Putnam County Beekeepers Association

Dear Members and Friends,

A few years ago, when a small group of us first discussed starting the Beekeepers Association, we hoped we might attract 10 or 15 interested people. Today, I’m proud to say that our association has grown to more than 61 individuals who are actively engaged or have shown interest. That’s an incredible testament to the growing passion for beekeeping in our community.

Our mission at the Putnam County Beekeepers Association (PCBA) is to share practical knowledge about keeping honeybees, support each other through challenges, and promote healthier bee colonies through education and collaboration. We meet on the second Tuesday of each month at DePauw University’s Ullem Campus Farm, located at 1138 W Walnut St, Greencastle, IN 46135.

In late spring, we developed a collaboration between Putnam Parks and Pathways (PPP) and our association. This included a generous gift of $3,000. We have used a portion of the funds to purchase an observation beehive and have plans to buy beekeeper suits in various sizes for volunteers—especially kids—who may not have their own.

Our continued partnership with PPP will also involve creating and managing pollinator habitats throughout the county. Our first project, located in downtown Greencastle and adjacent to the PPP offices across from the courthouse, includes two 15’ x 15’ flower beds. Clearing and weeding began on June 20th, and volunteers from PCBA, PPP, and Master Gardeners will continue with mulching and planting native flowers as weather and plant conditions allow.

Beekeeping has become increasingly difficult in recent years due to a variety of environmental and human-made factors. While we may not be able to solve every challenge, I’m confident that by working together, we can improve outcomes for all of us. Your questions, insights, and willingness to collaborate are what will make this association thrive.

I’ve always said there are 10 ways to do anything—and I only know a couple! Valerie and I are excited to learn new techniques and ideas from fellow members, and we’re just as eager to share our experiences. The enthusiasm and energy so many of you have brought to our meetings is truly inspiring.

As we move through summer, into fall, and on to winter, I look forward to our continued success. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions—no matter how big or small. Curiosity leads to research, and research leads to solutions.

I hope to see you at our next meeting, at the IBA Bee School, or at the Indiana State Fair, where we’ll proudly represent beekeepers from across the state.

Warm regards,
Bob Gruener
President, Putnam County Beekeepers Association
[email protected]