A2B2 – Helping Honeybees to Thrive, One Healthy Hive at a Time
Ann Arbor Backyard Beekeepers Club (A2B2) is dedicated to beekeeping education, mentoring, networking, and advocacy within the Ann Arbor area. We provide an informational and social venue for beekeepers of all levels to cooperate and share experiences. We are a non-profit organization that is open to all individuals interested in honeybees and beekeeping. Donations are tax-deductible.
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.
Our educational programs fall into three broad categories:
• A2B2 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 (1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI).
• A2B2 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.
• A2B2 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.
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.
Our educational programs fall into three broad categories:
• A2B2 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 (1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI).
• A2B2 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.
• A2B2 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.
