Apiary Gatherings

Apiary Gatherings are back at the Franklin Park Conservatory Apiary on Tuesday, October 27, from 6 PM to 7:30 PM. It's a chance to get a firsthand look at beekeeping alongside members of the Central Ohio Beekeepers Association, who lead the session. You can watch them tend the hives from outside the enclosure or jump in and take part yourself.

If you decide to step inside, there's a dress code for a reason: you'll need a veil, a jacket, long pants, and closed-toe shoes, and you'll have to sign a waiver. COBA provides safari-style veils that cover your face and neck, so you don't need to bring your own. If you do have your own bee jacket, they recommend wearing light-colored long sleeves and long pants underneath. It's the kind of thing that's easy to overlook until you're standing at the gate, so it's worth keeping in mind if you're planning to get close.

One thing to watch for: hive inspections depend on the weather. If storms roll in or the temperature drops too low, they might cancel at short notice. It's a good idea to check the forecast before you head out.

The apiary is located on the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus at 1777 E. Broad Street in Columbus. Admission is free, and the session runs from 6 PM to 7:30 PM.