Will County Beekeepers Association

Field Day at Fran Miller's Apiary
2025-05-18 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Fran Miller Apiary, 15220 Obrien Road, Minooka, Illinois, 60447, United States
At this Field Day we are going to cover general hive inspection, Varroa mite testing and treatment, and making splits.
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).

Field Day at Grace and Mark Youell's Apiary June 29, 2025
2025-06-29 12:00 - 16:00 | Grace and Mark Youell Apiary, 34107 S. Rivals Road, Wilmington, IL, 60481, United States
At this Field Day, Grace and Mark are going to cover the Flow Hive design and operation.
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).

Field Day at Susana and Jon Flodstrom Apiary
2025-07-20 12:00 - 16:00 | 8262 W Lincoln Hwy, Frankfort, IL, 8262 W Lincoln Highway, Frankfort, IL, 60423, United States
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).

2025 Will County Fair
2025-08-20 08:00 - 2025-08-24 20:00 | Will County Fair Ground, 710 S. West Street, Peotone, IL, Illinois, 60468

Association Meeting 8-20-2025
2025-08-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Will County Farm Bureau Building, 100 Manhattan Rd Joliet, IL 60433, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
Come to our August monthly Membership meeting to hear local and national beekeeping news, see presentations on bee biology and hive management, engage in discussions with other bee-interested people, and share stories with mentors. All ages and experience levels welcome. Your first meeting requires no dues.

Field Day at Dennis Wisnosky Apiary
2025-09-14 15:00 - 17:00 | Dennis Wisnosky Apiary, 26195 W Renwick Road, Plainfield, IL, United States
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.

Association Meeting 9-17-2025
2025-09-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Will County Farm Bureau Building, 100 Manhattan Rd Joliet, IL 60433, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
Come to our September monthly Membership meeting to hear local and national beekeeping news, see presentations on bee biology and hive management, engage in discussions with other bee-interested people, and share stories with mentors. All ages and experience levels welcome. Your first meeting requires no dues.

Association Meeting 10-15-2025
2025-10-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Will County Farm Bureau Building, 100 Manhattan Rd Joliet, IL 60433, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
Come to our October monthly Membership meeting to hear local and national beekeeping news, see presentations on bee biology and hive management, engage in discussions with other bee-interested people, and share stories with mentors. All ages and experience levels welcome. Your first meeting requires no dues.

Association Meeting 1-21-2026
2026-01-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Will County Farm Bureau Building, 100 Manhattan Rd Joliet, IL 60433, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
Come to our first monthly Membership meeting of 2026 to hear local and national beekeeping news, see presentations on bee biology and hive management, engage in discussions with other bee-interested people, and share stories with mentors. All ages and experience levels welcome. Your first meeting requires no dues.

Association Meeting 2-18-2026
2026-02-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Will County Farm Bureau Building, 100 Manhattan Rd Joliet, IL 60433, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
Come to our February monthly Membership meeting to hear local and national beekeeping news, see presentations on bee biology and hive management, engage in discussions with other bee-interested people, and share stories with mentors. All ages and experience levels welcome. Your first meeting requires no dues.
Speaker Greg Breitzke: Greg will speak about successfully transitioning your colonies from winter to spring.
Bee Blunders: Share yours and win a $20 gift card for the best story.
Product Review: Fran Miller will review a Frame Isolation Cage.
Annual Bee Package Raffle: Buy your tickets. $5 each, 5 for $20. Winner will be drawn at the April Meeting.

Association Meeting 3-18-2026
2026-03-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Will County Farm Bureau Building, 100 Manhattan Rd Joliet, IL 60433, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
Come to our March monthly Membership meeting to hear local and national beekeeping news, see presentations on bee biology and hive management, engage in discussions with other bee-interested people, and share stories with mentors. All ages and experience levels welcome. Your first meeting requires no dues.

Breakfast with the Bees
2026-03-28 07:30 - 09:30, 2026-04-04 07:30 - 09:30, 2026-04-11 07:30 - 09:30, 2026-04-18 07:30 - 09:30, 2026-04-25 07:30 - 09:30, 2026-05-23 07:30 - 09:30, 2026-05-30 07:30 - 09:30, 2026-06-06 07:30 - 09:30 and 2 more dates | Zoom Meeting ID 889 0962 1870 Passcode bees
Zoom in and Join the Conversation
Every Saturday Morning at 7:30 AM Central
Meeting ID 889 0962 1870
Passcode bees
contact James Konrad breakfastwithbees@gmail.com

STEM Fest 2026
2026-04-11 10:00 - 16:00 | White Oak Public Library Bolingbrook Brantch, 201 W. Normantown Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
STEM Fest 2026
Saturday, April 11th, 2026 at the Romeoville Branch from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Science is Awesome! That’s the message for kids and adults who attend our event.
We welcome families, scout troops, teachers, and students of all ages for a fantastic day of science. Experience outstanding hands-on activities and engaging demonstrations from Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) leaders and innovators.
Learn about some of the most unique creatures from around the world with the Flying Fox Conservation Fund, get an up-close and personal look at reptiles with Crosstown Exotics, visit our SLIME Lab, or take part in the stimulating science activities we’ll have for all to enjoy.
WillBees will have a table at the STEM Fest as we did last year. To volunteer to help, contact Keith Meiser (kem5243@gmail.com) or Fran Miller (fron1522@gmail.com). It is a great experience.

Association Meeting 4-15-2026
2026-04-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Will County Farm Bureau Building, 100 Manhattan Rd Joliet, IL 60433, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
Come to our April monthly Membership meeting to hear local and national beekeeping news, see presentations on bee biology and hive management, engage in discussions with other bee-interested people, and share stories with mentors. All ages and experience levels welcome. Your first meeting requires no dues.

Bolingbrook 2026 Arbor Day Celebration
2026-04-25 11:00 - 14:00 | 375 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook, 375 W Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
To volunteer to help, contact Anthony Merkel (a_merkel@yahoo.com) or Fran Miller (fron1522@gmail.com). It is a great experience.

Field Day at the Youell's Apiary 2026
2026-05-17 12:00 - 16:00 | Grace and Mark Youell Apiary, 34107 S. Rivals Road, Wilmington, IL, 60481, United States
At this Field Day we are going to cover general hive inspection, Varroa mite testing and treatment, and a example of winterizing insulation.
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).

Association Meeting 5-20-2026
2026-05-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Will County Farm Bureau Building, 100 Manhattan Rd Joliet, IL 60433, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
Come to our May monthly Membership meeting to hear local and national beekeeping news, see presentations on bee biology and hive management, engage in discussions with other bee-interested people, and share stories with mentors. All ages and experience levels welcome. Your first meeting requires no dues.
This month’s agenda includes:
– Medicinal Products of the Hive with Emily Mueller (Via Zoom)
– Q&A With Beau, Keith, and Dave
– American Foulbrood in Illinois with Chad McGinnis

Joliet Public Library Science Fair 2026
2026-06-12 10:30 - 12:00 | Joliet Public Library Black Road Branch, 3395 Black Road, Joliet, IL, 60403, United States
Science Fair
No registration
Friday, June 12
10:30am – 12:00pm
Add to Calendar
Black Road Branch
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
(Kids of all ages with adult) Experience a variety of fun science demos and interactive experiments. Indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Check back here for updates.
AGE GROUP: | Children |
EVENT TYPE: | STEAM | Science and Nature |

Breakfast with the Bees
2026-06-13 07:30 - 09:30

Association Meeting 6-17-2026
2026-06-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Will County Farm Bureau Building, 100 Manhattan Rd Joliet, IL 60433, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
Come to our June monthly Membership meeting to hear local and national beekeeping news, see presentations on bee biology and hive management, engage in discussions with other bee-interested people, and share stories with mentors. All ages and experience levels welcome. Your first meeting requires no dues.

Be a Beekeeper with Dade Bradley 6-20-2026
2026-06-20 09:00 | Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 S. Dutton Road, Beecher, IL, 60401, United States
Must 18 or older. $65.00 per person + $40 per course textbook.
