Category Archives: Outreach

Who’s afraid of a few bees?

Posted on May 1, 2024 by Ron Miksha

Yesterday’s New York Times had a lengthy first-person account of the disturbing tale of a home invasion. Dozens came in, none left alive. According to the author, Sarah Kliff, “Honey bees invaded my house, and no one would help.” This … Continue reading →

Posted in Beekeeping, Outreach, Save the Bees, Stings | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

The Native and Non-Native Bee Debate

Posted on November 29, 2023 by Ron Miksha

A few days ago, I sat down with the folks at Beekeeping Today Podcast to talk about how our non-native honey bees may affect native bees. Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman were informed, sympathetic interviewers. I had a great time … Continue reading →

Posted in Beekeeping, Culture, or lack thereof, Ecology, Native Bees, Outreach, Personal, Podcasts, Save the Bees | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Support the Students

Posted on April 18, 2022 by Ron Miksha

I don’t usually ask readers to help (even with good causes), but you will feel great about this one. The University of Calgary, where I am looking at the interaction between honey bees and native bees, has a smart group … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Ecology, Native Bees, Outreach, Save the Bees | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Not the only bees in town

Posted on August 10, 2021 by Ron Miksha

Although my life has centred on honey bees, I realize that they are not the only bee species in town. Here in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, we have about 200 species of bees – from giant bumble bees to rather petite … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Ecology, Friends, Native Bees, Outreach | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Free Beekeeping Information!

Posted on July 23, 2021 by Ron Miksha

A couple of evenings ago, I Zoomed into a Western Apicultural Society mini-conference. This is a new monthly affair for the 43-year-old educational organization. The mini-conference is one of the few positive results of the dreadful Covid lockdown. Virtual conferences … Continue reading →

Posted in Beekeeping, Outreach | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

World Bee Day 2021

Posted on May 20, 2021 by Ron Miksha

World Bee Day, 2021: World Bee Day is on May 20 of each year. It’s not just about honey bees. Although the idea arose in Slovenia, a little country that’s really big on honey-bee keeping, it’s also a celebration of … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, or lack thereof, History, Native Bees, Outreach, People, Save the Bees | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Face-off

Posted on January 3, 2021 by Ron Miksha

I was one of the first Facebook users on my block. I’m not usually an “early adapter” – I let others struggle with beta versions, then I move in when the system is actually working. But I heard about Facebook … Continue reading →

Posted in Outreach, Personal, Strange, Odd Stuff | 22 Comments

Covid: Saturday at the Hive

Posted on July 18, 2020 by Ron Miksha

Our local bee club (Calgary & District Beekeepers Association)  coordinates a nice summertime event, Saturday at the Hive. Experienced beekeepers offer to show their colonies to newer beekeepers. The guest list is limited and cleared through the bee club, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Bee Yards, Friends, Outreach | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Big Bee Meet

Posted on March 1, 2020 by Ron Miksha

This is sort of a public service announcement for Alberta beekeepers. Alberta is a place in Canada, population 4 million, north of Montana, home to the Calgary Stampede, some NHL teams, and the best honey in the world. Deer and … Continue reading →

Posted in Outreach, Personal, Strange, Odd Stuff | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Seeing 20-20

Posted on January 1, 2020 by Ron Miksha

What will the new year (and decade) bring?  Although “20-20” denotes perfect vision, I doubt we’ll be so lucky. I suspect that we’ll continue with our near-sighted attitudes toward . . . everything. We can’t help it. We’re hardwired that … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, or lack thereof, Ecology, Outreach, Personal | Tagged | 1 Comment