BIPOC Beekeeper Gathering
July 27, 2024 • 10:00am-7:00pm
Together, we will explore regenerative bee stewardship in comparison to the million-dollar beekeeping industry of today. Participants will interact with the living Honey bee and learn how they self-sustain in the wild. This event will also demonstrate how to use a Langstroth hive, how to ferment honey to craft a mead beverage, and how to hand dip beeswax candles. Led by Island Bee Project, Suanny Upegui, Dara Nicole Boyd, Alysia Mazzella.
For BIPOC land stewards and beginner beekeepers in upstate NY and the greater Northeast area. Educational information is specific to the Honey bee ecotype of upstate NY. This gathering is created for and by people who identify as Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, or a person of color.
Registration is required. Overnight accommodation is available. If you’re in a position to pay it forward, you can support Backland’s education apiary by making a donation or buying a “Thank You” shirt.
Past Events
Intro to Beekeeping
July 29, 2023 • 12pm-2:30pm
As with many agriculture professions in America, diversity is lacking. The goal of this annual beekeeping class is to redistribute the skill and resources of beekeeping to Black people, Indigenous people and people of color. Participants will interact with the Honey bee, explore the interior of the hive, learn the byproducts, how to earn a living, revisit the history of beekeeping, and leave with an essential understanding of the resources needed to begin beekeeping. This class is led by Alysia Mazzella.
Opening Day
May 20, 2023 • 10am-3pm
Join us for our second annual Opening Day. We will prepare the land for another growing season. All are welcome!
Potluck lunch is included. You are welcome to bring nourishing food that is ready to eat, or ready to be reheated. Please bring a reusable water bottle.
Registration is required. This event includes physical labor like digging and heavy lifting. Please wear shoes and clothes that you do not mind getting dirty. Depending on the weather that day, the environment may be muddy, wet or warm. Physical labor is not required to attend.
Intro to Beekeeping
June 26, 2022 • 12pm-2:30pm
An introductory class for Black, Indigenous and people of color interested in beekeeping. Together, we’ll explore the interior of the Langstroth hives of our educational apiary. Participants will interact with the Honey bee, learn the five byproducts of the hive, revisit the history of beekeepers of color, and leave with an essential understanding of the time, effort and resources needed to protect and support the brilliant Honey bee. This introductory class is designed to equip BIPOC with know-how and resources to establish an apiary of their own. Ideal if you’re interested in beekeeping for hobby or for profit. This class is led by Alysia Mazzella.
Opening Day
May 21, 2022 • 10am-4pm
Volunteer and learn with us! While some farm projects have been established for many years, we invite you to assist in and witness the unfolding of our young land project. We are installing fence posts and plant beds on a one-acre field.
Potluck lunch is included. You are welcome to bring homemade food that is ready to eat, or ready to be reheated. Please include a list of ingredients to accommodate the diets of others.
All are welcome! This event includes physical labor like digging and heavy lifting. Please wear shoes and clothes that you do not mind getting dirty. Depending on the weather that day, the environment may be muddy, wet or warm. Physical labor is not required to attend.