4th Annual Field Day (SOLD OUT)
June 15-16, 2018
Please review the entire schedule before signing up. This year we will have more time to get to know one another, make connections, share experiences while pampering ourselves in the grand historic environment of Hotel Washington. Two separate reservations are required. Hotel reservations should be made independently from this event by calling 920.847.3010. Event reservations are through the Sweet Mountain Farm online shopping cart.
FERRY
View the Washington Island Ferry boat schedule here. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure and be prepared to purchase ferry tickets.
ISLAND TRANSPORTATION
Decide on transportation. Transportation options include bringing your own vehicle, carpool with other participants, bicycle rental, moped rental, and Island Shuttle. Washington Island encompasses 35 square miles and over 15,000 acres, not all transportation options stop near Sweet Mountain Farm so check out your travel options before you arrive.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Book your accommodations before you arrive. Don’t get stuck on the Island overnight without a hotel reservation. Book ahead and make sure that you have a reservation confirmation. Don’t wait since, during the summer, rooms are typically full. Door County will also be heavily booked and you may not find a room on the peninsula. The breakfast, classroom and round table events will be held at Hotel Washington & Studio. Book now if you plan to stay at the Hotel.
RETURN TRIP
Plan your return trip. The last two ferries leaving the island on Saturday night are 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Arrive at Detroit Harbor at least 30 minutes early if you are driving your auto and plan to get your auto on board for the ferry trip back to the mainland. If you plan to board the last boat of the day this is important.
EQUIPMENT
Bring your own gear. You will not be allowed in the bee yard without protective equipment. Remember your bee suit, veil, gloves and hive tool or anything else that you want to use in the bee yard. Hiking boots are preferred. Sweet Mountain Farm does not supply equipment.
LIABILITY
Sign a liability waiver. It is necessary before entering the bee yard. Waivers will be distributed in your welcome packet.
ATTRACTIONS
Check out the Washington Island Chamber of Commerce website here for information. There are many interesting places to visit on the Island. Don’t miss the Stavkirke located on Town Line Road. The craftsmanship is astounding. It is one of my favorites.
PLANNED EVENTS:
Friday, June 15, 2018
Welcome 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Informal gathering hosted by Hotel Washington includes wine and appetizers at the owner’s residence – Heron Home.
Presentation 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Location: Hotel Washington Studio
Welcome, announcements, brief meeting, handouts
- 45 minute media presentation
- history of Russian honeybees
- how Russian honeybees are different than other honeybees
- what are the pros and cons for raising Russian honeybees
- seasonal life of an apiary
This multi-media introduction will prepare you for what you will observe in the bee yard.
Saturday, June 16, 2018
Breakfast 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Location: Hotel Washington
Complementary breakfast sponsored by Sweet Mountain Farm. Enjoy oatmeal, walnuts, Sweet Mountain Farm honey and maple syrup, brown sugar and cream.
In the Bee Yard
11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
The day is planned for your enrichment and enjoyment in a relaxed environment. Come and go as you please. There will be 10-15 minute talks at the top of each hour. I will demonstrate then you can practice. I will be on-hand for Q&A throughout the day.
You can practice what you learn in the classroom with hands-on in the field;
- Work in pairs to inspect a colony
- Queen rearing. – NEW watch as eggs are grafted
- Multiple methods for chemical free integrated pest management
- Perform a mite count
- Understand splits
Inside the Honey House:
Ice cold water is provided.
Round Table
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: The Hotel Washington Studio
At the end of this amazing day, like the honeybees we have studied, we will fly back to the hotel. There, again, like bees through their dance, we will share and learn from each other. It will be a sweet experience. Refreshments can be purchased. If you plan to stay Saturday night please do not forget to make dinner reservations.
Reserve your spot. $25.00/(2 person team) lodging, ferry fees and dinner not included.
Participant limit = 20.