Feminine Legacy Beekeeping || Women in Beekeeping International

Eight women, 8 Careers, 8 Stories in Beekeeping. This event combines the wisdom, authenticity and humor of women involved in various aspects of Beekeeping and Beekeeping Education and explores values we want to propagate. Welcome and Networking [following the Oregon Honey (& Mead!) Festival] from 7PM to 9PM on Saturday, May 18. Full Conference on Sunday, May 19, 9AM to 5PM. Attendees meet and learn from innovative Beekeepers, Beekeeping Scientists, Authors, Educators, Philosophers and Media Personalities. Conference attendees will get time with speakers during our no-host luncheon May 19 where everyone can share valuable Beekeeping info and tips! Bee there! Women and men are welcome! Keynote speaker, Dr. Elina L. Niño, the Chief of the UC Davis, E. L. Niño Bee Lab received her Bachelors degree in Animal Science from Cornell, her Masters in Entomology from North Carolina State University and her Ph.D. In Entomology from Pennsylvania State University. Her interests include Honey Bee Biology, Honey Bee Health, Breeding, Behavior, Reproductive Physiology, Genomics, Chemical Ecology and the Sociology of Beekeeping. Stephanie Taylor, Nomadic Beekeeper and graduate of Kwantlen Polytechnic University is one of the first Women to graduate from a University program dedicated to Commercial Beekeeping. Attendees will learn about the challenges of Commercial Beekeeping education as well as Stephanie’s experiences as a Beekeeper winging her way between New Zealand and Canada. Laura Ferguson, Director of College of the Melissae in Southern Oregon conducts educational programs in the US, in Australia, at Findhorn Foundation and presented at Apimondia. She uses an anthropological perspective to tell listeners about women’s roles in beekeeping practices in antiquity. She weaves historical data, myth and legend in a story that educates and captures the imagination. Marla BullBear is the Director of the Lakota Youth Development Honey Lodge whose group of young people will be presenting their honey and products on the previous day at the Oregon Honey Festival (May 18). Marla will represent the unique, indigenous approach to Beekeeping in the Lakota culture. Beekeeper, Organic Farmer and Lane County Beekeeping Association Board member, Fonta Molyneaux is a Master Herbalist whose skills inform her roles as a Beekeeper and regenerative Organic Farmer at her farm, Wild Everlasting Farm on the River. Fonta will be talking about medicinal herbs for bees and people. Mandy Shaw, host of Beekeeper Confidential and President of Portland Urban Beekeepers recently appeared in a National Geographic short film on Swarms and Swarmcatching. She is known for her interests in Science, Bees and storytelling about both. Her podcasts are enjoyed by thousands of Beekeepers each week. Sharon Schmidt, Founder of Cascade Girl is a Journey level Beekeeper in the Oregon State Beekeepers Program. She earned her Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology and Masters degree in Nursing. She will share a Public Health perspective on Beekeeping. She authored numerous articles in healthcare, teaches Beekeeping at local schools and colleges. Her articles have been published in BeeCulture magazine and various healthcare journals. Col. Pam Mindt, a Beekeeper active in all aspects of animal rescue, has commanded troops in multiple countries and is therefore very aware of the functionality of an orderly hive! Having taught numerous civilians and veterans about Beekeeping she focuses on similarities between the Apiary and the Battlefield and explores the usefulness of be keeping for soldiers with PTSD. She will also give a welcome on Saturday evening over libations as we hoist one for the hive! Opening remarks for the conference will be delivered by Risa Halpin, Commercial Beekeeper and President of Southern Oregon Beekeepers Association. Southern Oregon is known for theater at venues such as the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Camelot Theater, Holly Theater and the Craterian as well as wineries and excursions, delicious food and exquisite accomodation. Conference rates are available at Rogue Regency Inn in Medford, Neuman Hotel Group, Iris Inn Bed and Breakfast and Abigail's Bed and Breakfast Inn. Join us for the Oregon Honey (& Mead!) Festival on Saturday, May 18 (tickets available through links at www.oregonhoneyfestival.com and www.eventbrite.com) and stay for the conference on Sunday, May 19 (suggested donation 45-). The conference is produced through a partnership with Cascade Girl organization and the Klamath Basin Beekeepers Association. The Cascade Girl Organization missions are to: 1. Teach people about bees, honey and beekeeping. 2. Educate and encourage people to work toward healthy land, flowers, pollinators and people through research, practice, teaching and the arts. 3. Support small and medium size beekeeping endeavors. 4. Teach and enact best practices in beekeeping, honey production and honey sensory analysis. 5. Provide education about sustainable practices in beekeeping and land stewardship. Website: www.oregonhoneyfestival.com