Tag: pollinators

Beekeeping Basic: Essential Supplies

Jamie Lang

My 2022 plan is to have three total hives: one hive is a Long Langstroth (following the plans linked below), and two traditional Langstroth hive kits from the Amazon May Bee store. I also purchased two additional boxes from Royal Alaskan Honey along with spring set-up items (frame feeders, supplements, etc). When the May Bee kits arrived, they came with two boxes of “bonus” essentials items, along with some minimal protective clothing (photo above). The purpose of protective clothing is to avoid bee stings; the clothing does not guarantee protection, but wearing Read More …

Beekeeping Basics: Choosing the Perfect Hive

Jamie Lang

In an earlier post, I talked about how and why I got into beekeeping (by accident). After a lot of research, now I’m going to share what I have learned about the different types of beehives, which type is the best option for me, and considerations for beekeeping in Alaska.  Types of Hives  When thinking back to my life before bees, I could only conjure up images of two types of hives: fields of tall grass and flowers with row upon row of Langstroth hives (image above); and Winnie the Pooh Read More …

Why in the world would you want to keep honey bees in Anchorage, Alaska?

Jamie Lang

Honey bees in Anchorage, Alaska? Why yes, that’s my plan for summer 2022! So when a friend gives you seven Langstroth bee boxes that have been in storage for over ten years, what would you do? If you’re like me, you accept them, clean them up, repair and repaint them, and start researching, reading and watching everything honey bees. When thinking about beekeeping, some might ask why? In fact, every person I’ve told about the boxes and the bees asks why? Some recoil at the thought. Some roll their eyes at me. Read More …

National Wildlife Federation’s ® Attracting Birds, Butterflies, and Other Backyard Wildlife by David Mizejewski  

Dr. Martha Martinez

This beautifully illustrated book provides an introductory overview on how to design a garden that is good for people, animals, plants, and the Earth. Chock-full of useful information, it helps gardeners understand the value of native plants over invasive exotics, the importance of achieving an ecological balance in your garden or backyard, and how providing for wildlife’s basic needs (food, water, cover, and places to raise young) can be an extremely rewarding experience for the gardener turned backyard naturalist. Mizejewski’s holistic approach includes educational, fun, and easy steps to make Read More …