National Urban Beekeeping Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

National Urban Beekeeping Day is observed on July 19 each year. The day is designated to honour the practise of maintaining bee colonies in urban areas. Other names for urban beekeeping are hobby beekeeping and ‘backyard beekeeping. Apiculture is the practise of maintaining and preserving bees. In the past, it was illegal to maintain bees in urban areas, but recent research indicates that urban bees are healthier than their rural counterparts and contribute to economic and environmental growth.

The background of National Urban Beekeeping Day

Detroit Hives, a non-profit organisation, proclaimed July 19 as National Urban Beekeeping Day on December 3, 2019. The holiday was created to raise awareness about supporting urban beekeepers, educate the public about the role of urban beekeeping, and debate the significance of bees to our environment. The same year, on July 21, Jewell Jones introduced H.R. Bill 141, a bill declaring July 19 as National Urban Beekeeping Day in the state of Michigan. This measure was approved with the support of ten State Representatives.

Swarming was one of the challenges of urban beekeeping. Even though it is harmless, the site of a swarming bee colony in an urban area is enough to frighten people away and disrupt their daily routines. People are always wary of being struck by bees because they are aware of how excruciating bee stings can be. In some cities, such as New York, the increasing prevalence of urban beekeeping resulted in a decline in honey production. Then there was the problem of disease agents that affect honey bees in urban areas being easily transmitted.

Numerous bee restrictions have resulted from these obstacles, particularly in North American cities. In recent years, however, these prohibitions have been lifted. One of the primary factors for this was the bees’ health. It was discovered that urban bee colonies are healthier and more prolific than their rural counterparts. The inclusion of bees in the local food movement helped to overturn prohibitions, and between 1999 and 2012, the number of urban beekeepers increased dramatically. Despite the fact that it is now required to register beehives, a significant number of beekeepers do not inform city management.

International Retainer Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Teeth

Liberation Day/FSLN Revolution Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

NATIONAL URBAN BEEKEEPING DAY ACTIVITIES

Observe a bee estate

There are numerous bee colonies across the nation. Visit one of them to learn more about honeybees.

Support a honey producer

Beekeepers have a lot of labour to do in order to maintain their bee farms. Offer financial aid to demonstrate your support.

Share via social networks

Inform everyone of the date. Share this article using the hashtag #nationalurbanbeekeepingday with your peers.

5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BEEKEEPING

In 1853, Christopher H. Shelton brought two honey bee colonies to Los Angeles.

In 2010, Milwaukee approved an ordinance permitting beekeeping in the city’s urban core.

In 2011, over 107 colonies were registered in Toronto.

In 2013, a moratorium on beekeeping was voted down in the Chicago suburb of Skokie.

In 2016, Timothy Paule discovered that local honey could treat a cough more effectively than other remedies.

NATIONAL URBAN BEEKEEPING DAY DATES