Reflecting on Beekeeping in 2017

Photo by Kevin Watson

At the end of each year I like to take time to reflect on what I learned as a beekeeper, think about what I can do next year to be a better beekeeper and set goals for the coming year.

​What did I learn this year?

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In my fourth year of beekeeping I learned: 

• Always have an escape plan 
  You don't want to get stuck on top of a garage roof with a bunch of angry bees inside your veil and no quick way to escape.  Be sure to have a plan and communicate it to others, especially if you need to call upon them if you get in trouble. 
• Two heads are better than one
  During a hive inspection when you run into something interesting (aka a problem), it is always nice to have a partner there to help you, give you a second opinion, be your problem-solving sounding board.  In 2018 I will resolve to do more side-by-side beekeeping.
• Always have a spare
  You never know when you're going to need that extra piece of equipment - a second hive tool, additional medium honey super, spare veil.  This year, my hive populations were booming and I found I needed the parts for two additional nucleus hives.  Having extra equipment on hand allowed me to lend it out to other beekeepers in need. 
• Never turn down an opportunity to engage with other beekeepers
  I learned so much from fellow beekeepers this year who have shared their stories at beekeeping club meetings, in email exchanges and while I worked side-by-side with them inspecting hives. In the coming year I hope to find more of these opportunities and perhaps attend the 2018 Eastern Apicultural Society conference in Hampton Roads, VA.
• Be an ambassador for bees
  This year the Prince George's County (MD) Government sought to change zoning rules. The changes would have made beekeeping illegal for most and impractical for everyone else in the county. The Bowie Upper-Marlboro Beekeepers Association (BUMBA) mounted a powerful and successful campaign to block the changes. BUMBA mobilized support for their position by calling upon the thousands of PG county residents who had attended one of many BUMBA outreach events as well as beekeepers in neighboring jurisdictions and nationally to voice protest to the proposed zoning changes.  As a beekeeper I need to do as much as I can to educate my neighbors, friends, colleagues and other members of the public who have questions about bees.  In 2018 I vow to do more work with BUMBA and the DC Beekeepers Alliance to spread the word about bees and other pollinators.
  
  What did you learn in 2017?