Beekeeper explains age-old practice

Steiner, a member of the Northeast Oklahoma Beekeeping Association, said there are no “hard or fast rules in beekeeping.”  As a member of NEOBA, one of the most active bee groups in the country, Steiner said those new to bees and apiary science in the state can get good information from experienced beekeepers.

As to what has happened to large numbers of bees this year, Steiner said, “That’s the mystery.  It is highly unusual.”  None of her hives have been affected.  The cycle of last year’s drought and this year’s wet spring has created other issues for bees, and Steiner said no one she knows is bragging about honey production this year.  Rain kept bees and blooming plants from being as productive as usual.

Steiner’s informative talk was one of several  presentations offered this summer to Master Naturalists in the Tulsa area.

The Oklahoma Master Naturalist program is organized and supported by Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service with additional support from state and federal natural resource agencies.  Both the Northeast Chapter, in Tulsa and the Central Chapter, in Oklahoma City meet monthly and utilize a wide range of experienced instructors from universities and natural resource agencies for their core workshops and advanced training opportunities.

The goal of the program is to provide participants with the background required to be an effective, well-rounded naturalist educator.   Marley Beem, program coordinator and assistant Extension specialist in the department of natural resources, ecology and management at OSU, said the national program is similar to the Master Gardener program.

“What we don’t experience, we don’t value,” Beem said.  He said the public is increasingly out of touch with nature.

Master Naturalists “pay back” training hours with service hours through options that can include projects such as a current focus on assisting the Partners in Fish and Wildlife program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in efforts to monitor restored wetland projects around the state.  Other possible service projects include developing interpretative trails, holding educational programs at Oklahoma parks or schools, leading nature walks and helping with other presentations or information booths at events such as fairs.

Training for the Master Naturalist Northeast Chapter is set for the first four Tuesdays of October.  Sessions start at 9:30 a.m. and end at 3 p.m., and will cover basic ecological processes, aquatic and riparian ecosystems, urban ecosystems and communication skills.  Workshops are held at the Tulsa County Cooperative Extension Service office at 4116 E. 15^th Street.  There is a $50 fee to cover an extensive binder of course materials, drinks and snacks for breaks and supplies for potluck type lunches.  Space is limited to 20 participants and the training is for those 18 years old and over.

More information is available at the Master Naturalist web site located at http://www.okmasternaturalist.org.

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CUTLINE:

Fonda Steiner explains to a group of Master Naturalists how hives are constructed in specific ways to assist beekeepers in managing bees and in the production of honey.  (Photo by Janet F. Reeder)

MEDIA CONTACT:
Janet F. Reeder, BA, MS
Agricultural Communications Services
142 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK  74078
405.744.3651
janet.reeder@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating:  The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.