Here is what to expect in and around the hive in January.
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What to Expect in Northeast WI in January
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Author Archives: Carl Fisher
Tom Cashman Research Grant
The Tom Cashman Research Grant honors the extraordinary legacy of Tom Cashman, a dedicated member of the Brown County Beekeeping Association for 52 years. His family’s involvement in the club spans an incredible 80 years, representing nearly a century of commitment to the art and science of beekeeping.
Over his five decades of membership, Tom witnessed remarkable changes and innovations in beekeeping. In his spirit of curiosity, learning, and community sharing, this annual grant seeks to accelerate discovery and encourage exploration of new developments in beekeeping, to dispel myths, or to prove theories that may not be fully explored.
Eligibility
Open to all club members whose dues are current for the year in which the research grant is requested, have been a member for at least 12 months, and have attended at least 2 meetings. Grant awardees must remain members in good standing for the duration of the project.
Individual or team applications are welcome.
Expectations of Recipients
Use the funds to explore or test new ideas in beekeepings
Share their findings with the club through a brief presentation, demonstration, or written report within six months of completion of the project
Selection Process
A three person selection panel will review all applications submitted in writing prior to or at the February BCBA monthly meeting. The recipients(s) will be selected based upon:
- Creativity and relevance of the proposed project
- Potential benefit to the club or wider beekeeping community
- Feasibility and clarity of the project plan
Application Requirements
Interested members must submit a proposal (1-3 pages) including:
- Project Title and summary
- Objectives of the project in include a hypothesis and expected outcome and significance to the furtherance of beekeeping knowledge
- Plan of work and itemized budget with amounts explaining how funds are expected to be expended
- Timeline including the beginning and end of the project
- How results will be shared with the club and, if appropriate, with the wider beekeeping community.
Applications are due by the February monthly BCBA meeting. Please send to the Club President at grothchris1@gmail.com. The award(s) will be announced at the April monthly BCBA club meeting.
BCBA member Dave Elsen published article in American Bee Journal
Former BCBA President and current education chairperson, Dave Elsen, recently submitted an article to American Bee Journal which was accepted and published.
The article, entitled “How to Attract New Members and Retain Experienced Beekeepers: The Story of Brown County Beekeepers“, shares Dave’s experiences during his ten years of beekeeping and as a club member.
“There’s no instruction manual, no “one right way.” But after more than a century of supporting beekeepers in Northeast Wisconsin, we’ve learned a few things about creating a club that people want to join and stay with.”
If you would like to know more – download and read the complete article here.
Honey Show Nov 19, 2025
BCBA Honey, Wax and Crafts Contest Update
The Club Contest will be at the November meeting. All entries must be submitted between 5:00-5:30.
You are strongly encouraged to read the content rules / criteria.
There are many categories to choose from this year to include three new categories: photography, arts and crafts and black jar honey.
If you are entering honey in the light, amber and dark honey categories the club does provide jars. (Note: We exchanged the jars that had some bubbles in the glass for new jars. They will be at the October meeting or just reach out to Dave Elsen). The Club retains the honey entries and uses for future events or donations.
What to Expect in June in Northeast WI
Here is what to expect in and around the hive in June.
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What to Expect in Northeast WI in December
Here is what to expect in and around the hive in December.
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Introduction to Beekeeping – Basics For Someone New to Bees
The Brown County Beekeepers Association is happy to present INTRODUCTION TO BEEKEEPING. Learn the essentials of beginning beekeeping!! The class will be presented in three sessions described below.
When:
Prior to January 16th, 2027 — view three (or more) videos to prepare for the in person class. Between 2 and 3 hours of video to watch
January 16th, 2027 — 8:00am to 2:30pm (in-person, location: TBD, somewhere in the Green Bay area). Booyah lunch will be provided.
and May 22d 2026 8:00am to 10:00am (at the hive, location: Green Bay Botanical Gardens). Click for a map to the location.
How Much: $50 for an individual, $40 for additional family members
Do NOT click on register and pay – it will be set up shortly
What: Attendees will gain an understanding of:
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What to Expect in September in Northeast WI
Here is what to expect in and around the hive in September.
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What Equipment Do I Need to Be Ready For My First Bees?
Quite a bit of equipment is available for beekeepers some essential and some nice to have. Figuring out what you need can be confusing. Here we’ll go over the essentials.
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Nurturing Nature: The Essential Role of Native Plants
Native plants and pollinators have co-evolved for over millions of years; they rely on each other for survival. Remove one, and the other faces extinction. They are intricately intertwined and fragile.
Native plants offer crucial food and habitat for bees, butterflies, moths, birds and other insects and pollinators, whose populations are drastically declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change.
By planting native species in your garden, you create vital habitat and food sources for pollinators that need native species for survival, helping to reverse their decline and restore balance. Additionally, native plants support our ENTIRE local food webs, providing sustenance for ALL wildlife.
BCBA encourages the planting of native plant species to support all pollinators.
Refine Your Native Plant Search
BLUE THUMB – although based out of Minnesota, plants would be the same. This site allows you to add “ecoregion” – we suggest for the Green Bay area, use “Northern Lakes and Forest Region”. You also add type of plant, size, and condition (sun or shade) and even pick plant COLOR. The site then spits out a list of plants that fit your specific criteria. A great place to start while looking for plants that work for you and your garden.
LADY BIRD JOHNSON – PLANT FINDER Narrow your search by entering in the criteria you’re looking. This site gives lot of information on the plant as well as ecological value and value to specific insects/pollinators.
WISCONSIN DNR – If you’re just starting out, and want something simple and easy to read – check out WDNR: “NATIVE PLANTS FOR BEGINNERS GUIDE” and other great resources for supporting pollinators here.
NATIVE PLANT RESOURCES – where to buy native plants
Stone Silo Prairie Gardens – 2325 Oak Ridge Cir, DePere, WI 54115 – We’re very lucky to have a native plant resource right in our back yard:
Prairie Nursery – located in WI
Prairie Moon Nursery – Located in MN
By planting native trees, flowers, bushes and grasses, we make a difference right in our own backyard. It doesn’t matter how big or how small your garden -every little bit matters. By planting native, we create healthy, vibrant habitats and food webs that contributes to a healthier environment.