With spring gardening season now underway, Chattooga County Extension is reminding local gardeners that not every insect in the garden is a bad thing.
The familiar buzz of hummingbird wings will soon return to Chattooga County and surrounding communities as spring migration gets underway. As temperatures gradually warm, ruby-throated hummingbirds are making their long journey north from wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America.
Anyone interested in starting beekeeping can “start your beekeeping journey” at a Beekeeping Short Course hosted by the Northwest Georgia Beekeepers Association on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The class will be held at the Walker County Ag Center, and organizers say seats are limited with registration available online.
The cost is $65, and the course is designed to cover the basics needed to get started with beekeeping. Organizers say the fee includes the book First Lessons in Beekeeping, a binder with handouts, lunch, a one-year membership to NWGBA for new members, and a chance to win door prizes.
The event is sponsored by the Northwest Georgia Beekeepers Association, Walker County Extension, Forester Farms & Apiary, and the Georgia Honey Bee License Plate Grant. For more information, visit the association’s event list online or email info@nwgabeekeepers.com
The Northwest Georgia Beekeepers Association is inviting area residents to a special club meeting focused on protecting honeybee hives from pesticide exposure, with guest speakers scheduled to answer questions and share practical information for local beekeepers.