Beekeeping 101: Classes, Conservation, and Protecting Pollinators

Plus spring yard clean-up tips

April 5, 2025

The Guardian reported in March that U.S. honeybee deaths hit a record high over the winter, with losses of more than 60 percent in managed colonies. Can backyard hives help? If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at beekeeping or expand your knowledge, now’s the time with the Mitchell State Park Beekeeping Clinic.

You’ll learn about equipment, basic bee biology, setting up an apiary, caring for bee health, and more. The clinic runs from 9am-4pm on April 12 at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center (6087 East M-115, Cadillac). The class is $30 per person; to register, go to Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses and click on the “Purchase a license” button. Sign in (using either a username and password or your ID and birthdate), and find the class under the Outdoor Skills Academy tab. Note: A recreation passport is required for entry into Mitchell State Park.

Speaking of bees, consider holding off on spring yard cleanup until we reach warmer days. While it’s tempting to get out there and start raking, mowing, and trimming, experts at MSU Extension advise waiting until daytime temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees to allow overwintering insects time to move out of the leaves and brush they called home. To learn more about protecting pollinators, head to canr.msu.edu/news/when-is-it-safe-to-clean-up-my-yard-this-spring.

When it is time for cleanup, check your local city/township for waste pick-up or drop-off info (for example, the City of Traverse City will start their pick-up services April 28). And if you decide to burn lawn debris, get a DNR burn permit and check their website for open burn regulations. (Hint: Don’t burn on a dry, windy day.) michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/forestry/fire/burn-permit