Serving the Greater Lynchburg, Virginia area and surrounding counties
bee on comb.png

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

What do we do as Piedmont Beekeepers Association?

  • Provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and dissemination of information.

  • Conduct beginner classes on practical beekeeping.

  • Work with community associations and the public to remove and re-hive honey bee colonies from structures.

  • Present demonstrations and programs to spread the word about the importance of this fascinating insect.

Why do we need more beekeepers?

Most people, when they think of bees, think of honey, the sweetest gift from the honey bee. Most people never think of how bees pollinate our crops, directly affecting Virginia agriculture. Approximately 1/3 of all our food requires pollinating by bees or other pollinators.

Some important fruit and vegetable crops which require honey bee pollination include apples, blueberries, strawberries, cantaloupes, squash, and watermelons. The yield on these crops would be severely diminished without the honey bee.

The populations of native bees has been in decline for several decades due to environmental stress and various pests. Hobby beekeepers can be an important factor in rebuilding populations and encouraging species health and diversity.

Although most honey bees are kept in rural settings, beehives are often seen in suburban backyards, cities, and even on rooftops. Many home gardeners keep a few hives to pollinate their fruits trees, vegetable and flower gardens.

More Bumblebees.jpg

Spread the buzz! Be a beekeeper!