| Connie Justice, Economic Development Committee |
The New Gloucester Economic Development Committee was delighted to host Jennifer Lund, Maine’s State Apiarist, for “Maine Bees and New Gloucester Beekeepers,” an educational and networking evening on March 29 in the Congregational Church vestry.
Ms. Lund, dedicated scientist and educator, self-confessed bee groupie, and passionate honeybee colony data analyst, shared fascinating facts about the 276 bee species in Maine (of 20,000 species worldwide). Each type was “the most adorable and clever” yet – including the enviably handy leafcutter bee who cuts perfectly sized oval and round leaf blankets for wrapping and capping her brood.
Almost 35 attendees, both lifelong and aspiring beekeepers, listened attentively. They posed questions about causes of bee colony collapse and the confounding issue of varroa mite control: can we avoid using pesticides to save our beehives from this devastating parasite? UMaine Cooperative Extension 4-H participants in the 2021 Citizen Science Project counting pollinators in Maine displayed their field research results.
The Maine State Beekeepers Association (MSBA) and Maine Apiary Program provide a wealth of information and resources. It’s not too late to start beehives this spring!
