Putnam Youth are invited to BEE-come the next generation of Beekeepers
Brewster, NY – Putnam Youth are invited to take part in a 12-week, Introduction to 4-H Beekeeping program, led by
local beekeeper Rodney Dow along with several Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteers.
Rodney Dow has been a sustainable beekeeper for more than 60 years. His love of beekeeping began at the age of 12,
through his participation in the 4-H Youth Development program in Suffolk County, NY. Rodney, who now lives in
Garrison, NY, is eager to share his passion for beekeeping to help cultivate the next generation of beekeepers.
The mission of this program is to educate 4-H participants, aged 12-15, about the fascinating world of honey bees and
the art of beekeeping. Through hands-on experiences and interactive discussions, we aim to deepen their understanding
of the crucial role bees play in our ecosystem and the joys and challenges of beekeeping. Our goal is to foster a lifelong
appreciation for these amazing insects and encourage the next generation to protect and preserve honeybee
populations.
The program, which will be held on Saturday mornings, from 9:00-11:00 am, will start in Putnam Valley, with a series of
educational lectures to help youth understand the value and significance of honeybees as well as the types of bees,
honey and wax they produce, plants that attract bees, beekeeping equipment and how to keep records.
As the program advances, participants will learn how to build and maintain a hive and learn about important safety
practices used by beekeepers. Each participant will be provided with the appropriate safety gear and a bee suit. As the
weather warms, the future beekeepers will travel to Tilly Foster Farm, in Brewster, NY, to begin working with a live hive
where participants will have an opportunity to work directly with bees and learn the process of honey extraction.
This Intro to 4-H Beekeeping program, is a one-of-a-kind opportunity, for youth and their parents to work together to
explore beekeeping and nurture a new hobby and passion. This program requires a significant commitment, therefore
parental participation is required and parents will be expected to take part in most sessions.
Space in this program is extremely limited in order to provide each participant with individual learning opportunities.
For additional information, or registration please contact Dena Altavilla, 4-H Youth & Families Program Director at
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County (CCEPC), or visit the CCEPC website at: Cornell Cooperative Extension
For information about Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County’s community programs and events go
to putnam.cce.cornell.edu/. Stay connected to CCEPC on Facebook at Facebook.com/cceputnam, and Instagram
at Instagram.com/cceputnam and Twitter/@CCEPUTNAM
