When: 5:30-6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 6
Where: Kealakekua Public Library

Jennifer Bach will discuss the healthy natural approach to keeping honeybees. Jennifer is responsible for the development and coordination of the Honeybee Education Program and has been a beekeeper for seven years.

Owner of Bee Love Apiaries, Jennifer Bach has been providing the Hamakua, Hilo and Puna communities, as well as cooperating with the state vector control, with a service that removes unwanted honeybees from homes using no poisons or inflicted harm on bees. Honeybees are then cared for and used for Island pollination services and honey production.

As our island strives for self sufficiency, we need to maintain healthy honeybee colonies in order to continue sufficient pollination demands. In this critical time we have the opportunity to maintain and increase our local honeybee stocks.

A new project has begun, granted by the Western Region Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education program. This project aims to utilize feral bees which can be integrated into sustainable farming strategies by relocating swarms, ensuring pollination for Hawaii’s farms.

As a passionate beekeeper, Jennifer continues to mentor new beekeepers and assist farms with pollination services. She actively works and collaborates with many beekeepers, farmers, and community members.

If you are interested in bees, have a farm or orchard, or would love to become a hobbyist beekeeper; come and learn about the unique world of honeybees and their importance in Hawaii, as well as how all of us can contribute to keeping our honeybee stocks healthy.

This program is offered free to the public. For more information contact the Kealakekua Public Library at 323-7585 or visit www.honeybeesforfarmers.com