Seven area youths prepare to raise honeybees

Seven area youths have completed their initial training through the West Shore Beekeepers Association’s 2026 Youth Apiary Project and will receive their own honeybee colonies next spring.

The program provides young people with hands-on experience in beekeeping while teaching agricultural skills, environmental stewardship and the importance of pollinators.

The seven participants, selected through a competitive application process, are Owen Ernst of Hesperia, Elynor Jurney of Twin Lake, Violet Madsen of Manistee, Molly McLellan of Manistee, Kinsey Randall of Bear Lake, Penny Schubert of Manistee and Casper Vroman of Manistee.

Each participant has completed the educational portion of the program, which includes a Beekeeping 101 course, monthly West Shore Beekeepers Association meetings, hands-on experience at local apiaries and weekend beekeeping seminars.

“We are incredibly proud of the dedication and passion these seven students have shown,” said Kim Black, chair of the association’s education committee. “They have embraced the complex science of beekeeping with enthusiasm, and we are excited to see them take ownership of their own colonies next spring.”

Through the project, participants receive specialized beekeeping equipment, protective gear and individual mentoring from experienced beekeepers.

Having completed their required training, all seven participants are scheduled to receive live honeybee colonies in spring 2027. They will establish and manage the colonies at their home apiaries with continued support from their mentors.

Each participant also receives a five-year membership in the West Shore Beekeepers Association, providing access to additional educational opportunities and support.

The Youth Apiary Project is designed to introduce young people to agriculture and environmental science while helping develop future beekeepers. The program also emphasizes the role honeybees and other pollinators play in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Funding for the project has been provided by the Manistee County Community Foundation, Community Foundation for Oceana County and individual donors. Local 4-H clubs have also partnered with the association to support the program.

The West Shore Beekeepers Association, a nonprofit organization, plans to offer the Youth Apiary Project every two years, depending on available funding. The next group of participants is anticipated in 2028.

Young people interested in applying for future programs may request information by emailing info@westshorebeekeepers.org.

Donations to support future participants may be made at westshorebeekeepers.org or through PayPal to the West Shore Beekeepers Association.

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