Jensen encourages beekeeping hobby

Stockbridge-Munsee hosts beekeeping classes to give info, background on pollinators
By: 
Luke Reimer
Reporter

Beekeeping is the buzz in Bowler, as the Stockbridge-Munsee Tribe has hosted introductory classes for community members who may be interested in the hobby.

Beekeeper Josh Jensen led the class on Aug. 24 as he held a question and answer session and gave community members a firsthand look at harvesting honey from the bees.

“What the program was to do, was to add a honeybee element to the tribal farm and educate people on native pollinators and the process of the bees giving honey,” said Jensen. “Traditionally, we have held classes once a month from April to November, usually the third week of the month.”

While Jensen hosts the classes, he said they are not structured and that he invites anyone to come out to learn more about honeybees.

“I try to have a basic element of what we are talking about,” said Jensen. “It is more of a question and answer session.”

At the Aug. 24 class, Jensen walked the audience through the process of harvesting honey, which he said occurs during the later portion of the summer.

“Beekeeping is very regional; Wisconsin is a very heavy beekeeping state,” said Jensen. “It is mostly the area. You have to keep bees in the area and pay attention to what is going on around your yard. Down south, they might pull later, because their winter is a little bit shorter than ours.”

He said that harvesting honey in late summer allows bees to fill out their hives again before winter hits.

One takeaway from the class that Jensen said is important is the knowledge of the native pollinators in the area.

“I really like promoting those native pollinators — honeybees are great,” said Jensen. “I want people to come away knowing that we have more than just honeybees as pollinators, though. This is a really fulfilling hobby, and it is something that if you are really serious about and passionate about, I encourage people to seek it out.”

Jensen suggested that those who are interested in the hobby should do solid preliminary research, purchase the correct equipment and go to various meetings, where questions can be asked.

“If you are thinking about it, find local bee clubs. Talk on forums, even call bee equipment stores and ask questions,” Jensen said. “Because just to set up a hive, you can look at up to $1,000. It is a huge investment and a load of work.”

When talking about getting started with beekeeping, Jensen said that those interested should be made aware that bees do better in a rural setting.

“Look at a 3-mile radius around where you plan on keeping your bees,” said Jensen. “You want to be conscious of how you want to enclose them, if you are worried about skunks, bears and other pests. You can then go online or to a store and find the basic equipment.”

When ordering the pollinators, Jensen said that he likes to get bees from Facebook.

“The state insect is a honeybee, so we have a deep-rooted tradition in beekeeping here,” said Jensen. “You should not have any problem finding bees. You would order bees in January or February. Typically in this area, you pick bees up in mid-April to mid-May. You put your bees in the hive, and you want to make sure that they are building their combs straight.”


lreimer@newmedia-wi.com