SisQ Bee Club

Mission: "Practicing & Promoting the Art of Beekeeping in Siskiyou County"

Vision: The SisQ Bee Club envisions a vibrant countywide community of more than 100 beginner, intermediate, and advanced beekeepers. Through education, mentorship, resources, and effective hive monitoring, we empower our members to make informed decisions, successfully overwinter their colonies, support strong spring growth, and help their bees not only survive—but truly thrive.

The Art of Beekeeping, an Heirloom Story

The Heirloom: Beekeeping is more than a hobby—it is a time-honored craft that connects people, cultures, and the natural world. By sharing our knowledge and traditions with future generations, we help preserve the essential role bees play in our ecosystem. Together, we can ensure this sweet legacy continues to thrive for generations to come.

The Challenge: Beekeeping has become far more difficult over the past five years. Maintaining healthy colonies while controlling the destructive Varroa mite is an ongoing and often overwhelming challenge.

The initial investment can also be prohibitive for aspiring beekeepers. Establishing a healthy, fully equipped hive during the first year can cost at least $700 for bees, equipment, protective clothing, and setup. To reduce expenses, beginners may rely on outdated or potentially contaminated equipment, placing their bees at greater risk of disease, colony loss, or death. These early setbacks can be deeply discouraging and may cause new beekeepers to give up before they have a fair chance to succeed.

The Solution: With support from North State Giving in 2026, the SisQ Bee Club launched a highly successful New Beekeeper’s Fund. The program provides eligible new beekeepers with their first hive, fully equipped to support them well into their second year before additional equipment is needed.

This initiative gave both bees and beekeepers a strong start and provided knowledge and, ultimately, more confidence. Recipients also gained valuable hands-on experience by helping build their woodenware and volunteering at two additional Club activities. These requirements strengthen their skills, encourage community involvement, and contribute to the Club’s long-term sustainability.

We hope to continue this meaningful tradition, welcome more people into beekeeping, and help the SisQ Bee Club grow.

As new member Calvin Kreuter of Etna shared, “I would have been lost if it weren’t for the SisQ Bee Club. The hands-on opportunities made all the difference in my understanding of what it means to be a beekeeper.”

The Help: The SisQ Bee Club Board of Directors is seeking donations to sustain the New Beekeeper’s Fund and help aspiring beekeepers get started successfully. We also welcome volunteers for community activities, including maintaining the Pollinator Garden at the fairgrounds, assisting with Kids’ Educational Days and Ag Awareness Day, and staffing our booth at the Siskiyou Golden Fair. Your generous gift of time or financial support will help advance the Club’s mission and ensure a thriving future for bees, beekeepers, and our community.

“Anyone who thinks they are too small to make a difference has never met the Honey Bee” — unknown.

2027 Educational Plan

• Our educational programs include:
  • Monthly meetings with beekeepers, botanists, and industry experts
  • Hands-on Field Days and mentorship
  • Kids’ Polly Club activities for local youth
  • Pollinator garden tours and community education
  • Partnerships promoting pollinator-friendly practices
  • An annual Pollinator Plant Sale
  • Beekeeping classes, community presentations, and participation in local events