Membership

Membership dues are $20.00 per individual if paid before March 31. After that date, dues are $25.00 (Note for 2020 we are NOT increasing dues). Your membership dues payment is for the calendar year for which you enroll. Membership is free (non-voting) for students age 18 years and under. Students must sign up in person at an MDBA meeting.

Benefits of Membership

  • Monthly meetings with speakers (do not need to be a member to attend)
  • Hands-on workshops
  • Bee Day/Spring Workshop and Access to package bee orders
  • Email subscription to The Diablo Bee newsletter (classified ads free to members)
  • Invitations to participate in beekeeping events
  • Mentor program
  • Focus groups
  • Opportunity to join the Swarm List
  • Lending library with over 100 beekeeping titles, including DVD’s
  • Equipment rentals
  • Gala BBQ in October
  • Voting privileges and volunteer opportunities
  • Being part of a vibrant community of beekeepers

Join MDBA or Renew Your Membership

Membership dues paid before March 31 are $20.00 per individual. After March 31, dues are $25.00 per individual (Note for 2020 we are NOT increasing dues).  (Membership dues are fees and are not considered a donation).

Join / Renew Online Now
Print & Mail PDF New Membership Form
Print & Mail PDF Renewal Form

MDBA Mentor Program

We have many experienced members who are willing to help our member “newbees” get started or become better beekeepers. Find yourself a mentor by participating in a Focus Group or Mini-Bee Workshop. Also, when you receive the Membership Roster, look for the designation next to the names of those members who have volunteered to be Mentors. We have also chosen some online resources, magazines, PDFs and books that may help beginners along their path to successful beekeeping.

So . . . keep learning, ask your questions and share your knowledge. And of course . . .

HAVE FUN!

Some Basic Guidelines for Mentees & Mentors

Mentee

Read

Buy a book, borrow a book from a friend or the MDBA library, look at beekeeping websites, and subscribe to a beekeeping magazine.

Attend a Mini Bee Workshop

Every Saturday following a General Meeting a mini bee workshop will be held for members to gather hands-on experience and ask questions in the field. Observing and working with other hives is an invaluable experience.

Learn the correct terms for everything in the hive

A mentor can help you better if you call things by the correct name.

Find a mentor that works for you

Every beekeeper has their own way of keeping bees. Find a mentor or mentors that work in a way that makes sense to you. 10 beekeepers will have 20 ways to do the same thing. Choose which way is right for you OR step outside the box and try something new.

Hold Harmless

Please remember we are all in this beekeeping adventure together. Mentors may make mistakes or not always have an answer for you. Be kind and respectful. You are ultimately responsible for your actions.

Mentor

Always respond to a call for help, even if you can’t assist

Let the mentee know if you don’t have the time or knowledge to help them at the moment. Refer them to another mentor or resource

Encourage the mentee to read books and articles from a variety of standpoints

Let them know what works for you or other methods you’ve tried or heard of

Be kind and respectful

You were once a beginner, too

Equipment Rental

MDBA has honey extracting equipment available to members. Extractors are electric and rental includes hot knife and capping pan.

FEES: $20 for the 1st day and $5 for days 2-5. After 5 days the fee is $20 per day thereafter.

For more information contact Lois Kail at secretary@diablobees.org.