Exploring pollinators with 4-H members!

Join Michigan 4-H and MSU Extension as we discover the world of pollinators, honey bees, and beekeeping! We will discover topics in understanding honey bees, working with bees, pollination and agriculture, apiculture careers, and youth development. Read on for details about programs:

Project Resources:

Visit the 4-H Children's Gardens here.

4-H Beekeeping Curricula

Indiana 4-H Beekeeping Manuals, online only:
- Understanding the Honey Bee, 4-H 571-W
- Working with Honey bees, 4-H 586-W
- Advanced Beekeeping Methods, 4-H 593-W
- Facilitator/Helper's Guide
Idaho 4-H Beekeeping Project
New Hampshire 4-H Bee Project Overview
National 4-H Council Honey Bee Challenge & Gardening Essentials Bundle

Videos and Web Resources:

How Bees Help Make Apples (4 mins) With the help of some bees, Nate Walton, MSU Entomologist, explains how bees help make apples.
How Bees Help Make Pumpkins (7 mins) Explore pumpkin pollination with Nate Walton, MSU Entomologist.
Wild Bees with MSU Kelsey Graham, entomology researcher.
Bee Research and Careers. Meet bee educator Ana Heck, to learn about more about careers working with honeybees.
Citizen Science Project in Traverse City: Part 1: How to Participate: Citizen Science and Identifying Pollinators: Citizen Science Join Nate Walton to meet Michigan's insect pollinators.

Resources from MSU Pollinator Initiative:

MSU Resources for Beekeepers comprehensive site for the beginner or commercial beekeeper, and those just curious to learn more about beekeeping.

MSU Keep Bees Alive The Keep Bees Alive project has been designed to help beekeepers with some of the most common causes of colony death. Site includes videos, handouts, and articles to help you keep your bees alive and healthy.

MSU Pollinator Champions is a free, self-paced online course offered by Michigan State University. The course is packed full of videos, articles, and fun activities to guide you through the amazing world of pollinators and pollination.

MSU Squash Bee Citizen Science Survey Our goal was to better understand cucurbit pollination, in particular we were interested in the role of squash bees and the impact of farm management practices on them.

Need support for your 4-H Bee project?

Contact any 4-H staff member for assistance with your bee-related club project.

Veronica Bolhuis, Kalamazoo County 4-H Program Coordinator
Margaret Merchberger, Chippewa County 4-H Program Coordinator
Kristi Schreiber, Isabella County 4-H Program Coordinator
Lori Warchuck, St. Clair County 4-H Program Coordinator
Jessica Wright, Educator, 4-H Children's Garden

Oct 4

Michigan Beekeepers Association Fall Conference

October 4, 2025 9:00AM – 5:00PM Washtenaw Community College, Morris Lawrence Building, 4800 E Huron River Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

The Michigan Beekeepers Association Fall Conference is a great place to learn about beekeeping and honey bee health!
Feb 28

Michigan Beekeepers Association Spring Conference

February 28, 2026 8:00AM – 5:00PM Michigan State University Kellogg Center, 219 S Harrison Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824

The Michigan Beekeepers Association Spring Conference is a great place to learn about beekeeping and honey bee health!

Getting Started with Beekeeping

The Michigan Ag Ideas to Grow With virtual conference offers multiple educational opportunities, including a session for people interested in learning to keep honey bees and support pollinator health. (RUP credits available)