A.S.M.B.
The Association of Southern Maryland Beekeepers (ASMB) is a non-profit organization in Southern Maryland that offers support to beekeepers and education to the public about the mighty honeybee. Our mission is to assist beekeepers in our region with new skills and knowledge and to help them become the very best at the art of keeping bees. Our mission is to educate the public about honey bees, and their importance in our ecosystem. We achieve these goals through outreach, education, and volunteer opportunities throughout the community.
The Board of Directors 2024
Diane Wellons
President
Diane has been keeping bees for 8 years. Is a graduate of the University of Montana Master Beekeepers Course.. She stays busy these days with her animals and farm in
SO. MD
She is one of the admins for our Facebook group and an active lifetime member of our club.
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Monika Herdlick
Vice President
Monika is a retired helicopter pilot. She has twins that are getting ready to graduate high school and go to college and she became a beekeeper last year as an apprentice at a local apiary. She loves crochet/knitting and gardening.
Joe Myers
Treasurer
Joe retired from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2010; he is an avid gardener, and enjoys his “hobby” as a beekeeper and the simple rewards bee colonies bring; from witnessing the social personalities of each hive, to the non-stop pollination activity in the yard. He also volunteers with the bee exhibits at the local county fairs, and manages the ASMB newsletter.
Kara Buckmaster
Secretary
Kara is a third year beekeeper and graduate student with a background in public administration and emergency management. She enjoys beekeeping as a way to disconnect and decompress from her work and studies. She also appreciates the educational aspect of the hobby and the opportunity to socialize with other "beeks" in the community.
Upcoming Events
Fall meeting changed from Oct 26th to Nov 17th-
See below for info.
Next ASMB Meeting - FALL FAMILY FUN MEETING & DINNER
​Sunday Afternoon/Evening November 17th, 2024 4:00pm-8pm (Open to members only)
​ LOCATION: Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department
28165 Hills Club Rd, Mechanicsville, MD 20659 ​​​
Please see your email for Newsletter with Sign up genius
You Must RSVP on sign up genius with number of people coming
so we can plan for enough food.
Menu: Catered BBQ dinner
PLUS--Bring a bottle of your 2024 honey for a black bag honey tasting contest!
We will see if Keith and Jess Gagnon can hold on to the
#1 honey in the tri county title again for 2024 !
Education-Coming 2025
ASMB in conjunction with the College of Southern Maryland
Beginner Beekeeper Short Course from 9amto 12 noon
Saturday February 8th
Saturday February 15th
Saturday February 22th
CSM La Plata Campus- See winter catalog (not yet published) for more details. We will drop a link here as we get closer to the dates.
What's Buzzin'?
Seasons Change.....
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​Welcome to fall bee friends!
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I hope you are enjoying the fall season and the amazing beekeeping weather we have been having!
It has been really wonderful playing with the bees the last few weeks. I hope you have made time for inspecting, treating and beginning your winter preparations for the close of the season.
Some colonies are already slowing down, some are in full brood mode. Either way, the change of seasons and weather means a lot will be happening inside the hives over the next month or so. They need to raise up some fat bodied bees, fill up the pantry with groceries and prepare to get the queen slowed down.
If you have noticed your bees are more defensive, flying all over and generally making a nuisance of themselves, then you are experiencing the same things we are. The bees have been bananas. I'm just spit balling here, but the goldenrod has done bloomed and gone, so has the sumac and devils walking stick. Everything seemed to happen early this year. Maybe there's simply nothing to forage out there. You could try feeding them and see if things improve.
Overall, it's time to start winter preps. Count and treat for varroa, have winter hive wraps at the ready if you plan to use them. Decide and prepare whatever kind of food or feeding system you plan to use. Refer to your text by Diana Sammataro and Alphonse Avitabile for winterizing information. We will cover this information at our Fall Meeting Nov 17th. It will be a closed meeting for Members in Good Standing since we are having the catered dinner after- Double check your dues to make sure you are paid up--you can do this here on our site at the "Join our Hive" tab.
We will look forward to seeing everyone there. It has been a fun filled crazy beekeeping season. I for one look forward to the winter slow down.
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Stay Safe, stay healthy & Happy keeping Friends!
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Excellent Tools for Varroa Management
Concerned about varroa destructor? Want to know what to do and when? Then take a look at this link to the honey bee health coalition and use their varroa management tool. Varroa Management Decision Tool
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Go to the RESOURCE CORNER page for more beekeeping information
Announcements
Spring Meet and Greet March 16th, 2024 @ Prince Frederick Library RM 1&2
9am to 1130 am open meeting for the public. 1130-130pm Spring Meet & Greet Luncheon
for all members.
Some of our outreach: ASMB Beginning beekeepers short course with the College of Southern Maryland
Earth Day in Leonardtown and
Earth Day at Summerseat Farm
Chesapeake Natives Flower Sale
Annmarie Sculpture Garden Solomons Island Insectival
Charles County Fair
St. Mary's County Fair
Calvert County fair
State Fair Honey Booth
Sunflower festival-Farm Heritage Conservancy
POP up educational opportunities at schools, scout meetings, etc.
Get in Touch
To contact us, set up a meeting or inquire about an upcoming event, fill out the form and we’ll get right back to you.