A2B2 – Helping Honeybees to Thrive, One Healthy Hive at a Time
We are a club dedicated to beekeeping education, mentoring, networking, and advocacy within the Ann Arbor area. Our educational efforts center on the amazing honeybee, Apis mellifera. Although the honeybee is not native to North America, its presence here dates back to the earliest European settlers. Since that time, it has established itself as an essential part of our food system. From commercial beekeepers that manage thousands of hives to the backyard hobbyist with one or two colonies, people are fascinated by this complex creature and the products of its labor – honey and beeswax.
Educational Programs
Bee SchoolA2B2 offers a unique, hands-on, season-long bee school where aspiring beekeepers learn everything they need to know to raise happy, healthy hives. We emphasize responsible beekeeping that keeps destructive pests like the Varroa mite under control using natural methods as much as possible. Bee School classes meet once a month, February through October. Although some classroom lecture time is involved, the majority of course work takes place in our club apiary, located at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Note: due to COVID-19, the format of the school has been modified.
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Festivals and EventsA2B2 participates in various festivals and other events, such as Matthaei's annual "Things with Wings" celebration, as well as partnering with other organizations such as Leslie Science and Nature Center, Bee Safe Neighborhoods-Ann Arbor, and Slow Food Huron Valley. If you're interested in partnering with A2B2 for an upcoming event, please email David Clipner, education director.
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For YoungstersA2B2 presents programs for young people. If you're interested in having a representative from A2B2 give a presentation to your school or scout group, please email David Clipner, education director.
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Online Resources
We're also in the process of enhancing the educational resources we have on our website, both those free for the public and those only for our club members. Check back for more information as we build this part of our online hive.
- So You Want to Be a Beekeeper? (Video) An overview and discussion of what it takes to get started in beekeeping, why you might want to, and what to expect. Click to see the blog post, which has more info and a link to the video.
- How to Install a Bee Package (Document) Many thanks to A2B2 club members Cindy Schroeder and Vicky Rudolph for sharing their PowerPoint presentation!
- Helpful Links
The A2B2 beginner bee school is a huge wealth of information and absolutely perfect for anyone just getting into beekeeping or if you are having a hard time keeping your bees alive over winter. I especially appreciated the time in the bee yard when I could really see for myself examples that were pointed out by the instructor and students. There is so much information out there so it’s very helpful to have a knowledgeable instructor. I also highly recommend the intermediate bee school after completing the beginner. The knowledge I gained in that class has made me confident that I can maintain a sustainable apiary for years to come!
- Sara Perez-Bergquist
