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
9/26/23 7-9 pm Izzy Harms -Making Mead and sample varieties around the campfire. This event will take place at PK’s, 6424 Alexander Road, Heyworth. Bring a lawn chair. Plan for outside will move inside if weather dictates that.
10/24/23 7-9 pm Sharon Seng, Products from the Hive and Ways We can Use them, Board nominations
11/28/23 7-9 pm Patti Koranda, Planting for your bees and Winterizing your Hives, Board election
December – no meeting
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)
9/13/23 6-8 pm Keg Grove, 712 E. Empire, Bloomington Food truck available
Hands on Workshop – Extraction Event, Friday 8/25/23 6-8:30 Location: Hillco Beekeeping Equipment, 447 Oak St., Minonk
Mentorship/Field Trip CIBA Hives -Inspections, hive work and mentorship on the club hives, weather permitting.
Location: PK’s 6424 Alexander Heyworth Time: 11-2 pm
Dates: Sunday 9/17, Sunday 9/24, Saturday 9/30
Next Beekeeping 101 Class January 27th, 2024 information to come Registration Form
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.