SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College invites the public to a live honey extraction demonstration on Wednesday, Sept. 24, beginning at 10 a.m. at ÌÀÍ·Ìõapp’s West Lake Nature Grove, located at 2321 West Lake Shore Drive, Springfield.
The event will be led by Dave Cox, ÌÀÍ·Ìõapp professor of biology, in collaboration with members of the Prairie State Beekeepers Association. Attendees will have the opportunity to observe the full process of honey extraction, beginning with hive demonstrations and the removal of honey supers from the apiary.
Participants are encouraged to wear protective clothing. At a minimum, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt are required. A limited number of bee suits and veils will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Those without protective gear may observe from a designated safe distance.
Following the hive activities, the honey supers will be transported to A. Lincoln Commons, where the extraction process will begin at approximately noon. Attendees will be invited to assist with the extraction and sample freshly harvested raw honey.
Additional educational activities will include:
• Bee anatomy exploration using dissecting microscopes
• Marigold planting
• Guided look at honeybee reproduction techniques
• Interactive sessions on pollination and honey production
This event is free and open to the public. ÌÀÍ·Ìõapp encourages community members of all ages to attend and learn more about the world of beekeeping and pollination.