In addition to the outstanding classroom sessions and the conference keynote speakers, there will be four exciting workshops including bee photography, queen-rearing program, baking with honey, and honeybee microscopy.

Microscopy

Ever wanted to look at a bee up close? Wondered how it’s respiratory system differs from ours? Or what it’s ocelli look like?
During this workshop, we will cover both external and internal anatomy. Along the way, you will learn how to use a stereo microscope, how to dissect a bee, how to identify external and internal body parts, and diagnosis of health issues. No prior microscope experience is necessary.
The workshop will be offered during two-time blocks allowing for 96 students total to attend.

A total of 24 students will be assigned to one of the two designated teaching lab classrooms and then switch between rooms after a two-hour time block in each room. One classroom will focus on external/internal anatomy and the other on health issues.

The external anatomy component will cover all the basic body parts of the honey bee worker and the activity to dis-assemble/re-assemble bee. The internal anatomy component will cover all internal structures of the honey bee worker and activity to remove tissues to create slides for further diagnostics in the health issues classroom. Time permitting, students will also be able to view and dissect the anatomy of drone and queen honey bees. The health issues component will focus on visual symptoms, field diagnosis, sampling, and lab analysis for Nosema, AFB, EFB, and Varroa mites.

The classrooms used in this workshop are equipped with a projector, screen, teaching microscopes, and individual student workstations that have both stereo and compound microscopes. Students will have access to compound and stereo microscopes, dissection kits, expired honey bees (workers, drones, queens), reference material (i.e. Nosema, AFB, EFB, Varroa mites), and instructional support (i.e. instructors and handouts). The workshops will be led by an instructor and support staff. It is expected that students will work on their own, but all are encouraged to also support each other and facilitate group learning during the workshop.

Dissection kits will be provided as part of registration and students will be able to take them home after the workshop. Honey bees will be provided for dissections, but students are encouraged to also bring their bees for evaluation. Students who want to analyze their bees should collect them fresh from the colony, store in the freezer, and then transport chilled to the workshop.
Space will be limited to 96 students, and there is a fee to attend this workshop.

Queen rearing class

The queen rearing class for EAS 2023 will describe, demonstrate, and allow participants to practice all the steps involved in raising queens. It will focus on using the Doolittle method of grafting, although other methods will be discussed. The class will be broken up into 5 sessions over two consecutive days. It will start with a classroom discussion of cell builders and how to ensure success, followed by a hands- on session in the apiary making up a cell builder for later use. The class will then continue with a combination of classroom and hands on sessions on grafting. There will be frames of larvae to practice grafting, and some of these grafts will be placed into the previously set up cell builders. Class will also cover topics of setting up mating nucs, placing cells, understanding the queen development timeline, and troubleshooting common problems.

This is intended to be an intermediate to advanced class. The number of participants will be limited to ensure everyone has an opportunity to get as much practice as possible to become comfortable with each step of the process.

EAS Photography

Join photographer, apiary inspector and beekeeper Paul Tessier for a hands-on photography workshop where you will learn to make professional quality, awe inspiring close-up images of honey bees. Whether you are new to photography and looking for basic instruction, a seasoned pro looking to polish your craft, or someone who is just interested in how these pictures are created, this workshop will have something for you! Bring your camera, lens, and vail. We plan to photograph honey bees on flowers, water sources as well as in and around the hive.

• Hands on instruction photographing live honey bees.

• Learn to use macro lenses for detailed close-up images.

• Learn to use flashes and modifiers for dramatic lighting.

• Learn to critique, edit, and process photos.

• Share newly taken photos at conference gatherings.

Baking with Honey

UMass Dining Director of Bakery Operations and Executive Pastry Chef Pamela Adams will share her tips on delicious baking treats with honey.  The University of Massachusetts Amherst and Chef Adams have won numerous awards for their culinary endeavors.