At MABA’s October 14 meeting our speaker will be 2023-24 Georgia Tech Beekeeper in Residence Janelle Dunlap. Janelle’s experience in beekeeping spans various roles, from supporting small farms to conducting research. Currently, as the inaugural Resident Beekeeper at the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Urban Honeybee Project, she not only manages hives but conducts research on the vibratory frequency of honey bees. Prior to this, Janelle managed multiple hives for small farms in North Carolina, volunteered as a resident beekeeper for the Sustainability Village at Johnson C. Smith University, a community garden in partnership with herbalists during the 2020 pandemic and the urban farm community Sweet Water Foundation in Chicago. These experiences have provided her with a deep appreciation for the cultural enrichment of agricultural practices and the integral role of honeybees in social ecosystems.
Since 2017, she has managed over 20 colonies, gaining experience in swarm and pest management while also establishing relationships with community stakeholders. In addition to her beekeeping expertise, Janelle’s unique background as an encaustic painter adds a mutually beneficial dimension to her relationship with bees. Through the art of encaustic painting, which involves the use of beeswax as a primary medium, she has developed a profound appreciation for the contributions of these incredible pollinators. This practice has deepened her understanding of the interdependence between art, sustainability, and honeybees.
Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the meeting’s mentoring session will be led by MABA Treasurer Claressa Lucas who will be talking about winter preparation.
MABA meets in Heritage Hall, inside Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, 3180 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta, GA in Buckhead. Our meetings are open to all who are interested in learning more about bees and beekeeping. Join us for snacks and socializing in the back. Feel free to bring a baked good to share with the group.