May 18th, 7pm
Topic: Yellow-legged Hornets
Speaker: Mike Evans
Tara Beekeepers Association will welcome Mike Evans, Director, Plant Protection Division at the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Mike will provide an update on GDA’s ongoing efforts to track and eradicate the invasive yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina).
In August 2023, yellow-legged hornets were identified near Savannah — the first confirmed detection of the species in the United States. Because yellow-legged hornets pose a serious threat to honey bees and other pollinators, rapid detection and eradication efforts are critical.
Last year, 47 nests were located and destroyed in the Savannah area. Mike will discuss the methods being used by GDA, the progress made so far, and how beekeepers across the state can help remain vigilant and support detection efforts.
Our monthly meetings are held at Jefferson Avenue Baptist Church on the third Monday of each month. Please park and enter on the back side of the building. Meetings are not held in October or December due to our annual Fall Picnic and Black Jar Contest and our holiday party.
Tara Beehives in College Park
In 2025, the Tara Beekeepers Association partnered with the Metro Atlanta Urban Farm (MAUF) in College Park to establish our club apiary. We currently maintain three honey bee colonies, with plans to expand this spring. Our goal is to host a monthly hive inspection and mentoring session at the apiary, giving members valuable hands-on experience throughout the beekeeping season.
MAUF is a five-acre, Certified Naturally Grown farm dedicated to empowering communities through agriculture. Founded in 2009 by Bobby Wilson, the farm provides fresh, pesticide-free produce and educational programming that promotes healthy living in urban areas. MAUF is committed to making fresh, affordable food accessible to all while reducing barriers to healthy living through agriculture and STEM education.
This apiary brings exciting benefits:
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Hands-on learning opportunities for club members and new beekeepers
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Bee education for the MAUF community
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Tens of thousands of pollinators supporting the farm’s gardens
Stay tuned for updates as our bees and beekeepers prepare for spring!
Tara Beekeepers Association invites you to join our club!
Membership is $25, and includes family members.
We take payment in the form of cash, check, or credit card (at our meetings). If you would like to send a check, please make it payable to Tara Beekeepers Association and send to:
David Brookshire, Treasurer
1925 Fisher Drive
Stockbridge, GA 30281
2026 MONTHLY MEETING LOCATION:
We host our monthly meetings at the Jefferson Avenue Baptist Church in East Point, GA on the third Monday of each month, at 7pm. Centrally located in the South Metro Atlanta area, our monthly meetings are free to attend, and we welcome anyone who is interested in learning about honey bees!
Jefferson Avenue Baptist Church
1150 Jefferson Avenue
East Point, GA 30344
Directions to Fellowship Hall Meeting Room:
Parking and building entrance are located behind the church on the southeast side at the corner of Batavia St and Winburn Drive.
Learn about Georgia's own
Certified Naturally Grown program and how beekeepers can participate
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