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
ASMB Meeting Schedule-See below
ASMB Meeting - Social Format
Next ASMB Meeting Standard Meeting Format
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Monday evening May 6th, 2024
Hughesville Vol. Fire Department
6:30pm-9:00 pm open to the public.
Swarming and management- Thinking about honey-Fall Fair Ideas
Hughesville Volunteer Fire
15245 Prince Frederick Rd, Hughesville, MD 20637
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Deep Hive Dive-
Education event @Shlagel Farm in Waldorf-
ASMB Members ONLY Event - See your newsletter for more information​
May 11th 4:30pm-7pm
Allan Storm will be teaching us how to Build and manage a resource hive.
BRING YOUR VEIL/GLOVES/GEAR AND DRESS FOR BEEKEEPING
What's Buzzin'?
Seasons Change.....
I can almost feel the Spring
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I do feel it. In fact, I smell it. It's the smell of fresh flowers and pollen. It's crispy air mornings and sunshine filled afternoons. It's the sight of bees buzzing happily around the front of the hives. It's the feeling of joy at seeing we've still got bees~ they lived through the winter!
It is by far the most joyous and exciting time of the year, for beekeepers!
If we did our work well in the Fall, the reward come Spring is life fulfilled in the hives. Colonies of honey bees thrumming along with the changing of the seasons. It's time to get ready to go. Prepare for Nucs, Swarm prep and prevention, and capturing the nectar flow, it will all be upon the region soon. Take note, if you are a beekeeper- get cracking. Paint those hive bodies so they can dry well. Or get your phone-a-friend on speed dial to help you split your colonies, so they don't swarm off. Dust off those Honey Supers, air them out if they have had paramoth on them. When the redbud blooms, that's when I add my supers to hives. I'm so excited I can barely stand the excitement. If you are an allergy sufferer, I hope you have been eating some local honey a little bit each day since the first part of February, at least to try to build up some tolerance in your system. It's coming y'all. Spring, it's almost here!!!
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Happy Keeping friends.
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
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.