Longtime Mattituck beekeeper Chris Kelly discovered late last month that eight hive stands at his bee yards in Aquebogue had been knocked over, likely by vandals, splitting up bee clusters, exposing them to winter elements and killing them. He was stunned to silence and wondered, “What should I do?” READ
CARRIE MILLER PHOTO | The male bumblebee (center) just watch as the workers buzz about.
Master beekeeper Chris Kelly of The Plantage in Mattituck has been teaching aspiring beekeepers the dos and don’ts of caring for bees for 10 years. And with over 40 years experience, he offers a lot of guidance.
The past several years have been tough on bees, and their keepers. Colony collapse, parasites and even pesticides are causing harmful effects, culminating in what some North Fork beekeepers said was just the toughest season to date.
Luckily, raised awareness of the bees’ recent difficulties has resulted in more people interested in becoming beekeepers.
But you don’t have to become a beekeeper to help these little pollinators.
Mr. Kelly explains how to help feed the bees.