University of Montana Beekeeping Program

🌫️🐝 Wildfire smoke has been impacting communities across the U.S., including important pollinators like honey bees. Did you know...

- Dense smoke and hazy skies can disrupt bee navigation. Bees rely on visual cues from the sun and sky to find their way, and heavy smoke can turn routine foraging flights into slower, more erratic journeys.

- Smoky conditions can make bees hesitant to leave the hive. When smoke reduces the polarized light bees use for orientation, they may delay flights, turn back early, or struggle to stay on course.

- Ash can interfere with pollination. Particles that settle on flowers may mask floral scents and block access to nectar, making it harder for bees to forage and pollinate effectively.

Wildfire season can be challenging for both honey bee colonies and the beekeepers who care for them. Wherever you are, the UM Beekeeping Program encourages everyone to stay informed, stay safe, and take steps to protect both people and pollinators.

Take the next step in your beekeeping journey with our online Journeyman Level Beekeeping Course, beginning August 31.

As the second course in the Master Beekeeping Pathway, Journeyman is designed for beekeepers who want to deepen their understanding of honey bees and their role in the broader ecosystem. Through science-based instruction, you'll learn how to make informed management decisions that support healthy, productive colonies.

"Great course for those wanting to approach beekeeping from a scientific point of view…for people wanting to be beekeepers and not bee-havers."
— Chris Banks, Tennessee

🔗 Learn more and register: www.umt.edu/bee/pathway/journeyman.php

Last week, Dr. Scott Debnam served as an instructor for our curious crew of Pollinator Protectors — a collaborative academic day camp hosted by the University of Montana Summer Office and Specialty & Extended Programming Office in partnership with the Missoula Family YMCA.

Students in grades 6-8 explored the fascinating world of pollinators through hands-on learning experiences. They collected field data across UM's Bee Campus, expanded their knowledge at the UM Apiary and Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium, and concluded the program by showcasing their findings and sharing their favorite pollinator species.

Thank you to all participants, partners, and collaborators for making this program a success. The UM Beekeeping Program is proud to teach the next generation how to preserve, protect, and promote pollinator species and the habitats they depend on!

Wishing you a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend from the University of Montana Beekeeping Program! 🐝🇺🇸

New to beekeeping? Our beginner-focused online beekeeping course begins July 13, 2026!

Just like wax in a hive, the Apprentice Level is the foundation for all other courses in our program. We strongly believe all beekeepers need this fundamental knowledge and skillset before progressing to higher levels.

“By taking this class, I have the confidence that I can start beekeeping and succeed. This class provided much-needed information about the diseases bees have. I would recommend this class before getting into the beekeeping business.” – Alta M., Divide, MT

Learn more and register at https://www.umt.edu/bee/pathway/apprentice.php

Celebrating National Pollinator Week means teaching the next generation how to preserve, protect, and promote pollinator species and their habitats!

The University of Montana Beekeeping program is proud to present Pollinator Protectors — a collaborative academic day camp offered by the University of Montana Summer Office and Specialty & Extended Programming Office in partnership with the Missoula Family YMCA.

This introductory academic camp invites students in 6-8 grade to explore the fascinating world of pollinators through hands-on instruction, guest speaker presentations, and field trips to the UM apiary and Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium.

Dates:
July 20–25, 2026
Missoula, MT

To learn more about Pollinator Protectors and register, visit https://operations.daxko.com/Online/3017/ProgramsV2/OfferingDetails.mvc?program_id=TMP58939&offering_id=SES3301568&location_id=B39&filter=H4sIAAAAAAAEAG1SXW-DMAz8L36mUqBrq_E79lZNURoMiwYxcswqVPW_L0D56DqJh3DnnC9n38AETSXkN2ioQMiBsXJB2Igjr8najoO-oFwRPSQQxLDEqkxlx53a71T2kapcveVKRRZ9seVOH9k-P7zHD-4JWCNYEffaFQFy39V1AjXZqdEGo7JEdr7S0rcY0fNn8mxqwCHPEnDe1l2B2nljxf2gfrRww7XS1AH_qZlbriWF6YcMYlcsZhPiGtRsfDU7KKL0E3BxLF96gF-du0WnZarYNBvkG_sr8fBcaKmuoy8hhtVoaSxKZIU73PpYiPNtmYI6bHNP0ynplU-zJ_74wp-e5rYf-b9xry9fLDyG5xoXVTIV14IGvTPsgiXGqOhNg_O6jAoQZU0pyPNtS80QVSDyyyQanJJS07HzTub_7fZoapHH2Eat-y9suwTtxQIAAA2