Bees perform approximately 80% of all pollination worldwide and bee colonies have declined precipitously over the last few years. Maintaining a backyard beehive can help increase our local bee population which in turn will foster community pollination and support our local food supplies. Come learn about the importance of honeybees, gain a general knowledge of honey bee biology, and how to care for honey bees throughout the year. Students will be taught how to recognize common honey bee ailments and pests, as well as the methods for treating them.
Mel has been involved with the Essex County Beekeepers Association (ECBA) for over 16 years. He maintains 22 hives, three at schools where he works with students as the beekeepers, and 16 hives at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln, MA. Mel has been involved with using non-traditional types of hives (top bar, Warre hives, Slovinian & Valkyrie Horizontal hives) as well as the traditional Langstroth hive. As part of his work at Drumlin Farm, Mel has been conducting experiments with natural approaches to dealing with the problems of the bees.
Mel was named the “Beekeeper of the Year” in 2017 by the Massachusetts Beekeepers Association.
Mel Gadd
