Apiary Safety

Having worked with two longterm, experienced beekeepers who went into anaphylaxis when stung, Charlotte, greatly assisted by a beekeeping ER doctor, has compiled safety tips on not only stings, but other safety considerations. One attendee recommended this talk / these topics be mandatory for all bee clubs.

Bee Awesome

We all think bees are awesome. This presentation focuses on key tools, techniques and strategies any beekeeper can use — so that maybe bees will also think we are awesome. Charlotte will outline strategizes for the months ahead about what you can do different and better for next season, ways you can help all pollinators, and help you “bee” inspired (and awesome!)

Mistakes We Make

The common bee-ginner mistakes are known … but what are the usual stumbles for the second year and beyond? And the inevitable oopsies  so many of us did? Learn from those who have gone before you in this humorous review of problems, pitfalls and landmarks on the way to success.

Orientation Flight

Charlotte presented this keynote speech for the first time at the Michigan Beekeeper’s Association’s first ever upper peninsula conference. Based upon the warm reception, she looks forward to future presentations.

Beekeeping is much like a bee’s orientation flight—a quasi-leap of faith into the unknown fascinating world, with key signposts, dangers and points of fascination along with way. Charlotte’s presentation, laced with humor and facts, will inform, educate and inspire new and experienced beekeepers alike.

A Number of Things I Know About Bees / BEE-ingo

Charlotte’s presentations usually feature interesting and fun slides, but when she is speaking to smaller groups, and / or if power is not available (bee meetings in the middle of a field), she has a “Plan Bee.”

Using specially-adapted Bee-ingo cards with relevant bee numbers (like “3: the number of days bees are an egg”), Charlotte explains each number’s relevance as it is selected. From key bee statistics, to interesting and fun bee facts, to unusual statistics delivered with her usual wit and humor … it is a highly interactive, educational and engaging romp for newbees and those who think they knew almost all of it. Of course, there are FABULOUS prizes for the Bee-ingo winners!

This presentation was trialed at the Michiana Beekeeper’s Association August 2016 meeting, and received robust, rave reviews. Since then, it has been played at various club meetings throughout Michigan, and at the 2024 Michigan Beekeepers Association Spring Conference.

Jeopar-bee

This interactive, team-based quiz game is a proven winner. Featuring bee-related categories like “All Mite-y” and “Bee Famous”, we review all-things-bee in a fun, humorous environment … complete with prizes.

What You Need to Know About Mites

You love your bees, and / or you’re trying to help this critical insect, and / or (laughably) you’re earning money for a private jet from this lucrative hobby. What’s going to keep you from succeeding? Mites.

Charlotte reviews the mite lifecycle, ways to naturally kept the insidious parasite under control, how to test to determine if a colony is overrun, and options for handling it if so.

Bee-holden

Beyond pollinating a third of the food we eat, there are so many other reasons to appreciate and laugh with this insect.  Charlotte reviews some of the amazing things and memorable people she’s encountered working with bees, and explores our fascination with and yes–adoration of this insect.

Some Things I Know About Cutouts

Every cutout is different, although they’re all incredibly interesting.  Charlotte reviews considerations and essentials based on her personal experience and interviews with a dozen others who have rehomed–or attempted to rehome–honeybees.