PROPOSAL TO LOCATE A LEARNING BEE YARD
ON THE
POQUOSON MUSEUM PROPERTY BY THE
COLONIAL BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION
V3
WHO WE ARE: Colonial Beekeepers Association (herein referred to as the “CBA”) is a group of hobbyist beekeepers located on the Virginia peninsula and recognized and in good standing with the Virginia State Beekeepers Association. Our membership is over 230 members. The purpose of the CBA as outlined in our Constitution and By Laws is:
1. Foster the keeping and efficient management of honey bees
2. Educate the members in the science and techniques of apiculture
3. To inform members of the public of the ecological and economic benefits of honey bee culture
WHY WE WANT TO LOCATE A LEARNING BEE YARD ON MUSEUM PROPERTY: Learning hives provide the CBA an excellent learning environment for both our new and experienced beekeepers. Each year the CBA conducts a free Beginner’s Beekeeper’s Course in which over 50 new members learn about all aspects of beekeeping. The final graduation session is a Field Day to inspect and manage hives under supervision of experienced beekeepers. In addition, the CBA conducts routine Field Days during the year to expose beekeepers and interested public to the various phases of beekeeping. Lastly, and most appropriate in this location is that a Learning Bee Yard provides the public the opportunity to learn about and safely observe operating honey bee hives.
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED LEARNING BEE YARD: The following describes the location, description, access and maintenance of the proposed Learning Bee Yard:
- The Learning Bee Yard will be located _(TBD on agreement with the Museum Board).
- The Learning Bee Yard will be composed of no more than four hives on the Poquoson Museum property located in an approximately 25’ X 25’ fence-enclosed area mutually agreed upon by the Poquoson Museum board and CBA.
- The CBA will use accepted procedures and techniques to manage the honey bee colonies, hives and bee yard on a periodic basis.
- CBA members will require seven days a week, daytime access to the Learning Bee Yard to manage hives when necessary. Bee Yard routine maintenance during the spring and early summer months may involve weekly or daily inspections and equipment changes to the hives. Late summer and winter months require very sporadic inspections or changes to prepare the hives for the winter months.
- A galvanized metal (or similar) enclosed fence will be installed to provide security and ensure the public’s safe distance from the hive entrances. A gate will remain locked and opened only under supervision of a CBA Learning Bee Yard beekeeper.
- Warning signs will be posted on the fencing to warn the public of presence of honey bees.
- A Honey Bee informational sign similar to the Learning Garden signage will be erected to provide information to the public concerning honey bees.
- The CBA will maintain the area within the fenced yard and around the outside of the Bee Yard to keep the yard neat and trimmed.
- Hives will be painted and placed on stands to elevate them 10-20 inches above the ground. Hives will vary in height depending on season and honey bee activity.
- Hand carts or possibly a golf cart to transport hive parts and equipment may be used on the property and trails for maintenance of the bee yard.
- During winter months (November – February) hives may be insulated on the outside using construction grade building insulation panels.
- A commercially purchased storage box may be located within the enclosure to store beekeeping equipment.
- Emergency contact numbers and a list of approved CBA Learning Bee Yard beekeepers authorized to access the Learning Bee Yard will be provided to the Museum staff.
- Liability Release: The CBA will ensure every CBA member accessing the Learning Bee Yard will have signed a Museum Liability Release form and filed with the museum staff prior to entry.
- CBA Learning Events:
-- CBA will conduct Learning Bee Yard events (Field Days) 4 – 5 times per year during the spring and summer months. These will be scheduled with the museum staff to avoid conflicting with Museum activities.
-- Field Days are typically scheduled on Saturday or Sunday afternoons and may be attended by up to about 35 beekeepers.
-- Only CBA members authorized to instruct or mange the Learning Bee Yard will have access and supervise others entering the Bee Yard.
- CBA will conduct a Honey Bee information presentation once a year to the museum public if requested.
MISCELLEANIOUS:
- This agreement can be terminated by either party and will require 30 days’ notice.
- CBA will require access to a water supply and power source.
- CBA personnel will require access to Museum restroom facilities when the Museum is open.
______Date: ______
PAUL THOMASSON
President, Colonial Beekeepers Association
Thomasson Page 2