I am a registered Journeyman beekeeper with Oregon State University, though the program was in early development at the time when I completed the apprentice level and I dropped off from it for several years ago Although I am a registered Journeyman beekeeper with Oregon State University, the program was still in its early stages when I completed the apprentice level. Several years ago, I took a break from beekeeping and temporarily dropped out of the program. While I have yet to complete the Journeyman level, my experience in beekeeping remains a dynamic learning process. During my one-year apprenticeship with a commercial outfit in southern Oregon, I honed my skills in hive inspecting and gained valuable expertise. Currently, I continue to keep bees in my backyard and enjoy sharing my knowledge by assisting other beekeepers. Nothing compares to the joy of checking on the bees and introducing others to the world of beekeeping.
As a yearly tradition, I have the pleasure of educating preschoolers about beekeeper tools at the esteemed Old Mill Center for Children and Families. Witnessing the children’s eyes light up with wonder as I introduce them to my plushy bees, and explaining how bees communicate through dance, is an indescribable joy. This cherished experience never fails to bring me immense satisfaction every single year.