exam dates etc.
March2024
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OCBA Bee School 2024 - pre registration REQUIRED
OCBA Bee School 2024 - pre registration REQUIRED
March 5, 20247:00 pm - 9:00 pm Bonnie B Davis Environment and Agricultural Center, 1020 US-70, Hillsborough, NC 27278, USA
Textbook: The Beekeeper’s Handbook 5th Edition (2021) by Dianna Sammataro and Alphonse Avitabile (can be purchased for approximately $25 from any vendor, such as Bailey Bee Supply in Hillsborough, Dadant.com, Amazon.com, etc.)
Sample Syllabus:
Introduction to Beekeeping
Honey Bee Biology
Bees as Social Insects
Beekeeping Equipment
Getting Started
Varroa Mites
Diseases and Pests
Plants for Bees in NC
Products of the Hive
Seasonal Management
Class Registration
Fees:
$75 for an individual
$125 for a couple/family living at the same address
Registration and payment must be completed on-line. Registration is not final until payment is received by the OCBA.
Textbook: The Beekeeper’s Handbook 5th Edition (2021) by Dianna Sammataro and Alphonse Avitabile (can be purchased for approximately $25 from any vendor, such as Bailey Bee Supply in Hillsborough, Dadant.com, Amazon.com, etc.)
Sample Syllabus:
Introduction to Beekeeping
Honey Bee Biology
Bees as Social Insects
Beekeeping Equipment
Getting Started
Varroa Mites
Diseases and Pests
Plants for Bees in NC
Products of the Hive
Seasonal Management
Class Registration
Fees:
$75 for an individual
$125 for a couple/family living at the same address
Registration and payment must be completed on-line. Registration is not final until payment is received by the OCBA.
Textbook: The Beekeeper’s Handbook 5th Edition (2021) by Dianna Sammataro and Alphonse Avitabile (can be purchased for approximately $25 from any vendor, such as Bailey Bee Supply in Hillsborough, Dadant.com, Amazon.com, etc.)
Sample Syllabus:
Introduction to Beekeeping
Honey Bee Biology
Bees as Social Insects
Beekeeping Equipment
Getting Started
Varroa Mites
Diseases and Pests
Plants for Bees in NC
Products of the Hive
Seasonal Management
Class Registration
Fees:
$75 for an individual
$125 for a couple/family living at the same address
Registration and payment must be completed on-line. Registration is not final until payment is received by the OCBA.
Textbook: The Beekeeper’s Handbook 5th Edition (2021) by Dianna Sammataro and Alphonse Avitabile (can be purchased for approximately $25 from any vendor, such as Bailey Bee Supply in Hillsborough, Dadant.com, Amazon.com, etc.)
Sample Syllabus:
Introduction to Beekeeping
Honey Bee Biology
Bees as Social Insects
Beekeeping Equipment
Getting Started
Varroa Mites
Diseases and Pests
Plants for Bees in NC
Products of the Hive
Seasonal Management
Class Registration
Fees:
$75 for an individual
$125 for a couple/family living at the same address
Registration and payment must be completed on-line. Registration is not final until payment is received by the OCBA.