On September 12th 2017, the Outdoor School class adventured to the Honey Bee Apiary and Research Facility at Guelph University. In order to reach the learning centre, we made a scenic trek around the Arboretum which allowed us to get to know some of our fellow classmates.
We admired the beautiful scenery at the research facility and was told by Paul Kelly, a Staff Apiarist, that it was the perfect day for bees. This was because a specific plant called Golden rod, which provides nectar and pollen to help the bees repopulate, was present.
Interestingly, when with the bees, none of us wore beekeeping equipment. This was due to the fact that Paul specifically works with the bees to develop a tranquil atmosphere. We watched him gain access to the bee hives through the use of smoke. He demonstrated how it is utilized to distract the guard bees and make them hungry. Moreover, we learned that the smoke interferes with the bee’s alarm pheromones and as a result halts communication in the hive. This ultimately prevents the working bees from attacking the beekeeper.
Paul displayed the construction of the beehive and how in order for the frames to remain removable, there must be a space wide enough for only two bees to pass through. If the space between the frame and the box is larger, than the bees build propolis and comb. We were extremely fortunate to view both a drone and a queen bee while spending the afternoon there. Furthermore, some people had the opportunity to pet bees and all of us at the end of the session were able to taste the fresh honey from the hexagonal beeswax structures!
Written by: Laura Alexander