DANVILLE, Ill. – Are you curious about beekeeping and how to start your own hive? Join the Vermilion County Master Gardeners for a fascinating evening with local backyard beekeepers Toby and Paige Brown on Tuesday, March 18, at 6 p.m. at the Danville Public Library (319 N Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61832). This engaging and conversational presentation will offer valuable insights and practical tips for both beginners and those with some experience.
Toby and Paige Brown will share their personal experiences and offer expert advice on everything from choosing equipment to maintaining a healthy hive. They’ll also touch on the process of making honey, which starts with bees collecting nectar and ends with the bees converting it into honey. Honey is a delicious natural sweetener with nutritional value, providing antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium.
The event will also feature hands-on displays of beekeeping equipment and plenty of opportunities for attendees to ask questions and learn more about the art of beekeeping. You'll also learn about the different honey varieties available, such as rich buckwheat honey, multi-floral raw honey, smooth and spreadable creamed honey, and flavored honey. Whether you’re thinking about starting your own hive or want to know more about these vital pollinators, this event is a must-attend for anyone interested in the world of bees.
"This is a great opportunity for anyone who has ever wondered about beekeeping," said Jenney Hanrahan, Extension Educator and event organizer. "Toby and Paige bring a wealth of knowledge and a passion for beekeeping, and their presentation will offer something for everyone – from the curious beginner to those looking to dive deeper into beekeeping."
This free program is open to the public and requires no registration. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please get in touch with the Vermilion County Extension office at 217-442-8615. For more information or to get registered, visit go.illinois.edu/VCMGBeekeeping
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.