Field Day at Dennis Wisnosky Apiary

Attendees must bring their own personal protective equipment and hive tool.

A waiver and assumption of risk agreement form must be filled out and signed. A printable copy is available here.

RSVPs are requested (please send to willbeesorg@gmail.com).

Message from Dennis:

2025 WillBees September 14th Field Days – bring the kids-grandkids. 3PM to 5PM for the official WillBees hive inspection and decision on winterizing. And, there is more.

26153 W Renwick Rd
Plainfield, IL

WillBees Field Days are about learning how to manage our honeybees. And, on this Apiary, there is a lighted pavilion, walking trails and a 3 acre lake stocked with Large Mouth Bass, Blue Gill and Channel Cat. If you want to fish, or just have fun, I have boats, but fishing from the shore is very good.  You may keep what you catch. I have been told to harvest. But, I have not. I have many fishing rods and lures. Or bring your own gear.

There are also giant Grass Carp – don’t let them scare you. They are Vegans.

I will have water, beer, some of my Mead and Smores material if you would like to hang around, bring your own picnic fixings.  There is a grill. The sunsets are typically spectacular.

Most of our Field Days have been “what is going on – Let’s count the mites.” Last year at my Plainfield Apiary, there were virtually no mites counted. But, I ended up with only one live hive of honeybees in May. What went wrong?

I have 4 Langstroth hives. The two eight frames are doing spectacular. The ten frames not so much, including one that overwintered. I had 3 swarms. God was watching and waiting for me to arrive. I witnessed all three of them. Two of them were accessible. Lucky Fran. I called her and the girls were hers.

I also have a science experiment. Of my original 4 Slovenian families. 2 have survived as feral colonies for several years. No treatments, no food, nothing. They are there and are much more docile than the Langies. Maybe Dave sold me all Russians.

Dave has agreed – bless him, to do the inspection and to provide advice on what to do and maybe even DO IT in real time. Split, combine. I dunno.

The Apiary 26153 W Renwick Rd Plainfield, Il is the corner of Renwick Road and County Line Road.  Your GPS will take you to the horse farm next door.  Renwick Road is E – W. The County has installed curve markers on the South side of Renwick Road.  My driveway is between the last 2 curve markers going West on Renwick and the first 2 curve markers going East.  Look up the address on Google Earth and you will see the lake.  

I will have American flags at the gate. And, thanks to Keith, you will see old glory flying in the middle of the
property.

Hope to see you then.