Pheremones

Ana Heck, Presenter
Michigan State University Extension Educator

Overwintering

Anthony Meyer, Presenter

Honey Extraction / August 29

10 AM - 12 PM (the goal is to be done around noon)

Bring your capped honey frame(s) to extract, experience extracting other beekeepers’ honey frames, or simply watch the process. There will be 4-5 extractors on site. Don’t forget to bring enough containers with lids to take your honey home. Bees will be flying around so you may want to bring protective gear.

Free - No registration needed. Just show up to spin or watch all the sticky fun!!
Location: Don Lam Bees, 882 West 26th Street, Holland, MI 49423

Birds and the Bees: What the birds aren't telling you.
All about drones and their impact on beehive health.

Niki Backes, Presenter

Niki is the Co-Owner and Operator of Harmony Hives, LLC, a Michigan‑based top bar beekeeping and pollination company rooted in sustainable practices, hands‑on education, and community partnership. With more than two decades of global beekeeping experience across Europe, South America, and Africa, Niki brings a uniquely broad perspective to honey bee health, hive management, and the future of pollination services.

She holds a Commercial Beekeeping Certificate from the University of Montana and has built her career around strengthening grower–beekeeper relationships, improving hive health outcomes, and supporting beekeeping programs worldwide. In addition to running Harmony Hives, Niki serves as the Michigan State Lead for Hives for Heroes and the Ugandan Project manager at Bees Abroad, where she helps advance pollinator education and community‑based beekeeping initiatives.

Niki is passionate about making beekeeping accessible, science‑driven, and sustainable. Her work spans commercial pollination, honey production, nonprofit development, and international training programs—all grounded in a deep commitment to healthier bees and more resilient agricultural systems.

Apitherapy: The Healing Power of the Hive

Kristine Jacobson, Presenter
Apitherapist, Beekeeper
Executive Board Member, Apitherapy Society Inc*.

Bio: Kristine has been administering bee venom therapy since 2003 with over 20 years of hands-on experience. Featured speaker at national organizations and Travel Channel demonstrator bringing apitherapy to mainstream audiences. Active AAS board member and former secretary since 2011. Dedicated to proving that even the smallest creatures can make the biggest difference in healing.

For thousands of years, people around the world have used products from the honey bee hive to support health and wellness. Known as apitherapy, this practice explores the therapeutic uses of honey, beeswax, pollen, propolis, royal jelly, and even bee venom.

Whether you're a beekeeper curious about the many benefits of hive products or simply interested in natural health traditions, this presentation will provide an engaging introduction to the history, science, and modern applications of apitherapy. Learn how various hive products have been used in traditional and complementary medicine, what current research reveals about their potential benefits, and the precautions that should be considered when using them.

From the medicinal properties of honey and propolis to the emerging interest in bee venom therapy, discover how the remarkable work of honey bees extends far beyond pollination and honey production. Join us for an informative exploration of one of beekeeping's most fascinating and often misunderstood topics.

*A nonprofit organization is committed to advancing safe, professional apitherapy practices through education, research, and community support. Every inquiry helps us build a stronger, more informed apitherapy community.

The American Apitherapy Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public and the healthcare community about the traditional and scientifically valid uses of Apitherapy. Our team is composed of dedicated individuals who are passionate about promoting the benefits of Apitherapy.

Field Day / WORKSHOP - Saturday, July 11

Varroa Mite Detection & Management WORKSHOP

Sign Up HERE

Have you attended lectures on Varroa mites but still wonder if you're monitoring correctly in your own apiary? This hands-on field day is designed to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice.

While HABA's June club presentation focuses on understanding Varroa biology, colony impacts, and treatment strategies, this workshop puts those concepts into action. Participants will work through the actual process of sampling bees, performing mite counts, interpreting results, and determining when management or treatment may be needed.

Open to beekeepers of all experience levels, the workshop will include a review of Varroa biology and colony health impacts before focusing on practical, hands-on monitoring techniques. Every colony has Varroa mites—the key to successful beekeeping is accurately measuring mite levels and responding before they reach damaging thresholds.

Do you think you're monitoring correctly, but your colonies are still struggling or dying? Are you collecting enough bees for an accurate sample? How do you know if your mite counts are reliable? What factors determine your treatment options? These are the kinds of questions we'll address in the field.

This workshop is ideal for beekeepers who want to:

• Gain confidence in performing mite counts

• Learn proper sampling and monitoring techniques

• Understand how to interpret mite count results

• Determine when treatment may be necessary

• Improve colony health and productivity

• Increase overwintering success

If you've learned about Varroa mites in the classroom, this is your opportunity to practice the skills that can make the difference between losing colonies and keeping them healthy.

As part of your registration, you'll receive a mite testing kit (a $25 value) to take home and use in your own apiary. Thanks to HABA subsidies and Don Lam’s discount on testing kits, the cost to participate is just $10 per person, payable at the event.

Space is limited to 25 participants, so register early to reserve your spot!

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Location: Don Lam Bees, 882 W. 26th Street, Holland, MI 49423

What to Bring:

• Lawn chair

• Protective beekeeping gear

Cost: $10 per person, payable at the event (cash or check made payable to HABA)

Presenters

Rick Arnold, HABA Past President
Shelly Arnold, HABA Board Member, Co-Webmaster & Co-Newsletter Editor
Don Lam, HABA Founding Member

Deep Dive into the Varroa Mite & Treatment Options

Chuck Bauer, Presenter

Varroa mites remain the single greatest threat to honey bee colonies, contributing to weakened hives, the spread of viruses, and colony losses across Michigan and beyond. Whether you're managing your first hive or have decades of beekeeping experience, understanding this destructive parasite is essential to maintaining healthy, productive colonies.

Join us for an in-depth look at the biology and life cycle of the Varroa mite, how mite populations impact colony health throughout the year, and why regular monitoring is critical to successful beekeeping. We'll also explore the latest treatment options, discussing the advantages, limitations, and best-use scenarios for various control methods.

Participants will gain practical knowledge to help develop an effective mite management strategy, improve colony survival, and increase overwintering success. This presentation is designed for beekeepers of all experience levels and will provide valuable insights for anyone committed to keeping healthier bees.

Field Day - Hands-on Workshop / Part 2 of 2

Queen Rearing & Colony Splits

This year, using two methods: OTS (On the Spot) Queen Rearing AND Grafting.
Shaana Way, Instructor

See June 6 event for complete details.

— Registration via EventBrite — HERE

June 13 / Part 2 - See June 6 Part 1 for details and sign-up.
This is a 2-part series on June 6 & 13. Attendance at both is expected.
- limit raised to 25 participants - $40 fee includes both dates
- 12-12:30- Recap of June 6
- 12:30-?? Inspect hives for queen cells and make splits
- Demo on marking queens
- Q&A / possible option to purchase the new colonies and/or mated queens
- WEARING PROTECTIVE GEAR IS REQUIRED!

Field Day - Hands-on Workshop / Part 1 of 2

Queen Rearing & Colony Splits

This year, using two methods: OTS (On the Spot) Queen Rearing AND Grafting.
Shaana Way, Instructor

— Registration on EventBrite — HERE

Part 1 - June 6, 12-3 pm
- 12-1:30 -Classroom (cover 3-4 methods of generating queens for increase)
- 1:30-3 PM - hands-on in the hives (target 3 strong hives)

Part 2 - June 13, 12-3 pm
- 12-12:30 PM - Recap June 6
- 12:30- ?? Inspect hives for queen cells and make splits.
- Demo on marking queens
- Q&A / possible option to purchase the new colonies and/or mated queens

Limit raised to 25 participants for this 2-part Field Event. Attendance on both dates is expected.
Cost: $40 per participant plus Eventbrite fees, including BOTH dates.
WEARING PROTECTIVE GEAR IS REQUIRED!

TBA

Field Day - Bee Package Installation Demos

Free - No Registration, just show up!

Demo Times: 9 AM - 11 AM - 1 PM - 3 PM - 5 PM

Location: Don Lam Bees, 882 West 26th Street, Holland, MI 49423

Choose a time to experience firsthand how it’s done. Protective gear should be worn! Get up close and personal to observe or participate in the process. In-person observation is the best way to learn. HABA board members will be there to greet you and conduct demos.

April 22 - Don needs people to help unload the bee packages.

• 8 AM truck arrival for unloading

• 10+ people, takes about 2-3 hours

• No beekeeping experience needed!

• Protective suit/jacket and gloves is helpful.

• You will meet new people who love honey bees!!!

  Please let him know if you will be there, but you can just show up. don@donlambees.com

April 22 - Don needs people to help unload the bee packages.

• 8 AM truck arrival for unloading

• 10+ people, takes about 2-3 hours

• No beekeeping experience needed!

• Protective suit/jacket and gloves is helpful.

• You will meet new people who love honey bees!!!

  Please let him know if you will be there, but you can just show up. don@donlambees.com

Are You Planting the Best for Honey Bees? You May Not ‘Bee’!

Mike Connor, Certified Arborist

Mike Connor is a Certified Arborist, Nursery Grower, and an experienced Beekeeper. He grew up on an orchard and Christmas tree farm in Southwest Michigan and purchased his first hive of bees when he was 12 years old. He is in a unique position to understand the relationships between plants, trees, and bees. Including a 7-year commitment as a Municipal Arborist and Park Superintendent, Mike has spent his entire career growing and caring for plants, trees, and bees. He is a co-founder of the Grand Rapids Area Bee Club. Mike’s education is from Cornerstone University and MSU, as well as from working with some of the best Beekeepers in the world!

We don’t meet in March to encourage you to attend and learn from all the great speakers at the MBA Spring Conference in East Lansing. It is usually held the first weekend in March, but in 2026 it’s the last Saturday in February. This is a great opportunity to learn, meet other beekeepers, and shop the many vendors that are present.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/michigan-beekeepers-association-conference

Online registration and additional conference information will be made available through the Michigan Beekeepers Association's website. All dates, times, presenters, and topics are subject to change and cancellation. 

Bee School February 7, 2026

HABA’s Bee School covers the essential topics new and intermediate beekeepers need to successfully start and manage healthy hives.

Join us for a full day of hands-on learning and beekeeping fun. Learn hive management, honey production, and more from expert speakers—including keynote presenter Shaana Way, co-owner of Grassroots Honey, LLC, serving West Michigan with raw honey, beeswax candles, survivor stock queens, and more.

Event highlights include:

• Four breakout sessions offered throughout the day

• Vendor area with $10 in Bee Bucks per full-price registration

• Door prizes

• Opportunities to connect with fellow beekeepers

Perfect for beginners and experienced beekeepers alike. 🐝

Don’t delay, register TODAY!

Optional lunch is available when registering.

LINK to: DETAILS & REGISTRATION

Social Event and Annual Meeting with Awards - Thursday, January 8!

Brew Merchant Hall, 422 Washington Ave., Holland, MI 49423

Sign up below. A few openings remain as of Monday so registration remains open. Do come even if you don’t sign up. If the food is gone, you can enjoy a beverage and our company! And buy a raffle ticket or two!

We will gather at the Brew Merchant Hall in Washington Square on Holland’s south side.

There will be time for socializing, food, a cash bar, raffle drawings, sharing beekeeping stories, mentoring certificates, and a brief annual meeting and officer elections.

Bring some cash for our usual raffle / $1 per ticket or $5 for 6 tickets.

Spouses are welcome! HABA will buy the food; donations at the event are appreciated to offset costs.

Sign-up via our December and January newsletters, or use this link: SIGN-UP HERE

We don’t meet in December.
Enjoy your time with family and friends!

Mead Making - wine made from honey instead of grapes.

Rick Arnold, mead maker and HABA president

Rick will share the process he uses for making mead in his home. Learn what does and doesn’t work, his tested methods and processes for successful outcomes.

Gardner’s Apiaries: An Overview of the Bee Package Industry

Chuck Bauer

A look inside the fascinating operation of how the package bee industry works. How colonies are raised, creating queens, and the process of gathering bees into the packages for the beekeeper to purchase.

Winterizing Your Colonies

Chuck Bauer

Chuck prides himself on successfully overwintering his colonies year after year.

His presentation covers everything you need to keep your bees alive and healthy for next year’s bee season. You will want to take notes and pictures!

Chuck is in his 17th year of beekeeping. He intended to have two ‘hobby’ beehives, he now has 25. He professes “It’s still a hobby, something to keep me out of trouble.”

Chuck is a past board member of the Holland Area Beekeepers Association (HABA) and our 2017 ‘Beekeeper of the Year.’ He is past president of the Grand Rapids Area Bee Club and a member of five (yes, 5!) different bee clubs. He does bee presentations at all five clubs plus many others. He is a past board member of the Michigan Beekeepers Association (MBA) and their 2020 ‘Beekeeper of the Year.’ Chuck was awarded ‘Beekeeper of the Year 2020’ by the Michiana Beekeepers Association located in Indiana.

Honey Extraction / August 23

10 AM - 12 PM (the goal is to be done around noon)

Bring your capped honey frame(s) to extract, experience extracting other beekeepers’ honey frames, or simply watch the process. There will be 4-5 extractors on site. Don’t forget to bring enough containers with lids to take your honey home. Bees will be flying around so you may want to bring protective gear.

Free - No registration needed. Just show up to spin or watch all the sticky fun!!
Location: Don Lam Bees, 882 West 26th Street, Holland, MI 49423

Honey Bee Nutrition and Feeding - August 7 (1 week earlier than usual)

Dr. Meghan Milbrath
Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology, Michigan State University

In this session, Meghan will discuss the nutritional needs of honey bees at both the colony and the individual level. Meghan will discuss assessing a colony to determine if the nutritional needs are met, signs of starvation, and nutritional stress. Participants will learn when and how to supplementary feed, including preparation for winter or periods of drought.

This meeting is the 1st Thursday of the month, one week earlier than usual!

Varroa Mite Detection & Control for Healthy Bees

Registration is FULL ~ ~ Waiting list sign up LINK

The Field Day will start with a presentation created by MSU Extension office, followed by hands-on options to test for mites and simulate treatment options.

Registration Required - $10 fee payable at the event (cash or check made out to HABA). Includes Varroa alcohol wash mite test kit.
Location: Don Lam Bees, 882 West 26th Street, Holland, MI 49423

Pest Management

Don Lam, Don Lam Bees

What to look for, what not to worry about, when to take action, and how to deal with each situation.

Don and Jean Lam have been keeping bees for 27+ years. They provide pollination services, produce honey, and frequently host field trips to their apiaries. Don teaches local and state beekeeping classes and gives presentations to community groups. Don is a founding member of HABA. donlambees.com - Holland, MI

Queen Rearing and Splits (Colony Increase) Workshop - 2nd of 2 parts
Shaana Way, Instructor

See June 7 event for complete details.

As of June 3, only 3 spots left!

— Registration LINK —

June 14 / Part 2 - See June 7 Part 1 for details and sign-up.
This is a 2-part series on June 7 & 14. Attendance at both is expected.
- 12-12:30- Recap of June 7
- 12:30-?? Inspect hives for queen cells and make splits
- Demo on marking queens
- Q&A / possible option to purchase the new colonies and/or mated queens
- WEARING PROTECTIVE GEAR IS REQUIRED!

“Peak Season Prep (Honey and Colonies)”

Shaana Way, Grassroots Honey Co., Honey Joy Farm, Galesburg, MI

Shaana has been a beekeeper for a decade - and it was love at first sting. With a passion for farming, gardening, and ecology, beekeeping brought together many aspects of Shaana’s interests into one sweet package.

​In addition to producing honey, she breeds queen bees, makes candles, and provides pollination services to fruit growers. Shaana has done two volunteer beekeeping education assignments abroad: in the Dominican Republic in 2018 and Jamaica in 2022.

Shaana has a farm in Galesburg where she cultivates native plants and trees that encourage a diverse and healthy diet for pollinators.

Queen Rearing and Splits (Colony Increase) Workshop - 1st of 2 parts
Shaana Way, Instructor

As of June 3, only 3 spots left!!

— Registration LINK —

Part 1 - June 7, 12-3 pm
- 12-1:30 -Classroom (cover 3-4 methods of generating queens for increase)
- 1:30-3 PM - hands-on in the hives (target 3 strong hives)

Part 2 - June 14, 12-3 pm
- 12-12:30 PM - Recap June 7
- 12:30- ?? Inspect hives for queen cells and make splits.
- Demo on marking queens
- Q&A / possible option to purchase the new colonies and/or mated queens

Limited to 25 participants for this 2-part Field Event. Attendance on both dates is expected.
Cost: $30 per participant plus Eventbrite fees, including BOTH dates.
WEARING PROTECTIVE GEAR IS REQUIRED!

"Swarm Behavior (and Stories): Towards Understanding Those Little Buzzers."

Dr. Anthony Meyer, Grand Valley State University

This presentation offers an overview of swarm biology and behavior, environmental and seasonal cues, and engages a few perplexing questions about the fascinating dynamics of colony increase and division, from swarm cell building to establishing a new nest. The talk concludes with some personal blunders, close calls, as well as tips and tricks from a climbing arborist on catching swarms.

Field Day - Bee Package Installation Demos - NEW DATE!!

Free - No Registration, show up!

Demo Times: 9 AM - 11 AM - 1 PM - 3 PM - 5 PM

Location: Don Lam Bees, 882 West 26th Street, Holland, MI 49423

Choose a time to experience firsthand how it’s done. Protective gear should be worn! Get up close and personal to observe or participate in the process. In-person observation is the best way to learn. HABA board members will be there to greet you and conduct demos.

April 30 - Don needs people to help unload the bee packages.

• 8 AM, approximate truck arrival

• 10+ people, takes about 2-3 hours

• No beekeeping experience needed!

• Protective suit/jacket and gloves is helpful.

• You will meet new people who love honey bees!!!

  Please let him know if you will be there, but you can just show up.