Orange Blossom Beekeepers Association

The Orange Blossom Beekeepers Association

The Orange Blossom Beekeepers Association (OBBA) is a collective of backyard, side-liner, and commerical beekeepers in Central Florida. The club strives to mentor novices and to serve as a resource for experienced beekeepers.

OBBA seeks to educate the public about the importance of bees and beekeeping.

Throughout the year, OBBA conducts interactive workshops in its apiary and brings in expert speakers for monthly club meetings. OBBA attends and hosts educational events throughout Central Florida.

Who we are

Motto: Creating beekeepers for life

Our Mission: To educate, mentor, assist, inspire, support and promote beekeeping in the state of Florida and beyond.

Our Goals:

To provide education to all those who desire to learn.

To mentor those eager to carry on the beekeeping knowledge.

To assist those with beekeeping concerns.

To inspire interest in beekeeping in youth.

To support and promote a community and global beekeeping spirit.

To increase club membership, networking and visibility in our community.

Next Meeting

SEPTEMBER MEETING(S)

Thursday September 20th
7:00 pm
Kelly Greer, Residential Horticulturist, will be our guest speaker, from our very own UF/IFAS Extension office! This is a very timely subject as we are getting ready to enter our fall nectar flow. We need to concentrate on enough forage for our honey bees as well as other pollinating insects and butterflies. If you're not one of our regular members, please note that no outside food or drink is allowed in the auditorium, per UF/IFAS rules. We'd love to have you join us!

Saturday September 22nd
8:00am - 9:00am
Workshop in our apiary behind the extension office. We'll do a mite wash to see how well the bees are doing after the long dearth of foraging materials through the summer to make sure they're ready to prepare for winter. Florida winter is really short, so they have time as long as the mite count is low.

All are welcome, but please note:
You must have appropriate protective gear. We have a limited number of veils available but you must wear long pants, long sleeve shirt, shoes with socks that come up above your calves. We do have some gloves to loan out but if you have some gardening gloves or other type please bring them. Do not wear leggings, shorts, skirts and dresses, or all dark clothing. Try to wear denim jeans and light colored clothing so as not to agitate the bees. If you are not wearing proper protection you will not be permitted in the apiary. If you have any questions please contact us and we would be happy to advise.

Membership

Individual Membership is $15, annually.
Family membership (same household) is $20.
Donations are always welcome.

Membership not required to attend meetings and workshops.

Limited space events will give preference to active members.