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ABOUT US

Blackwater Beekeepers Association (BBA) is a non-profit organization based in South Carolina. Established in 2012 by local beekeepers, BBA aims to foster interest and provide education in beekeeping. Our membership includes beekeepers of all experience levels, ranging from beginners with a few colonies in their backyard to seasoned beekeepers overseeing over a hundred colonies.

                                                                                                                                                          Our Mission



The protection of our Honeybees is crucial to our world.   They are the primary pollinators creating the means for essential plant reproduction, contribute to our biodiversity and ecosystem health.

They pollinate crops like apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, melon, peaches, potatoes, vanilla, almonds, coffee and chocolate and most all vegetables.    Our grocery stores would be empty of these vital crops in the span of a few years.

Blackwater Beekeepers educate you so...you can be part of the solution preventing Honeybee decline.

Spring 2025 "Beekeeping: Is It Right For You" Seminar

2025 Spring "Beekeeping...Is it right for You" Seminar

WANT TO

BECOME A BEEKEEPER

To learn about how to start raising your own colony of honeybees and gathering your own honey.

Local Seminars and Courses happening Spring 2025

One Day Evaluation Seminar
"Beekeeping...

is it Right For YOU"

This is a three-hour seminar that will cover the fundamentals of Beekeeping to help determine if Beekeeping is right for you.

The course cost for the Seminar is $10.00.

The elements of the seminar will provide you with insight into financial and time requirements as well as the benefits of beekeeping to you, your family, friends and the environment we live in.

Included in the Seminar...

A clear understanding of the basics of beekeeping.
Basic tools protective gear and colony housing options.
Discussion of time requirements for successful honeybee management.
Benefits and challenges of beekeeping.
Products you get or can be made from a colony of honeybees.
Benefits to your flowers, garden, fruit trees and to the environment.
Stories from local beekeepers.
Question/Answer time.

At the end of the seminar, if you find beekeeping appealing, you can purchase a membership. The annual fee is $15.00, which grants you access to the members-only section of our website, offering specialized information for Beekeeping in South Carolina's coastal plain.

JANUARY 11, 2024 12PM - 3PM
L.W. Paul Living Farm

SIGN UP HERE

SCBA Certified Beekeeping Course - Basics into the Art of Beekeeping

For those wishing to obtain a deeper understanding into the Art of Beekeeping...A SCBA certified Entry Level Course is available.

This course is for those who are serious in becoming knowledgeable about the art of beekeeping. This is a six week entry level course that will give you an understanding of the benefits and required skills of managing honeybees.

The course is available only in the Spring of each year. The course is limited to 35 participants.

Attending the BBA one day Evaluation Seminar is recommended prior to signing up for the course.

More details can be found here. SCBA Certified Course Overview

To Register...

South Carolina Beekeeping Association (SCBA) Basics into the Art of Beekeeping

Welcome from Rick Vereen

2025 BBA President

We begin 2025 with the excitement of a new beekeeper.

The 2025 BOD is very creative and passionate about educating our members.

Expect 2025 to be a year that helps build your success.

You can reach me any time. I want to hear from you.

Contact me

2025 Leadership Team

COME JOIN US

Every month we meet to discuss things that are going on with our bees, what is happening in our hives, have wonderful speakers that teach us things we don't know and socialize with other local beekeepers! Come see us the second Monday each month at the

Clemson Extension Office

1949 Industrial Park Rd.

Conway, SC 29526

7:00 pm

There is a raffle every meeting. Buy your ticket when you arrive for $1.

Keith Martin

Keith

BBA member and past President Keith Martin

took 1st Place and two 2nd Place Ribbons

for his honey at the SC State Fair.

Keith also received 4th Place for his beeswax.

The Blackwater Beekeepers Association aims to enlighten and educate the local community members about the environmental and health benefits of honeybees. We offer knowledgeable local beekeepers who are eager and equipped to deliver engaging and educational presentations to the public.

Presentations are offered for Daycares, Schools, Home Schooling groups, Civic organizations, and Garden Clubs. We provide presentations tailored to suit all age groups and environmental interests. Should your group be interested in a presentation.

The Blackwater Beekeepers Association advocates for and inspires individuals of all ages to explore the intriguing and delightful world of the Honeybee. Whether it's for honey or pollinating your flowers and garden, raising Honeybees is the sole method to accomplish both.

As a South Carolina non-profit entity and an all-volunteer-run association we greatly value donations. Contributions are dedicated to the development and enhancement of initiatives aimed at raising the profile of honeybees, recognizing their vital role as
pollinators for our flora and gardens.

Note: We cannot bring observation hives with honeybees to an event in the cold weather months.

More Details

Request a Speaker

Blackwater Beekeepers

Association

is eager to provide assistance and support

any student interested in pursuing

beekeeping.
Membership is complimentary for any young individual aged 10 to 17. To become a member of the Blackwater Beekeepers Association, click on "Student Sign Up" below. Upon opening the sign-up form, choose 'Student' in the "Membership Type" dropdown box.

Students and 4H Signup

Please Donate to:

Brian Fisher Youth Program Fund