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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.

Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Surprise (edited)

Honey is one of nature's original pharmaceuticals. It has ingredients that heal the body.



But not all honey is the same.

Store purchased honey is usually pasteurized...cooking out key benefits.



Raw honey contains the stuff you want and sometimes even more if, wax, pollen and propolis are not filtered out.


Raw honey’s nutrition content will vary due to its origin and some other factors. Generally, one tablespoon or 21 grams of raw honey will contain 64 calories and 17 grams of sugar. Raw honey also contains smaller amounts of the following vitamins and minerals: calcium, magnesium, manganese, niacin, pantothenic acid, phosphorous, potassium, riboflavin along with zinc.


In addition it found to contain varying amounts of amino acids, a good deal of enzymes and ingredients that help heal your body.


There are antimicrobial properties are in Raw honey that can inhibit the growth of select various bacteria strains. It has been used as a wound dressing for cuts and scrapes.


Raw honey can soothe a sore throat and stomach, suppress a cough and help with digestion


And it is better in your coffee than sugar. (who knew)


All from the work of the honeybee.




There have been some promotion of relief from seasonal pollen allergies with the use of local honey. There is some evidence of effectiveness.

However, no large studies have been done to conclusively verify the evidence. Local honey will have variations in the concentration of the ingredients for effective immunotherapy due to concentrations of the plant pollens in a colonies range of 2 miles. Additionally, every person has different reactions and body weight that will need specific doses.

Will Raw local honey help with your allergies...it won't hurt you to try.

Note:like all things moderation is recommended.


Conclusion



Become a beekeeper and enjoy the experience of having your own honey.


Not for you...consider getting to know local beekeepers and support and strengthen the local association. You will be assured that the honey you buy will be raw and local.


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Looking for Beekeeping items for the Spring Needs

BBA has developed some deals for members (different than the public page)


  • All items are high quality and often locally sourced.
  • Order what you need you here.
  • We will notify you when the products will be ready for pickup.
  • Note: some items will have backorder under product...order it anyway.


Packages, Woodenware, supplies, tools and more.

Check them out.

Storefront



January 31, 2025 is the cut off date to order packages
Countdown
January 31, 2025 is the cut off date to order packages
You might consider becoming a beekeeper if...🤔 you want the benefits of pollination in your gardens and your own source of local honey    🤠


Bee on Rose

Honeybee Populations are in Decline Nationwide...Here's what you need to know...


The Real Story






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

 


If you missed the chance to attend the "Beekeeping: Is it Right for YOU" three hour seminar...it will happen again in the fall of 2025

Want to still determine if Beekeeping is something that you might want to do?

Consider attending one of Blackwater Beekeeper Association's monthly member meetings.   There you can hear speakers talk about the issues of beekeeping, meet some local beekeepers and ask questions.

There is no charge to attend one of our monthly meetings.

It happens every Second Monday each month beginning at 7pm...

The location is...


Clemson Extension Office

1949 Industrial Park Rd.

Conway, SC 29526


Map Location


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 will be available in early January 2026

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 limited to 35 participants.  

Attending the BBA one day Evaluation Seminar (available in the fall 2025)  is recommended prior to signing up for the course.

If you are interested in finding out more about what is involved in beekeeping…we recommend that you attend a monthly BBA member meeting.  They are free and open to the public.

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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


Isabelle holding a frame of Her Bees

Children can help secure that Honeybees will be safe for future generations

We have opportunities for students to learn the art and science of Beekeeping.

BBA has programs that will help support the success of a student who wishes to be a beekeeper.

BBA 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


Donations to:

Brian Fisher Youth Program Fund

will help ensure that these programs continue.

 


Young Beekeeper

Interesting in Learning More...

Monthly BBA meetings are open to you

There is no cost to attend.

🤔


Every month we meet to discuss things that are going on locally with our honeybee colonies.

We discuss what is happening in our hives,

Meet and socialize with local beekeepers!


It happens every Second Monday each month beginning at 7pm...

The locations is...


Clemson Extension Office

1949 Industrial Park Rd.

Conway, SC 29526


Map Location


NEXT MONTHLY MEETING
Countdown
NEXT MONTHLY MEETING

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.


Welcome Members
Welcome New Members




In the Hive


Check out what is happening
in Local Hives 
over the next few months.

In the Hive January/February


Welcome Members
Members Who have Renewed