Beekeeping | Illinois Extension

Blog Posts

Honeybees aren't as sweet as they may seem

April 18, 2025

When most people think about pollinators, they envision the honeybee (Apis mellifera) buzzing from flower to flower collecting nectar and...

DriftWatch map for Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, and Putnam Counties.

Online mapping tools help connect growers, beekeepers, and pesticide applicators

July 17, 2024

Pesticides are essential for commercial growers to control weeds, insects, and disease, and are an integral part of an...

Conservation at Home sign in a flower garden

Embrace eco-friendly yards with Conservation@Home in West Central Illinois

February 27, 2024

Conservation@Home is making its way to our region, thanks to the collaborative...

Feeding bees with syrup through the hive inner cover

Prepare your bees for winter

November 11, 2021

When temperatures start getting cold in late fall, it's time to make those last-minute preparations that help your bees have the best chance of...

News Releases

August 29, 2024

Ogle County Farm Stroll set for Oct. 13
OREGON, Ill. - Have you ever wanted to see a beekeeper in action? Or pick your own apples and berries? Join us for this free, family-friendly event that will satisfy your local food cravings and curiosity!On Sunday, October 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the University of Illinois Extension...

July 11, 2024

Embrace Self-Sufficiency: Kickstart Your Modern Homesteading Adventure
Embrace Self-Sufficiency: Kickstart Your Modern Homesteading AdventureHave you ever wanted to learn how to do any of the following?Make sourdough breadFerment vegetablesKeep bees or chickensCompost kitchen and yard wasteGrow...

Tri-color background with Four Seasons Gardening text

March 4, 2024

Explore outdoor, backyard hobbies with spring webinar series
URBANA, Ill. — In a few short months, spring will be sprung. Kick it off by discovering a new outdoor hobby or backyard project to add to the to-do list through Four Seasons Gardening webinars beginning March 19....

Back view of a man with a smoker in his hand approaching urban beehives

August 19, 2021

Urban beekeeper's planned expansion pays off during pandemic
URBANA, Ill. – Approaching the hives along the Metra tracks on Chicago’s south side the smell of grass smoke intensifies as Oscar Villa, beekeeper, and owner of Bee-utiful Honey, waves his smoker. “Don’t worry, come closer. Young bees tend not...

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