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
April Meeting Tuesday 4/22/25 Charles Linder – He has been involved with research of the California colony problems. His presentation will be via Zoom
Meetings in person at U of I McLean Co. Extension office, 1615 Commerce Pkwy., Bloomington and ONLINE using Zoom (link in Event Tab)
April Hands-On Workshop SATURDAY 4/26/25 10-2 Meet the state inspector, Jim Wellwood Hive Inspection workshop Location: PK’s 6424 Alexander Heyworth.
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 6-8 pm (Let Tom Pankonen know of recommendations for locations)
Wednesday May 5/14/25 6-8 pm Location: TBD
Mentorship/Field Trip CIBA Hives -Inspections, hive work and mentorship on the club hives, weather permitting. Contact me if planning to come for inspections or work.
Dates: Starting 4/5/25 weekly 11-2 pm more information under mentorship tab
Hands On Workshop:
Saturday April 26th Meet the State Inspector, Jim Wellwood starting at 12. He will demonstrate what the state inspector does. At the club hives at PK’s (weather permitting)
Past Hands on Events:
3/1/25 Building Event Saturday 12-4 pm Building Nuc and swarm traps
1/25/25 Beekeeping 101 Class Next class 2026 will be 1/24/26
7/27/24 Extraction Event -Demonstration methods of uncapping, use of various equipment, and honey harvesting tools.
2/17/24 Hardware building, Nuc, Frame, smoker lighting Saturday, 10-3 pm
More details on Event Tab
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.
Next Beekeeping 101 Class January 25th, 2025 8:30-5 pm at Bloomington High School, Bloomington
Learn to manage your hive and harvest honey. How to select hardware and equipment. Where to place your hive. How to do inspection. Promote bees health and seasonal care. Door prizes of a complete hive, bees, Hillco Beekeeping Supplies gift certificates and more.
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.