Wood Heights, Mo. — An enthusiastic group gathered at Wood Heights City Hall on Saturday, April 12, for the first-ever Beekeeping Fundamentals Workshop with Live Bees, hosted by Hitch Hive Honey, a local family-run apiary. The full-day workshop provided attendees with a rare opportunity to delve into the world of beekeeping, featuring live hive inspections and expert instruction from the Summers family.
Sixteen participants, many of them first-time beekeepers, took part in the 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. event. The morning was spent in a classroom setting, where the basics of beekeeping were broken down into approachable and informative segments. Topics included understanding the roles of honeybees within the hive, seasonal hive management, swarm prevention, equipment needs, and techniques for maintaining colony health.
After lunch, attendees suited up in protective gear and stepped outside for a hands-on experience. Hitch Hive Honey had transported a few of their hives to the workshop location, allowing participants to observe and engage with active bee colonies under guided supervision. The afternoon session focused on safe hive handling, smoker use, frame removal, brood identification, and the early signs of disease or pests.
“We loved the opportunity to educate and encourage aspiring beekeepers!” said Dawn Summers, co-owner of Hitch Hive Honey. “We had a fantastic day and plan to offer more workshops in the future.”
Hitch Hive Honey is a true family endeavor, run by Dawn and Chris Summers along with their three daughters. Natalee, the youngest, played a key role in leading instruction during the workshop and has even earned a following as a budding YouTube personality in the beekeeping world.
As interest in pollinator conservation and backyard beekeeping continues to grow, Hitch Hive Honey’s commitment to hands-on education is helping more people gain the skills and confidence needed to care for bees responsibly.
For those looking to get more involved, the Excelsior Springs Area Beekeeping Club offers an excellent way to connect with local enthusiasts. You can also follow Hitch Hive Honey on social media for updates on upcoming workshops and beekeeping tips.
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