2017 will be our first full season at our Kenai Mountains Beeyard. We built the beeyard so that we could bring surviving colonies together to breed queens that have a track record of survival. This requires that we find a place far away from other beekeepers, so that we can insure that only queens and drones from surviving colonies are involved in the mating process.
We need to make some important improvements to the yard, to improve the security from curious and hungry wildlife. We are planning to upgrade our fence so that it is more sturdy and provides an ample barrier for moose and bears. We also will electrify the fence for extra deterrence. We are also looking to build a small shed on the lot so that we can store equipment, batteries (for the electric fence) and also a small grafting room so that we can make queens on-site.
There are lots of ways you can help! Here are a few:
- Can you donate some building materials? We are in critical need of 6-foot agricultural fencing (about 200 feet), fence posts, gate hinges, scrap dimensional lumber, pallets, etc.
- Electric fence supplies – we are electrifying our fence to deter bears and moose from the yard. We need to provide a big ZAP to keep bears from the yard, so we’re looking for a heavy duty electric fence charger, solar panels, batteries and insulators.
- Do you have some time to help with the yard? We schedule work parties at the yard several times a year, and would love your help!
- If you would like to help, but don’t have any of these items, we would greatly appreciate cash donations, which will go directly to our 2017 improvements.
If you can help with any of the above items, please email us at bees@alaskabeeinitiative.com