Central Oregon Beekeeping Association upcoming events

COAREC Saturday in the Apiary - Save the Date (12 Sep 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMT

COAREC Saturday in the Apiary

Saturday in the Apiary is a casual, loosely structured learning event held in a relaxed apiary setting. Participants take part in hive inspections, discuss seasonal colony management strategies, and help implement them.

Everyone who is comfortable being around live honey bees is welcome. Please bring your own protective gear, including a veil and gloves. A limited number of veils may be available upon request. This is a free event.

Oregon Master Beekeeper Program Credit

Participants in the Oregon Master Beekeeper Program may earn “In the Bees” points for the Getting Started level or Education points for the Apprentice level.

Journey-level participants who would like to help may contact Heike ahead of time and may earn Service points.

Workshop Invitations and RSVP

Monthly workshop invitations, including an RSVP button, will be sent 5–10 days before each workshop to those who have joined the COAREC mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hYtP7T

Each invitation will include an RSVP link for that specific Saturday in the Apiary. Registered participants will receive a follow-up email with additional details.

For more information, contact Heike Williams at heike.williams@oregonstate.edu.

2026 Saturday in the Apiary Dates

July 11, September 12, October 10, December TBD. Times may vary. Dates subject to change.

September COBKA Meeting (15 Sep 2026)

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:30:00 GMT

COBKA September Meeting: THAT DIDN’T WORK!

Didn’t the bees hear the game plan?

Inspired by the Beekeeping Today Podcast, our September COBKA meeting will be devoted to the plans, clever ideas, strategies, and experiments that…just didn’t work.

Tell one of your own beekeeping bloopers - whether you’re a beginner or have been keeping bees for years. Share your updated strategy or defer to the panel of experts. Everyone who shares will have 2 minutes to tell us what they tried and what actually happened.

An example from Muffy:

"Diligently, I applied a DIY sticky board to get a feel for my varroa infestation. Gal darn it, the bees rifled through it! They ate a significant portion of my Bristol board and chucked it out of the hive. No varroa trend shown to me! So…what strategy should I try next time?"

Bring your successes-in-disguise, your “what were they thinking?” moments, and the things you definitely won’t be trying again. We’ll laugh at ourselves, learn from one another, and remember that none of us are immune to fumbling.

September COBKA Meeting
Tuesday, September 15
5:00 PM - Beginner's Corner
5:30 PM - Intermediate & Advanced Q&A
6:00 PM - THAT DIDN’T WORK!

As always, simple eats and drinks will be provided.

See you there!

COBKA Bees & Brews (01 Oct 2026)

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:30:00 GMT

COBKA BEES & BREWS

Bees & Brews is a casual monthly gathering for beekeepers of all experience levels. No agenda, no presentations...just an informal chance to connect with fellow beekeepers, swap stories, ask questions.

Whether you're a seasoned beekeeper or just getting started, you'll find good conversation and a welcoming crowd.

WHEN & WHERE

First Thursday of each month

5:30 pm Crux Fermentation Project

50 SW Division St, Bend, OR 97702

COAREC Saturday in the Apiary - Save the Date (10 Oct 2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 07:00:00 GMT

COAREC Saturday in the Apiary

Oregon Master Beekeeper Program Credit

Participants in the Oregon Master Beekeeper Program may earn “In the Bees” points for the Getting Started level or Education points for the Apprentice level.

Journey-level participants who would like to help may contact Heike ahead of time and may earn Service points.

Workshop Invitations and RSVP

Monthly workshop invitations, including an RSVP button, will be sent 5–10 days before each workshop to those who have joined the COAREC mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hYtP7T

Each invitation will include an RSVP link for that specific Saturday in the Apiary. Registered participants will receive a follow-up email with additional details.

For more information, contact Heike Williams at heike.williams@oregonstate.edu.

2026 Saturday in the Apiary Dates

July/August: TBD
September 12
October 10
December: TBD

Times may vary. Dates are subject to change.

October COBKA Meeting (20 Oct 2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:30:00 GMT

COBKA October Meeting

Info will be added here asap