We are a group of beekeepers in the northwestern corner of Virginia who are dedicated to increasing public awareness about beekeeping and the valuable role of honey bees  in nature and agriculture.  We promote the art and science of beekeeping. 
Curious about bees, interested in learning about bees, or already a beekeeper,
come visit us, we'd enjoy meeting you! 
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There is a shocking future awaiting us if we don't work
to help save our precious pollinators.
Explore our website and learn more about the importance
of bees and how beekeepers are working to resolve this crisis.

Q.) What is the hobby of beekeeping called?
A.) Apiculture - Beekeeping is called apiculture. Apiculture refers to the maintenance of bee colonies in manmade hives. Basically, apiculture is the scientific method of raising Honey Bees.

Q.) Why don't beekeepers get stung often?
A.) Beekeepers use strategies to avoid stings. Beekeepers also often use smokers when working with their bees. A little smoke around the hive helps to calm the bees and make them less active. When they're calm and docile, bees are much less likely to sting.

Q.) Do bees remember you?
A.) Bees may have brains the size of poppy seeds, but they're able to pick out individual features on human faces and recognize them during repeat interactions.

Q.) Can bees recognize humans?
A.) Well, we don't all look alike to them, according to a new study that shows Honey Bees, who have 0.01% of the neurons that humans do, can recognize and remember individual human faces.

Q.) What colors do bees not like?
A.) Bees instinctively perceive dark colors as a threat. Wear white, tan, cream, or gray clothing as much as possible and avoid black, brown, or red clothes.

Q.) Do bees like music?
A.) Scientific studies show that Honey Bees prefer the music genre of "Bee-Bop" more than anything.

Q.) What to give to a dying bee?
A.) If you find a tired bee in your home, a simple solution of sugar and water will help revive an exhausted bee. Simply mix two tablespoons of white, granulated sugar with one tablespoon of water, and place on a spoon for the bee to reach.

Q.) Can bees fly in the rain?
A.) They can fly in light rain, but they don't like to. They use the sun for navigation, so cloudy, wet weather isn't their favorite thing. A heavy rain can make their wings wet, slowing them down.

Q.) Do bees drink water?
A.) Bees need food, water, and shelter. The pollen and nectar that constitute a bee's diet don't contain much moisture, so bees must have a water source.

Q.) Why are there no king bees?
A.) There's no such thing as 'a king bee'. A honey bee queen is the single most important bee in a colony, as she produces the population in a colony.

Q.) Do bees poop?
A.) So, to answer the question on everyone's lips, yes, bees do poo; however, they are exceptionally clean, polite and hygienic animals and will groom themselves and each other like cats to maintain their pristine yellow fur coats.

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Meeting Information

Class Information

Membership Application

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MISSING OUR EMAIL?
Haven't heard from us lately? 
Check your email address
and update if necessary! 
We'd hate for you to miss out
on something great! (Members Only Corner)

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DRIBBLE - 
BONS Monthly Newsletter
Did you miss the president's monthly newsletter?
To Catch up or start fresh. 
(Click here)
If you have not been receiving a newsletter please contact Paul Peters. 
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DO IT NOW
Northern Virginia Honey Bee Annual Cycle
This is a suggested checklist of events in a beekeeper’s year. Weather conditions, hive locations, hive equipment, and the type of bees will influence actions and events throughout the year.
(click here)

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Hey beekeepers join in and lend a hand!
CATCH THE BUZZ AND VOLUNTEER
 

Sky Meadows Beekeeper Needed:
Volunteer beekeeper needed to take care of the apiary at Sky Meadows.
Contact Bruce Bryant for details.

Blandy Garden Fair:
- NEW 2021 LOCATION -
Mother's Day Weekend
Dates: May 7 – 9, 2021
Time: TBA
Event: Rain or Shine 
Volunteer: BONS Booth 

Location: Clarke County Ruritan Fairgrounds 
Address: 890 W. Main Street
Berryville, Virginia 22611
Interactive map directions: Click here   

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BONS CALENDAR
EVENTS AND PRESENTATIONS -
To submit a calendar date - (click here)
Please fill in the information and select submit.

 Indicates a BONS host member beeyard visit schedule