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Golden Cup sponsors workshops in Sustainability in Buildings, Health, and Homesteading
including Natural Building curriculum honoring SunRay Kelley's heritage; cob, strawbale, whimsical roofs;
Movement Therapy; Detoxification and Regeneration; Breathwork, Spiritual Retreats;
Homesteading curriculum, Organic Farming, Permaculture, Biodynamics; Forestry.
Gail Dwin
With over 10 years of experience as a beekeeper, I bring a heartfelt and inspiring approach to caring for bees. My journey began with earning an Apprentice Certificate in Beekeeping from UC Davis in 2018, and it deepened during two transformative years working alongside professional beekeepers in Healdsburg. During this time, I learned invaluable techniques for nurturing hives through the challenges of winter and beyond. Bees inspire me because of their self-sustaining nature and their ability to thrive with minimal intervention when properly supported. This philosophy guides my teaching and mentoring.
Over the years, I’ve helped several friends and aspiring beekeepers through hands-on hive inspections—or “hive dives.” These inspections, which can be done every two to three weeks, are essential for ensuring the health and balance of the colony.
Hive dives always serve a purpose, whether it’s checking for brood health, monitoring honey stores, managing pests, or simply understanding the dynamics of the hive. Through this practice, I aim to share the joy and responsibility of beekeeping, fostering a deeper connection to these extraordinary creatures.
Hive Dives: A Vital Practice in Beekeeping
Hive dives are intentional, hands-on inspections designed to monitor and support the health of a colony. Performed every two to three weeks, these dives are not about disrupting the bees but ensuring that every element of the hive is functioning as it should. Each dive is purposeful and aimed at maintaining the delicate balance within the hive.
Here are some of the key reasons for conducting hive dives:
1.Queen Right
Ensuring the colony is queen right is a top priority. This involves checking for signs of a healthy, active queen, such as the presence of eggs, larvae, and capped brood. If the queen is absent or failing, prompt action can prevent a breakdown in the hive’s structure and morale.
2.Colony Strength
Evaluating the overall population of the hive helps determine if the colony is strong enough to sustain itself, forage effectively, and defend against predators. A robust workforce is essential for honey production and hive survival.
3.Honey Stores
Monitoring honey and pollen stores ensures the bees have adequate resources, especially before winter. If stores
are low, supplemental feeding or other interventions may be necessary.
4.Pest and Disease Management
Hive dives allow for early detection of threats like varroa mites, small hive beetles, and signs of diseases such as chalkbrood or American foulbrood. Addressing these issues promptly helps prevent colony collapse.
5. Swarm Prevention
Inspections help identify swarm cells and overcrowding, which can signal an impending swarm. Managing space and splitting hives, if necessary, can reduce the likelihood of losing a portion of the colony.
6.Structural Integrity
Hive dives also involve checking the physical condition of the hive itself, ensuring frames are intact, comb is well-drawn, and there are no gaps or damage that could invite pests or harsh weather conditions.
The Philosophy of Hive Dives
I approach hive dives with care and purpose, always mindful of the bees’ natural rhythms. While these inspections are essential for maintaining hive health, they are done sparingly to minimize disruption.
Once a colony is well-established, inspections can often be reduced to every three weeks, reflecting a philosophy of working with the bees rather than constantly interfering.
Teaching others how to perform hive dives is one of the most rewarding aspects of my beekeeping journey. By sharing my knowledge and techniques, I help new beekeepers develop confidence and a deeper connection with
