Library Offers Free Program On Backyard Beekeeping

The Marguerite deAngeli Library in Lapeer is offering a free presentation on Backyard Beekeeping on Monday, May 21, from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

There are an estimated 200,000 beekeepers in the United States; most are hobbyists with less than 25 hives.  The benefit of harvesting fresh honey from your own hive makes beekeeping a rewarding hobby.

Backyard beekeeping is on the rise in Michigan. The 2012 United Stated Department of Agriculture’s National Honey Report states Michigan ranks seventh in the nation for honey production, harvesting 4.74 million pounds in 2011, up 15% from 2010. On average, each American consumes about 1.3 pounds of honey per year.

Richard Leonard from the Michigan Beekeepers Association has been keeping bees for over 35 years. He began his first beehive as a swarm at age 15, shortly after he started working for a local beekeeper. He currently keeps over 30 hives in the Lapeer area. Mr. Leonard will be sharing his expertise on beginning backyard beekeeping with attendees.

To register for this informational program call (810) 664-6971. For more information about this or other upcoming library events please visit www.library.lapeer.org.