LLCC to Host Honey Harvest Demonstration Sept. 23

Lincoln Land Community College will offer the public a look at the honey harvesting process during a live extraction demonstration Wednesday, Sept. 23, at its Springfield campus.

The free event will begin at 10 a.m. at LLCC’s West Lake Nature Grove, 2321 West Lake Shore Drive, and will be led by Dave Cox, LLCC professor of biology, in collaboration with members of the Prairie State Beekeepers Association.

Attendees will be able to observe the honey extraction process from the hive through the final harvest. The demonstration will begin at the apiary, where participants will learn about the hives and watch as honey supers are removed.

Those attending the hive portion of the event are encouraged to wear protective clothing. Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt are required at a minimum. LLCC will have a limited number of bee suits and veils available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees without protective gear will still be able to watch the demonstration from a designated safe distance.

After the hive demonstration, the honey supers will be moved to A. Lincoln Commons, where the extraction portion of the event is expected to begin at approximately noon. Participants will have an opportunity to assist with the extraction process and sample freshly harvested raw honey.

The demonstration is free and open to the public, with community members of all ages invited to attend and learn more about beekeeping, honey production and pollination.