Are you (or do you know) a current or former service member interested in entomology and/or beekeeping?
Michigan State University’s “Heroes to Hives” program is currently determining interest for its 2022 course. Here’s the quick description:
Heroes to Hives (H2H) is a FREE 9-month beginning beekeeping training program through Michigan State University Extension and our partners the University of Missouri Extension, University of Minnesota Bee Veterans program, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Great Plains Master Beekeeping Program. H2H is designed to teach active duty military, National Guard/Reservist, veterans and their dependents (spouses and children 18 years or older of participating veterans only) the skills necessary to successfully keep honey bees. Participants will learn current, science-based best management practices for beekeeping, while working with a network of other beekeeping veterans. Heroes to Hives aims to serve veterans and their families by giving them the tools and knowledge necessary to be effective, small scale, sustainable beekeepers.
The program consists of self-paced online learning and (for those in or near Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska) optional hands-on training. You can, of course, complete the course and earn the certificate of completion without participating in the hands-on work.
MSU entomologist Dr. Adam Ingrao (himself a military veteran) established the program in 2015, and it’s been moving right along:
Since then, Heroes to Hives has trained 408 military veterans and their dependents. These veterans currently manage over 2,000 beehives across the United States, making this this the largest program of its kind in the nation.
Heroes to Hives is offered at no cost to active duty military, Guard/Reserve, and veterans; as noted above, spouses and adult dependents (i.e. over 18) of enrolled participants may co-enroll at no cost.
Interest has exploded in recent years; I’m one of 6000+ folks enrolled in the 2021 program. Even though I can’t participate in the hands-on portions, I’ve learned a TON. I’ve been an amateur entomologist all my life, and I was still learning new stuff from the very first course lecture. I’m going to ask the entomologists at our nearby state university if they’re interested in participating in the hands-on portion of next year’s training.
Are you qualified/interested, or do you know someone who is? Complete the 2022 interest form.
Here’s a video outline/briefing of the 2021 edition of Heroes to Hives:
Please pass the word to service members (past or present) in your area!