Travis County Beekeepers Association is committed to educating both beekeepers and the public about the importance of honeybees.  One way we do this is by curating interesting programs and hosting experienced speakers for our meetings.  All meetings are free and open to the public. We hope you enjoy this year’s schedule of speakers and topics!

TCBA meetings are usually held on the FIRST Monday of each month.  Typically, a beekeeper lesson is offered at 7:00pm, then we may have a guest speaker, another class, or a short business meeting. Meetings are held inside the Zilker Botanical Garden Center Large Meeting room, parking is free for attendees. Please bring snacks to share when you can, thanks!

 

2017 Upcoming Schedule:

Monday, June 5th:  7pm-9pm  *Special Guest Speaker – Lance Wilson** 

This month we will be learning about effective Varroa Management Through IPM: Learn effective Varroa management techniques through the use of Integrated Pest Management. We will discuss Varroa destructor’s distribution, life history and population dynamics. You will learn how to recognize the symptoms of infection and a common technique to monitor mite levels. We will follow with an outline on how to strategically use cultural, biotechnical and organic bipesticidal abatements.

**Lance is a certified Master Craftsman (Georgia Master Beekeeping Program).
He is managing hives in Hays and Travis counties in Central Texas. In
addition he is Past President of the Austin Area Beekeepers Association and
co-organizes the Annual Austin Beekeeping Seminar. He has presented lectures
on honey bee biology, management, behavior, nutrition, Africanized honey
bees, Varroa and brood disease management to The Texas Beekeepers
Association’s annual convention and clinic, annually at The North American
Beekeeping Conference and at the Georgia Master Beekeeping Institute. Lance
serves on the Texas Master Beekeeping Program Board and is an Area Director
for Texas Beekeepers Association.

Monday, July 3rd:  7pm-9pm   Discussion on how to Harvest your honey and other hive products, preparing for the Summer Dearth, and Bee Nutrition.

Monday, August 7th  7pm-9pm (TBD)

AUGUST 18-20 – Special Public Event – 5th Annual Tour de Hives (more details soon) www.tourdehives.org

Monday, September 4th:  7pm-9pm – (TBD)

Monday, October 2nd:  7pm-9pm  Are your hives ready for Winter?  We will discuss the steps that need to be taken to ensure your hives successfully survive a Central Texas “Winter”.

Monday, November 6th:  7pm-9pm  How to Order Bees for Spring and where to order from. Last minute winter preparations for your hives. We will also be Nominating new club officers for 2018.  Any member current on their dues is eligible to hold an officer position.  Interested parties can speak to any of the current officers to be placed on the ballot.

Monday, December 4th  7pm-9pm – Holiday Potluck Celebration – with a short business meeting to Vote in our new officers for 2018.