Sweet Success: A Journey into Beekeeping
ILLINOIS VALLEY BEEKEEPING CLUB
Warren Norris - President - 815-228-3330
Mike Lawyer - Vice President - 779-435-9941
Sheri Stumreiter - Treasurer - 815-503-2863
Stephanie Nelson - Secretary - 815-488-3763
We are open to the public and invite you to join us at one of our upcoming meetings. At our meetings each month we offer the opportunity to share experiences with fellow beekeepers and engage in discussion to help expand your knowledge of beekeeping.
As a paid member you have access to vote on club issues, run for a seat on the board, rent club equipment such as extractors, books and magazines from our growing library, and the chance to help us spread the word at local events.
If interested in becoming a member, come to a meeting and sign up. Cost is $20 annually with $10 of that registering you automatically with the Illinois State Beekeepers' Association. Two memberships in one!
Meetings are the 2nd Friday of the month, with the exception of July (Summer Picnic) & December,
please arrive around 6:45pm, meeting starts at 7:00pm and ends around 9:00pm.
We look forward to having you as a new member.
Meetings are held at the:
La Salle County Extension Office
1689 North 31st Road
Lower Level (basement)
Ottawa, IL 61350
Upcoming Meeting!!
FRIDAY JUNE 12th 2026
We are open to the public and invite you to join us at our upcoming meeting where we offer the opportunity to share experiences with fellow beekeepers and engage in discussion to help expand your knowledge of beekeeping.
Please arrive around 6:45pm,
meeting starts at 7:00pm
and ends around 9:00pm.
La Salle County Extension Office
1689 North 31st Road
Lower Level (basement)
Ottawa, IL 61350
*June Agenda is not available at this time,
To see what was discussed at past meetings go to the following link...
Now is the time to start thinking of the future!!
2026 Robert Brandner Grant
The purpose of this Grant is to provide financial assistance for one year, at the discretion of the IVBA, in the amount of $250.00, to a current student and IVBA member who has an interest in the Art and Science of Beekeeping and Honey Bees.
We are here to help make this a success for you, offering mentorship and hands on experience through the club to make your dreams a possibility.
Criteria:
- Award will be paid to the participant, or guardian in the case of a minor;
- Must be an active student and IVBA member. You can become a member at any time;
- The applicant must commit to volunteering with the Illinois Waterway, and/or, an experienced mentor, for a period of 10 hours for the given year;
- Candidates must provide letters of recommendation from at least two experienced beekeepers, preferably a mentor and another beekeeping individual familiar with the candidate’s understanding, commitment, and experience;
- Funds provided are not based on financial need;
- Applicant must provide photos of their work with the hives and their mentor, and write a 300 word essay based on their interest, experience, and goals in regard to the Art and Science of Beekeeping and Honey Bees (having said that, no experience is necessary).
Note: Must be returned to the
Illinois Valley Beekeeper’s Association
Mail or drop off location is the
University of Illinois Extension Center – LaSalle County Office
1689 N. 31st Road, Suite 2, Ottawa, IL 61350
Grant Winner will be announced on the 2nd Friday of November – of any given year - during the IVBA’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting.
What to be doing in your hive this Month!
June Beekeeping Tasks for Illinois Hives
In June, Illinois hives are in peak activity — focus on swarming prevention, space management, honey production, and disease control to set up for summer success.
1. Monitor Swarming Closely
Even though peak swarming often happens in May, strong, well-fed colonies in June are still at risk. Inspect every 7–10 days for swarm cells. If space is tight, add a honey super or consider splitting the hive. Remove queen cells if you’re not planning to raise queens.
2. Manage Space and Honey Storage
Strong colonies can fill a honey super in a week. Add drawn comb or foundation as needed to give bees room to store nectar and raise brood. Avoid overcrowding — it can trigger swarming or stop bees from working.
3. Track Honey Production
In northern Illinois, the main nectar flow may just be beginning. Monitor super weights without unnecessary hive openings. Prepare for extraction when supers are full and capped.
4. Control Varroa Mites
Varroa populations grow quickly in warm weather. Perform a sugar roll or alcohol wash every 30 days, aiming for under 2–3 mites per 100 bees. Consider early summer treatments if mite levels rise, using products safe for honey production.
5. Check Queen and Brood Health
By mid-June, the queen should be laying consistently. Look for patchy brood patterns, chalkbrood, sacbrood, or foulbrood. Requeen if needed and replace old, dark brood comb to improve hive health.
6. Support Wax Production
Mid-June is a wax-making peak. Young bees (12–18 days old) produce wax flakes that other bees use to build comb. This is a good time to replace old frames and build up foundation for future use.
7. Manage Summer Heat
High temperatures and humidity can stress colonies. Tilt inner covers, use screened bottom boards, and provide water nearby. Shade hives during the hottest part of the day if possible.
8. Local Illinois Considerations
June is also a time to join local beekeeping associations for inspections, workshops, and mentorship.
Tip: In Illinois, always check local ordinances before moving hives or making changes, as some municipalities have specific beekeeping rules.
By June, your hives should be strong, well-fed, and ready for the summer’s nectar flows — with careful monitoring and proactive management, you’ll maximize honey production and colony health.
Ways to Help
Become a Member
Make a Donation Towards Education
Make a Donation Towards Education
Cost is $20 annually with $10 of that registering you automatically with the Illinois State Beekeepers' Association. Two memberships in one! As a paid member you have access to vote on club issues, run for a seat on the board, rent club equipment such as extractors, books and magazines from our growing library, and the chance to help us spread the word at local events.
Make a Donation Towards Education
Make a Donation Towards Education
Make a Donation Towards Education
Your donations help us provide educational tools and classes, provides us with the opportunity to purchase equipment for our hands on Apiary and it also gives us the funding to continue our Robert Brandner Grant to help young beekeepers to continue their education.
Look Cool While Keeping Bees
Make a Donation Towards Education
Look Cool While Keeping Bees
We offer a number of items at our meetings:
Honey Bear 12oz - $9
Shirts - Vary in price
Hats - $10
Slate Coasters -
Wood Cut Designs - varies
All proceeds go back to the club, items are limited. Stop in and see a member at one of our meetings.