Who We Are

The NORTHWEST branch of the New Jersey Beekeepers Association is a regional organization of anywhere from 40 to 60 bee hobbyist and sideliners (less than 300 hives). Our members generally reside in the Hunterdon, Warren and Somerset counties - although membership is not limited to this region of the state.

What We Do

The purpose of our branch, as well as the state-wide organization, is to (1) foster and promote the art of apiculture in New Jersey, (2) to educate residents of the Garden State about the state insect, the honey bee, and its vital role in agriculture, (3) to produce bees and honey and related products, and (4) to simply share and enjoy our fabulous and fun-filled pursuit of raising and caring for honey bees. Our members, beekeepers and non-beekeepers alike, work, cooperate and support each other in promoting beekeeping and related activities. To that end, our members are engaged in mentoring new beekeepers, holding periodic social and business meetings where members can share experiences and ideas, provide educational opportunities for schools and the public at large, and participate in county level agricultural activities such as fairs - e.g. the annual Hunterdon County 4H & Agricultural Fair and the Warren County Farmer's Fair.

Come Join Us at the Winery
NWNJBA Fall Meeting 9/18/10

The next NWNJBA meeting is scheduled for September 18th at the Old York Cellars vineyard in East Amwell Township, Ringoes NJ.  Join us from 10 am to 2pm as we discuss fall and winter management. Please RSVP for the meeting by contacting Barbara Hill at muscavaya@aol.com.

NWNJBA Spring Meeting 4/24/10

The club's spring meeting took place under sunny skies at Echo Hill Park on Saturday April 24th.  Members participated in a lively question and answer session about winter losses, spring preparation and a handful of demonstrations.  

Roger Gares won the hive raffle from the meeting and several participants ventured over to the hives at Deepath Park for a package installation.

Thanks to all those who attend and please keep posted to the Clubs Yahoo Group Forum to stay in touch.

Package install video featuring an installation by NJNWBA President Scott Hornsall and comments and insight from Stan Wasitowski.

NWNJBA Spring Newsletter

Click here to read the NWNJBA Spring newsletter. 
In this issue:
- A letter from our president
- Tips and Reminders for seasonal management
- Northwest Bee-Ginner Updates from our own Roger Gares
- The NJNWBA 2010 Calendar of events

Holiday Gathering

December 12th, 2009 - The annual NWNJBA holiday meeting and dinner was held at the Echo Hill Camp.

The meeting which featured a catered dinner was well attended and included an auction of historic memorabilia, a Chinese auction, and a special visitor who brought gifts for children in attendance.

The club announced it will be selling chances to win a complete hive setup with Bees with the drawing to take place at the spring meeting.

more...

Northwest New Jersey Beekeepers Association Membership Meeting
September 26th

A NWNJBA fall meeting was be held at the (former) Amwell Valley Vineyard, which is now known as Old York Cellars, in Ringoes, New Jersey on September 26th.

Roger Gares previewed his Top Bar Hives, and the club membership had a informative discussion and presentation about Fall/Winter management.  The Gares provided a demonstration of powdered sugar dusting for varroa mites on their local hives.

The club had a surprise visit from Robert Simonofsky who delivered a captured swarm.  It was installed in a hive on the property as part of the days activities.

It was a great gathering and there was an incredible amount of hands on exchange, discussion, and questions and answers for all in attendance.

Thanks to our hosts for a terrific meeting.

NWNJBA Scholarships

Scholarship funds are available through the NWNJBA for youths interested in the Rutgers Extension Bee-ginner's beekeeping class. If you are interested in submitting a request, or know of a youth with an interest in beekeeping who would like to be considered, submit a two to three paragraph stating your general interest in beekeeping. Submissions can be sent to the NWNJBA President Scott Hornsall by clicking this link. If you have any questions, about the scholarship program please reach out to Scott via phone (on our contact page) or e-mail.

Letter to the Editor:
"Don't Ban Beekeepers, Encourage Them"
(Submitted by Stan W.)
Did you know? Pittsburgh, PA bans beekeeping within city limits.  Vienna, Austria has 36 hives per square city mile!
 
Drone Congregation Areas
(Submitted by Roger G.)
Mating during the queen’s nuptial flight takes place in drone congregation areas (DCA) where many drones from nearby colonies gather.