Join us at the Chapman DeMary Trail at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 26 to learn about the magic of honeybees and beekeeping. Cornell University Certified Master Beekeeper Ed Kicha with the Loudoun Beekeepers Association (LBA) will share information about these essential pollinators. This event is co-hosted by the Purcellville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Tree and Environment Sustainability Committee, and is part of the Discover Nature’s Secrets series held the last Sunday of each month. Sign up online if you plan to join us: https://purcellvilleva.gov/881/Monthly-Nature-Walks.
The LBA has been supporting a large and vibrant beekeeping community, ranging from new to commercial beekeepers, for over 40 years. Its focus is to introduce, educate, and foster sustainable beekeeping practices for its members committed to managing honeybees in Loudoun County. As for the real stars of the show - honeybees - they are currently ramping up their population numbers, gathering pollen to synthesize into bee food to feed both the young and adults, and of course gathering nectar from floral sources which they will convert into their primary energy source - honey. The bees are also actively swarming - which is reproduction at the colony level - basically creating new hives in the wild. During this activity, Mr. Kicha will share information about the basics of beekeeping, how to get started as a beekeeper, the various types of beehives and essential equipment, and the tie between plants and pollinators. There will be examples of hives, some tools of the trade, and, weather permitting, live honeybees in an observation hive! The observation hive is designed to allow humans and bees to safely observe each other up close without fear of contact.
Before you join us, be sure to go on the Nature Trivia Walk at the Chapman DeMary Trail and get all the answers. Bring your completed answer sheet with you to get a prize. Copies of the trivia walk sheet are at the trail.The sheet is also available online at https://purcellvilleva.gov/881/Monthly-Nature-Walks.
Discover Nature’s Secrets is a monthly series of nature walks and environmental programs designed to inspire appreciation for the natural world.