Minutes
North Olympic Peninsula Beekeeper’s Association (NOPBA) minutes
Date
February 16, 2025
Time
11 AM
Meeting called to order by
GREG BUTLER
In attendance – 26 People
general information:
The presentation was before the business meeting because our speaker had a time commitment. See notes for the business meeting after notes on presentation. Megan D’Amore introduced our speaker, Carrie Morlang, owner of Knox Cellars Orchard Mason Bees.
presentation – carrie morlang – mason bees, how and why to get started
Carrie Morlang is the 3rd generation owner of Knox Cellars Orchard Mason Bees originally started by Brian L. Griffin. They are certified as ethical beekeepers by the Orchard Bee Association (OBA). She recommended two books by Brian L. Griffin: 1. Humblebee, Bumblebee; and 2. The Orchard Mason Bee.
A schedule of presentations and events can be found on the website:
knoxcellarsmasonbees@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/knoxcellarsmasonbees/
Lifecycle: Their life cycle is one year. Bees are active for about 9 weeks. Male bees live 2-3 weeks solely for mating. Females live about 6 weeks producing a total of 32-35 larvae.
Hosting – put shelter and material out in February:
Mason bees have a 30% success rate in the wild compared to a 90% success rate when hosted. It takes about 4 hours per year to maintain the highest standard.
Find a location for a shelter (3 elements): 1. On solid wall to protect from predators; 2. Protected from weather/moisture; 3. High enough so dogs/kids can’t disturb, but low enough to have at eye level to maintain.
They only have about a 150-yard range, so they need a clear pollinator pathway.
Material for optimal success in protecting from predators and disease – Must have 5/16-inch diameter hole and at least 6 inches in length. Three types: 1. Wood block, most economical, can clean and sanitize the same day; 2. Phragmite reed, favorite of the bees, single use; 3. Bee nesters system, water resistant cardboard tube with liner.
They will need clay/mud nearby.
Predators include pollen mites, chalkbrood spore, mono wasp and Houdini fly.
Keep the shelter in a cool, dry place until October. Then clean, sanitize, and inspect. Keep the cocoons in the refrigerator vegetable crisper drawer with a wet wash rag for moisture. The bees will be able to maintain a higher fat content if kept in the refrigerator.
When outside temperatures reach 49-55 degrees F for 3-5 consecutive days (late February, March or April), place cocoons near the shelter.
What’s in it for me? Why keep mason bees?
The mason bee emerges much sooner than the honeybee and will increase the size and yield of fruit.
Sense of awe.
Support the natural, native environment – mason bees are native to this area.
They are very docile. The males don’t sting, and the females have no barb in their stinger with very little venom.
They are less labor than honeybees.
The presentation ended at 12:08 and Carrie was available to answer questions and sell material.
BEEKEEPING TIPS AND TRICKS
Ordering bees – Now is the time to order bees. Some places to look are Ashley Baar (360) 460-7221, Sunny Farms, and Tarboo Valley in Chimicum. Bees will arrive mid to late April. A member would like to buy a queen but does not have any bees. It is necessary to have bees in order for the queen to survive. Dan Harvey is a local provider but will not have any bees available for sale until June or July.
Can two colonies of bees be placed near each other? Yes
Ground wasp issue – The best defense is to keep your hive healthy and they will defend themselves. If they are not able to defend themselves, it is most likely that there is a mite problem. Also, using an entrance reducer to keep the entrance to 2 ½ inches is helpful.
REPORTS – BUSINESS MEETING:
President – Greg Butler:
The board met and came up with updates to the bylaws which have not been updated since 2020. Greg will send a draft with the changes red-lined and we can vote at our March meeting. Also, there is no longer a club library.
Treasurer – Cathy Martineau – Beginning balance $8,368.21, deposits $350.00 (dues), expenses USPS box $170.00, Paypal/Bank fees $18.24, Ending balance $8.529.97. Dues ($15/year) can be sent to Cathy via Paypal or by check or cash. Cathy will add members to the NOPBA email list. Check for an email once dues are paid.
Community Outreach – Megan D’Amore – Megan introduced Carrie Morlang who did a presentation on Mason bees.
Education Trustee – Rex Roberton: Rex is compiling a mentor list. If you are willing to become a mentor, please let Rex know.
Social Media – Rami Grunbaum: Rami is updating our website. Any thoughts about the site are welcome.
Swarm List and Vice President – Geoff McClain: Notify Geoff if you would like to be on the swarm list. The swarm list can be found on the website NOPBA.org.
Secretary – Jamie Kenyon: Minutes are posted on the NOPBA Facebook page and on our website. Jamie forwards the minutes to Rami who posts them for her. A few hard copies will be available at the meetings.
Next meeting
The next meeting will be held at the Port Angeles North Olympic Library, 2210 Peabody St, Port Angeles at noon on March 9, 2025. Greg will do a presentation on varroa mites.