Have you ever thought about keeping bees? Ever wanted to have more pollinators on your property? Do you just want to know more about it? March 7 will be your chance.

The Haywood County Beekeepers Association is offering a one-day introductory class on beekeeping. Topics will include the life cycle of the bee, what you need to do through the calendar year to maintain a hive, what equipment you will need and the cost involved.

From bears and bobcats to eagles and elk, 22,893 species have been documented so far in Great Smoky Mountains National Park — and nearly half of them are insects. Becky Nichols, the park’s long-time entomologist, has dedicated her career to learning about and protecting lifeforms like bees, wasps, moths and butterflies. 

As a child in rural Washington state, Nichols gravitated toward nature and animals of all sorts. She knew from a young age that she wanted a career related to the environment. 

If you want to support local businesses, be on the look out for these local products at your Ingles Market. Note: These products are distributed by Blue Mountain Distributors and may only be in select stores. 

The Marianna Black Library in Bryson City will be hosting The Wonderful World of Bees from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 19. Fred Crawford, local beekeeper, will be presenting on bee conservation and pollination.

The Smoky Mountain Beekeeping Association is hosting an Introduction to Beekeeping class from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Swain County Business Education Training Center, located at 45 E. Ridge Dr., Bryson City. 

Smoky Mountain Beekeepers’ August meeting will be held at the apiary at Mountain Discovery Charter School located at the top of Brendle Street in Bryson City. 

The Henderson County Beekeepers association is reminding people that if they see a bee swarm, they shouldn’t disturb it. 

The Smoky Mountain Beekeepers are welcoming N.C. Extension Agent Minda Daughtry to talk about how to support bees and other pollinators in personal gardens. 

Red maples are popping, and it appears spring has sprung. As the weather improves, local beekeepers’ hives are buzzing back to life. 

At a time when natural foods and medicines are becoming more prevalent, the popularity of honey has soared to record levels.