BREWSTER, N.Y. — Putnam Youth are invited to take part in a 12-week, Introduction to 4-H Beekeeping program, led by local beekeeper Rodney Dow along with several Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteers.
Rodney Dow has been a sustainable beekeeper for more than 60 years. His love of beekeeping began at the age of 12, through his participation in the 4-H Youth Development program in Suffolk County, NY. Rodney, who now lives in Garrison, NY, is eager to share his passion for beekeeping to help cultivate the next generation of beekeepers.
The mission of this program is to educate 4-H participants, aged 12-15, about the fascinating world of honey bees and the art of beekeeping. Through hands-on experiences and interactive discussions, we aim to deepen their understanding of the crucial role bees play in our ecosystem and the joys and challenges of beekeeping. Our goal is to foster a lifelong appreciation for these amazing insects and encourage the next generation to protect and preserve honeybee populations.
The program, which will be held on Saturday mornings, from 9:00-11:00am, will start in Putnam Valley, with a series of educational lectures to help youth understand the value and significance of honeybees as well as the types of bees, honey and wax they produce, plants that attract bees, beekeeping equipment and how to keep records.
As the program advances, participants will learn how to build and maintain a hive and learn about important safety practices used by beekeepers. Each participant will be provided with the appropriate safety gear and a bee-suit. As the weather warms, the future beekeepers will travel to Tilly Foster Farm, in Brewster, NY, to begin working with a live hive where participants will have an opportunity to work directly with bees and learn the process of honey extraction.
This Intro to 4-H Beekeeping program, is a one-of-a-kind opportunity, for youth and their parents to work together to explore beekeeping and nurture a new hobby and passion. This program requires a significant commitment, therefore parental participation is required and parents will be expected to take part in most sessions.
Space in this program is extremely limited in order to provide each participant with individual learning opportunities.
For additional information, or registration please contact Dena Altavilla, 4-H Youth & Families Program Director at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County (CCEPC), or visit the CCEPC website at: Cornell Cooperative Extension.
For information about Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County’s community programs and events go to putnam.cce.cornell.edu/. Stay connected to CCEPC on Facebook at Facebook.com/cceputnam, and Instagram at Instagram.com/cceputnam and Twitter/@CCEPUTNAM
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County provides equal program and employment opportunities. Please contact our office at 845-278-6738 if you have any special needs.
–Cornell Cooperative Extension Putnam County