Kankakee County Extension Office offered a "Beginning Beekeeping" Seminar on May 1, 2007. In attendance were experienced and new beekeepers. Enthusiasm was evident from the start, with participants engaging the speakers with questions and lively discussion. Opening the seminar, Kankakee County Extension Director, Beth LaPlante, welcomed the participants. In attendance were Extension staff, Russ Higgins, IPM Educator; and Holly Froning, FNP/Youth. The speakers included Professor Stu Jacobson, University of Illinois at Springfield; James Theuri, Agriculture & Natural Resources Unit Educator, Kankakee; Leon Bilbrew, Beekeeper, Joliet; and Mike Gerard, Apiary Inspector, Illinois Department of Agriculture. The biology and agricultural importance of bees were presented by Stu and James, while Leon gave a beekeeper's perspective on the hobby. Later in the day, Leon demonstrated how to assemble a beehive, and Stu showed how to open a colony. Locating the queen turned out to be the climax of viewing the colony. Mike gave an overview of IDOA Apiary Inspectorate and can be contacted at (217) 390-4399.

The group networked, made acquaintances, and at the end of the day there was a unanimous call to form a "Beekeepers' Club" to organize meetings and workshops, provide mentorship and to share resources. The group can also provide outreach services such as picking or removing swarms located in unwanted sites. The Extension office will provide the leadership in getting the club started.

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