COAREC Saturday in the Apiary
Below is the preliminary schedule for 2026. Dates and times are subject to change, depending on weather conditions and Heike Williams’ schedule.
Invitations to monthly workshops, which include an RSVP button, will be sent 5 to 8 days before each workshop to those who have registered for notification.
Saturday in the Apiary is a casual, loosely structured event intended to provide a learning experience in a relaxed setting.
It usually takes place on the second Saturday of the month at COAREC (Central Oregon Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Oregon State University) in Madras.
Times may vary.
During the session we:
Perform hive inspections
Discuss colony management strategies for the month
Implement them
You will need to bring your own gear (veil/gloves).
A limited number of veils are available upon request.
Everyone who is comfortable being around live honey bees is welcome.
This is a free event.
Participants may earn program credit:
Getting-Started students can earn “In the Bees” points
Apprentices can earn Education points
Journeys who help lead a group can earn Service points
Please join us for the first workshop of the season. Learn how to check colonies for the queen, the brood pattern, how to "equalize" and possibly adjust the location of the brood nest. Also, it is a great opportunity to meet beekeepers in your region: see familiar faces or make new friends.
Participants in the Oregon Master Beekeeper Program can earn 'In the Bees' (Getting-Started) or Education (Apprentice) points. Are you a Journey and like to help? Let Heike know ahead of time and earn Service Points.
RSVP is required and space is limited, so register early by clicking HERE. This event is weather dependent. Those who RSVP will receive a follow-up email with details. For more information, contact Heike Williams at heike.williams@oregonstate.edu
Saturday in the Apiary is a casual, loosely structured event intended to provide a learning experience in a relaxed setting. We perform hive inspections, discuss colony management strategies for the month, and implement them. Everyone who is comfortable being around live honey bees is welcome. You will need to bring your own gear (veil/gloves). Limited amount of veils available upon request. This is a free event.
SitA (Saturday in the Apiary) in 2026: May 9, June 13, July/August TBD, September 12, October 10, December TBD. Times may vary. Dates subject to change.
5:00 PM – Beginner’s Corner
*5:30 PM - Intermediate/Expert Q&A
6:15 PM – Presentations
We have a great program lined up this month!
FIRST UP: Getting Started with iNaturalist
Presented by Julie O'Connor
Julie will give us a quick intro to iNaturalist - a free app that helps you identify plants, insects, and wildlife right from your phone. Beekeepers have found it really handy for tracking forage plants and bloom times in their area, and it's a fun way to contribute to community science. If you haven't tried it yet, this is a great place to start.
THEN: Allergic Reactions to Bee Stings
Presented by Jenna Judd
Jenna will share her personal experience with a serious allergic reaction to bee stings and the follow-up treatment she pursued afterward. She'll talk about how reactions can develop, what she learned along the way, and what options are available for beekeepers who want to understand their own risk better.
This is a personal account and a conversation starter. For medical questions about your own situation, your doctor is always the right first call.
*The Intermediate/Expert Q&A social time is a new addition this month. It's intended to be a relaxed opportunity to swap notes, ask the harder questions, and connect with more experienced members over a bite to eat.
COBKA Meetings Online
Please note that you will need to be signed in as a COBKA member. The Beginner’s Corner portion of the meeting is not typically streamed.
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COMING SOON: BEES & BREWS
Based on feedback from last month's meeting, we're scheduling our monthly casual gathering - Bees & Brews - starting in May. They will be held on the first Thursdays of each month! 5:30pm at Crux Fermentation Project
No host - Come talk bees, swap stories, and get to know fellow beeks in a relaxed setting. All experience levels welcome.
Bees & Brews is a casual monthly gathering for beekeepers of all experience levels. No agenda, no presentations...just an informal chance to connect with fellow beekeepers, swap stories, ask questions.
Whether you're a seasoned beekeeper or just getting started, you'll find good conversation and a welcoming crowd.
WHEN & WHERE
First Thursday of each month
5:30 pm Crux Fermentation Project
50 SW Division St, Bend, OR 97702
SitA (Saturday in the Apiary) in 2026: June 13, July/August TBD, September 12, October 10, December TBD. Times may vary. Dates subject to change.
Meeting topic/s will be added asap
SitA (Saturday in the Apiary) in 2026: July/August TBD, September 12, October 10, December TBD. Times may vary. Dates subject to change.
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