Central Virginia Beekeepers Association

04/06/2026

04/06/2026

Margaret Couvillon
Postdoctoral Fellow in Research, Laboratory of Apiculture and Social Insects, University of Sussex, Brighton, England, 2009-2014
Postdoctoral Fellow in Research and Teaching, University of Arizona, Tucson, 2007-2009
Ph.D. in Behavioral Ecology of Honey bees and Stingless bees, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, England, 2007
M.S. in Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 2004
B.S. in Biology, Loyola University New Orleans, Louisiana, 2000
Selected Professional Experience:
2015-2016: Scientific Advisor, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Parma, Italy

2011 – Present: Columnist, The Beekeepers Quarterly

2014 – Present: Associate Editor, Insectes Sociaux, journal of International Union for the Study of Social Insects (IUSSI)

04/06/2026

Dr. Jamie Ellis
Gahan Endowed Professor, Honey Bee Husbandry, Biology, Conservation, and Ecology

04/06/2026

3/22/26. I should have also noted that the three colonies beside this breeder had washes of 20-30 mites in 300 and the one adjacent was moved so the forager...

04/03/2026

04/02/2026

The Central Virginia Beekeepers Association newsletter would love to feature YOUR photos in our upcoming newsletters! Please share beekeeping related photos that we have permission to publish. Thank you!

03/25/2026

Fantastic line up!! Mark your calendar!

VSBA Fall Conference 2026

October 16–18, 2026 | Culpeper, VA
Germanna Community College – Daniel Technology Center

The Virginia State Beekeepers Association (VSBA) invites beekeepers from across the region to attend our annual fall conference focused on applied beekeeping, research, and sustainable management practices.

Conference Highlights:
Featured Speakers:
Dr. Jamie Ellis
Dr. Maggie Couvillon
Dr. Hollee Freeman
Fred Dunn
Kaylee Richardson

Technical sessions and breakout tracks
Beekeeper Health & Safety Track
Vendor exhibits and industry suppliers
Honey Show & Awards Program
VSBA Master Beekeeper Program Testing

This conference is designed to provide practical, science-based information that beekeepers can apply immediately in their operations.

Who Should Attend?
Beginner to advanced beekeepers
Sideliners and commercial operations
Educators and researchers

📍 Culpeper, Virginia
📅 October 16–18, 2026

🌐 Registration & Details:
www.virginiabeekeepers.org

Virginia State Beekeepers Association
Supporting Beekeepers Through Education, Research, and Community

03/24/2026

We received a swarm call off of Greenbrier Drive near Whole Foods in Charlottesville today! Are you ready for the swarm season? What are you doing to prepare?
If you're a club member and interested in catching swarms, watch for information on how to sign up in the April newsletter.

03/23/2026

🐝 Fresh news from Florida!

We’re excited to officially confirm that Dr. Jamie Ellis will be joining us as our Keynote Speaker for the VSBA Fall Conference – October 17–18, 2026.

And that’s not all…

We’ll also be welcoming:
✨ Dr. Maggie Couvillon
✨ Kaylee Richardson
✨ Dr. Hollee Freeman

This is shaping up to be an incredible weekend of education, collaboration, and real-world beekeeping knowledge from some of the best in the field.

And we’re not done yet—more speakers will be announced soon.

Stay tuned for registration details 👀

03/21/2026

We received a swarm call today in Albemarle County. Who's seeing drones flying around their hives? 🚨🐝🌼🌻🌺🐝💛