Swarm Reporting & Recovery
Don’t Panic. These bees are docile. Honeybees swarm in the spring to found new colonies. These are temporary camps while scouts search for new homes. We have a list of members who will collect swarms.
Apiary Registration
There is a new procedure for registering your apiaries with the Ohio Department of Agriculture. The system is now online at https://arcg.is/1TfCzr1 Beekeepers who sell, trade, gift, or otherwise distribute queen bees, packaged bees, nucleus colonies (nucs), or full colonies must obtain annual certification for their queen rearing operations. Queen rearing operations must pay a flat annual certification fee of $50. This fee covers all queen-rearing locations under the individual’s control.
To decline inspection, you can access the form at https://agri.ohio.gov/apiary.
GCBA Apiary Visits 2026
APRIL 26, 2026
May 3, 2026
May 17, 2026
GCBA Members have an opportunity to visit other members’ apiaries and learn a wealth of knowledge with this hands-on experience. Members can sign up to VISIT AN APIARY and/or REQUEST A VISIT TO YOUR APIARY. Visits are anticipated to be on Sunday Mornings or Afternoons. WEAR YOUR GEAR and bring a cleaned hive tool if desired. WEATHER DEPENDENT! Sign up with this Google form
GCBA Monthly Membership Meeting
May 19, 2026
Join us for our regular open meeting. Our featured topic for the evening is Dead-out Necropsy. How to systematically examine and diagnose causes of a failed colony.
Doors open at 6:30pm and the program begins at 7pm.
Xenia Community Center, 1265 W. 2nd Street, Xenia, OH 45385
GCBA Honey Harvest
June 20, 2026
11am – 3pm
The annual GCBA Honey Harvest is at Glen Helen’s Camp Greene, located at 3452 Grinnell Rd, Yellow Springs, on Saturday, June 20th, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Anyone interested in learning more about honeybees and beekeeping can come see beekeeping equipment, a demonstration of honey extraction, and ask questions of experienced beekeepers. Bring the family. There will be bee related activities, crafts, products and food trucks. Of course, local is available honey for purchase.
Reed M. Johnson of THE Ohio State University, Department of Entomology
presents Bee Biologist, an Online Self-Paced Class
This course introduces learners to the fundamental biology of honey bees and their pollinator relatives. Through six structured modules, participants will explore colony life cycles, communication strategies, species diversity, and the ecological importance of bees. The course combines video lectures, readings, and quizzes to provide a self-paced, comprehensive overview of bee biology.
When hives get crowded in the spring, bees will swam while looking for a new home.
Starting Beekeeping Right
GCBA sponsors 4-H students by providing them with wooden-ware and mentorship for their honey bee project & the 4-H awards at the Greene County Fair. Read More
Greene County Parks & Trails hosts a Beginner Beekeeping Class in late January through early March with expert GCBA instructors.
GCBA Members are often available to speak to school children and community groups.
Explore Our Educational Resources
Access essential guides and tools designed to deepen your knowledge about beekeeping and environmental stewardship.
Watch Live Beehives
The GCBA helps sponsor apiaries at the Russ Nature Reserve and the Narrows Nature Reserve. You can safely observe the coming & goings of bees as they fly overhead to forage for nectar, pollen and water.
Swarm Reporting & Recovery
Don’t Panic. These bees are docile. Honeybees swarm in the spring to found new colonies. These are temporary camps while scouts search for new homes. We have a list of members who will collect swarms.
Honey Harvest
The annual Honey Harvest at Glen Helen’s Camp Greene, located at 3452 Grinnell Rd, Yellow Springs, OH 45387 – on Saturday, June 21st, 2025 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Join Us in Raising Healthy Bees
Whether you’re just starting out or refining advanced techniques, membership in the GCBA offers a front-row seat to the latest in beekeeping knowledge. Our monthly meetings feature engaging topics and expert speakers — some joining us via Zoom from across North America — covering hive health, business of bee products, Plants for pollinators, queen rearing and more. While most gatherings are open to the public, members enjoy exclusive access to special events and resources. You don’t need to live in Greene County to join, and with annual dues of just $20 for individuals or $25 for families, it’s an accessible way to connect, learn, and grow with a passionate community of beekeepers.
