Howard County Beekeepers Association

04/08/2026

Come and see us to learn how to protect pollinators at GreenFest, we will be at table # 115.

Step into sustainability at GreenFest, happening April 11 at Howard Community College. Save the date for an interactive day of family fun, giveaways, environmental demonstrations, vendors, and informative workshops. https://www.howardcountymd.gov/GreenFest2026

03/26/2026

We're looking forward to seeing you at the Howard County GreenFest on April 11th, so be sure to stop by and say hello!

If you can, be sure to attend this presentation by our friends at Howard County Bee City while you're there to learn how to protect pollinators and other insects while enjoying the outdoors.

Where Have All the Fireflies Gone?
Mosquito spraying: Learn the facts and explore effective alternatives

GreenFest, Howard Community College on April 11, 1 - 2 PM

You and your neighbors have likely heard the sales pitch: “Hire us and we’ll spray all your mosquitoes away—safely, effectively, and without harm to anyone else.” But mosquito spraying can harm more than the intended target, including bees, butterflies, fireflies and many other insects. It can also harm other wildlife, including birds and frogs that depend on insects for food. Fortunately, you don’t have to choose between spraying or staying inside to avoid being bitten.

Join us to learn about research-based prevention methods, from removing standing water to creating habitat for native mosquito predators, that can help you and your community implement sustainable, effective solutions.

03/20/2026

Crazy about bees? Here's a workshop you won't want to miss!
Native Bee ID Workshop Registration:
https://form.jotform.com/260745057653057
May 3rd from 9:30am-12pm | Howard County Conservancy, Woodstock, MD

Did you know that native bees come in many shapes, sizes, and colors—and that there are more than 400 species in Maryland alone? Spring is a great time to observe our native bees as they gather pollen and nectar from tree blossoms and ephemeral wildflowers.
In the first half of this workshop, Dr. Clare Walker will discuss the needs, behaviors, and favorite hangouts of these early-emerging bees. Participants will examine specimens to distinguish bees from wasps and fly mimics (not as easy as you might think!).
We'll also practice field identification and temporary safe capture of bees for close observation. Bring a magnifying lens and near-focus binoculars if you have them (There will also be a few to borrow).
(image credit: David L. Clement; extension.umd.edu)

02/25/2026

Check this out. How beekeeping is benefiting our community. Thank you Valerie Wampler for championing this program.

This is "Beekeeping Program" by Robert Slivinsky on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

01/22/2026

TICK TOCK! It's not too late to register for our Beginning Beekeeping Course!
This is your opportunity to learn about the amazing honey bee, how to prepare for, provide, and protect them and other pollinators..regardless of whether you plan to start a colony (or more?) this spring.

Course starts on February 4, 2026 for six consecutive Wednesdays; participate online or in person at the Howard County Fairgrounds.
Details and registration form here: https://www.hocoba.com/bbc-registration-form

12/16/2025

Are you making your lists and checking them twice? We know the perfect gift (whether naughty or nice) ... give the gift of new knowledge and the never-ending hobby of beekeeping. Enrollment is now open for our Beginning Beekeeping Course starting in February 2026.
Here's all you need to know: https://www.hocoba.com/bbc-registration-form

11/23/2025

Congratulations to 'one of our own'! Thank you Valerie Wampler for all you do in Howard County and across the state.

Valerie Wampler is the 2025 recipient of the George W. Imirie Education Award, a recognition of important contributions to beekeeper education in Maryland!

She leads a beekeeping education program at the Howard County Detention Center, now in its second year.

Their “Yard Bird” Honey won 1st place and 2nd place at the State Fair!
This year, Valerie started a gardening program near the apiary: they grow vegetables to give to a food program inside the detention center.

The program also provides a children's table in the waiting area of the center with coloring books and crayons.

Valerie and the Yard Birds are working towards both programs to be self sustaining in two years.

11/19/2025

Great news!

Did you know that Dr. Zac Lamas has established a brand new HoneyBee Research Lab at UMBC? And he will be able to bring research begun at the now-threatened Beltsville Bee Lab with him…once his lab gets the funding it needs for equipment and more!
Following in the footsteps of the Carroll County Beekeepers, at the November meeting MSBA’s 2025 Board voted $10,000 in support to the new lab!
Zac still has a ways to go, with energy needed for fundraising NOT being spent on science. If you can, please consider making a donation to move the health of our bees forward.

https://give.umbc.edu/umbc-honeybee-research-lab

11/18/2025

Winter is approaching; the holiday season is upon us; but have you considered what you are going to do in February? Why not join us to learn all about beekeeping?!
Our annual Beginning Beekeeping Course begins February 4.
Find all the details here: 🐝🌼🌻🐝https://www.hocoba.com/bbc-registration-form

11/12/2025

Last meeting of the year is our State of the Club, Potluck dinner and elections.
Lots of delicious food (mostly gone by now) and variety of desserts.
Thanks to all who made a successful event and year of beekeeping camaraderie!

10/08/2025

10/03/2025

Spend a Sweet Saturday with us! Come to our One Day Seminar on October 25th at the Howard County Fairgrounds to learn what is needed to get started beekeeping and how you can help pollinators!
For full details and registration:
https://www.hocoba.com/ods-registration