See What All The Buzz Is About At Bee Days At John Jay's

KATONAH, NY — Let's face it; everyone is at least a little bit intrigued by beekeepers.

While working with stinging insects might sound like a thrill seeker's hobby, beekeepers tend to have a relationship to the phobia-invoking pollinators more akin to a friendship. Their jobs are more about stewardship and caretaking than taming their hives.

On seven Saturdays between April and October, the John Jay Homestead will be holding Bee Day events focusing on the secret lives of local bees and their handlers.

The Bee Days are scheduled for April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17 and October 15.

Each Saturday will have three unique events:

• 11 a.m. Introduction to Beekeeping Session: a 60-minute program to introduce guests to the craft of beekeeping at the onsite apiary, hosted by local beekeeper Dennis (D.J.) Haverkamp from the Bedford Bee Honeybee Service. Children and adults of all ages are welcome.
• 1 p.m. Westchester Beekeepers Network monthly meeting: a chance for local area beekeepers to network and develop more advanced beekeeping skills. The topic for April will be Observation Hives. May will cover Queen Rearing and June will address Royal Jelly. More information can be found at the network's website.
• 3 p.m. Gardening for Bees: this series is intended to help those who are interested in bee-friendly plantings. Topics covered will include the best plants for bees, lawn alternatives, soil improvement, weed control, deer-resistant plants and ways to support local native solitary bee populations as well as honey bees.

All programs are free and open to the public. No reservations are required. More information can be found on the Homestead's website or call 914-525-1990. John Jay Homestead is located at 400 Jay St. (Route 22) in Katonah.