The Central Illinois Beekeepers Association (CIBA) is an informational organization that provides members with information about honey bees, beekeeping, and products of the hive such as honey, wax, pollen, and propolis. We are a support group developed to satisfy the needs and education of our beekeeping members. Meetings and events are usually located in and around the Bloomington/Normal area.
Members and nonmembers are welcome to all events
- Upcoming Events: More details on Event Tab
Monthly Meeting
3/28/23 7-9 pm Mushrooms: Dr. Naeger, Research of Extracts of Polypore mushroom mycelis to reduce viruses in honey bees. Gabe Anderson, Totally Normal Fungus, How bees wax is used for Mushroom Grow Logs
2/28/23 7-9 pm John O’Brien, youth scholarship recipient, recaps Hive Life Conference, Discusses the health important of cycling out brood comb
in person at U of I McLean Co. Extension office , 1615 Commerce Pkwy., Bloomington and ONLINE using Zoom (link in Event Tab)
Bees and Brews, Social Activity, Come hang out and talk bees and all the things associated with beekeeping! This is a social event to trade tales. Come as a member or someone just wanting to learn about bees or someone wanting to hang with good people. We can BEE friendly. 2nd Wednesday of the month 7-9pm (Let Tom Pankonen know of recommendations for locations)
3/8/23 7-9 pm Location: Crawford’s Corner Pub 610 W. Chestnut, Bloomington, IL 61701
2/8/23 7-9 pm Location Lil Beavers Brewery, 5 Finance Dr., Bloomington, IL 61704
Among our membership are established beekeepers and apicultural authors: some produce honey; others sell bees and queens. Our members also make health products and wax candles. Others write articles for publications such as American Bee Journal.
These experienced beekeepers help mentor and share their knowledge of beekeeping practices with club members during meetings, conduct hands on events such as hive openings in the spring and summer. In the fall, helping extract and sell honey.
CIBA conducts and hosts full day 101 Introduction to Beekeeping and Queen Rearing mini workshops.
CIBA members receive discounts for events and workshops. Meetings are free and open to all. Meetings are typically the 4th Tuesday of the month. The meetings take place at U of I Extension office, 1615 Commerce Parkway, Bloomington, Il. Check Event tab for details of meetings and events.