MORRIS – There’s a growing buzz surrounding the practice of beekeeping.

The Will County Beekeepers Association has more than 100 members who meet on a monthly basis, as noted by University of Illinois Extension Grundy County youth development educator John Davis.

“It’s an easy hobby to get involved with,” Davis said. “It doesn’t cost much. The upkeep is easy once the hives are up. You can harvest the honey – and probably not make a fortune – but if you break even, why not do it?”

Developing a hive, or hives, of your own bees can provide more than just honey and something to do. There’s a greater purpose to the relatively inexpensive hobby. Pollinators play a crucial role in the environment. Davis said bees account for more than 70 percent of all pollination.

The extension office, located at 4004 N. Division St., Morris, will explore these and other ideas, from 9 a.m. to noon April 28. A beekeeping presentation will be led by Grundy/Kankakee/Will Unit educator James Theuri, who specializes in local food systems and small farms. Theuri will likely feature other beekeeping experts to supplement his presentation, Davis said.

The audience will learn about the biology of the honeybee, what it takes to be a beekeeper, the practice of beekeeping and the plight of pollinators. Davis said there have been occasional diseases or sicknesses among bees that have resulted in die-outs.

The problem is much larger than a local one. In June 2014, a memorandum by President Barack Obama required several federal agencies to take further steps toward protecting and restoring pollinating species.

Attendees will be well-versed in bee basics, such as the roles drones, worker bees and queens play in a hive.

“It’s important to understand the basics,” Davis said. “You need a queen or you won’t have a hive.”

As for beekeeping itself, Davis said it’s not as dangerous as you may think. With proper use of protective gear, stings rarely happen. You can even have bees shipped to your home.

Davis said a lot of municipalities have ordinances against beekeeping in densely populated residential areas. With that in mind, he said, it’s an ideal event for those in rural areas of the county.

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IF YOU GO

WHAT: Beekeeping Presentation

WHEN: 9 a.m. to noon, April 28

WHERE: University of Illinois Extension Grundy County, 4004 N. Division St., Morris.

COST: $5 a person. Register at web.extension.illinois.edu/gkw

CONTACT: 815-942-2725