By Renee Larr
Interested in learning more about bees or their hives? If so, buzz on over to the Zion Nature Center from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 19. Beekeepers will be on hand to explain how they maintain the hive in the center and others around Boone County.
“One of our favorite exhibits, not just for the staff but for the visitors, is our observational bee hive,” said Mindy Murdock, park naturalist and nature center manager. “A lot of people come just to check out the bees. Usually when people come visit, they have lots of questions about the bees and the hives.”
The nature center has offered programs about pollinators throughout the summer, Murdock said, and she thought it would be fitting to continue the series by bringing in the beekeepers.
Zionsville-based Woodland Honey helps maintain the hive at the nature center. They also have more than 50 hives in the Boone County area.
“We’re going to be there with some hive products – honey, wax, different parts of the bee hive,” said Matt Evans of Woodland Honey, adding that he will be available to answer questions as well.
Many times the beekeepers aren’t accessible to guests, as they maintain the hives in the evenings.
“This gives people a chance to actually meet them,” Murdock said. “The beekeepers can provide more insight than we can. They can get a chance to see some of the tools that they use when they’re out handling the hives. We want to push people to discover what is in their backyard.”
For more information, visit zionsville-in.gov/zionnaturecenter.
