Click here for a downloadable PDF of the MCF Celebrate Spring Flyer

10am and Noon
Pre-Register with Jason – president@massarofarm.org

The original focus of our workshop, new package installations, has changed.

The mild winter allowed all of the hives to survive. Thus, we are not installing any new packages. We know installing new packages can be a daunting process for new beekeepers. To help familiarize new beekeepers with the process, we will perform a ‘dry package’ install simulating all the steps of setting up a new hive.

Following the dry-package installation we will perform spring hive management and inspection on several hives. From the strongest we will create a ‘nuc’. Then we will perform a ‘sugar roll’ and dusting with powdered sugar. Both demonstrations will be of great interest to new and experienced beekeepers alike.

All workshops are hands-on and run by the CT Beekeepers Association at the Massaro Community Farm, 41 Ford Road, Woodbridge CT

FREE to the public

Each workshop is split into two identical sessions at 10am and Noon
Each session is limited to 20 participants on a first-come first-served basis

To register for any workshop please email Jason – president@massarofarm.org

The 2012 American Honey Princess will make an exclusive visit to the Farm. She will give a presentation on the importance of honey bees on farm crops that grow at the Massaro Community Farm followed by a honey tasting. Prior to her presentation she will assist with our noon-time beekeeping workshop for new beekeepers focused on hive assembly.

Sunday, March 11th at 1:30pm
The First Church of Christ Parish Hall
5 Meetinghouse Lane, Woodbridge, CT 06525

This is the best way to learn more about the farm. Hear reports directly from our committees, the board members, and farmer Steve. Light refreshments will be served, courtesy of the board of directors.

April 21 – Bee Package Installations
Learn how to put your new package of bees into your freshly assembled hive.

June 23 – Summer Hive Management
Your new hive is growing and thriving; learn what to look for through a full inspection of the hives in the bee-yard.

August 18 – Fall Preparation
Learn how to check for mites, identify a weak hive, and techniques to make it strong before the winter.

October 20 – Winter Closing
See and practice the best methods for helping your bees make it through the unpredictable New England winter.

All workshops are hands-on and run by the CT Beekeepers Association at the Massaro Community Farm, 41 Ford Road, Woodbridge CT

FREE to the public

Each workshop is split into two identical sessions at 10am and Noon
Each session is limited to 20 participants on a first-come first-served basis

To register for any workshop please email Jason – president@massarofarm.org

Escape the winter doldrums and check out these upcoming events:

Bluebird Program and House Building
Saturday, February 25, 2012, 10:30am – noon
Kellogg Nature Center

Find your way to the Kellogg Nature Center on February 25 to learn more about bluebird conservation, build your own bluebird box, and to meet  Commissioner Daniel Esty from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Conservation.

This program from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon is co-sponsored by the Naugatuck Valley Adubon Society to bring awareness about environmental conservation actions and ways families can become involved in helping to protect the survival of bluebirds.

Bluebird monitor and photopgrapher Michael Amodio will present a natural history of bluebirds and there will also be a walk hosted by avian specialist Corrie Folsum  to see birds and other wildlife in this beautiful area of Derby which is quite close to Woodbridge.  Kellogg Environmental Center is at 500 Hawthorne Avenue, Derby.

For information, directions, and to register, visit this web site or phone the center at 203 734-2513.

CT Beekeepers – Bee School
Saturday, February 11, 2012, 9am – 4pm
Jones Auditorium, CT Experiment Station

Beginners and experienced beekeeper come together for a day-long event presented by the Connecticut Beekeepers Association. Pre-Registration is required and seats can fill up fast. Visit CTBees.com and complete their registration form.

And, coming soon, our hands-on beekeeping workshops at the Massaro Farm begin for 2012.

Join us for a special film screening of the film JOURNEY OF THE UNIVERSE, along with a panel discussion and wine and cheese to benefit the Massaro Community Farm.

After the screening, join Mary Evelyn and John to discuss how we can move towards a sustainable future for all species — and how Massaro Community Farm fits into this story. Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim are Yale professors and belong to Massaro Community Farm and its CSA.

Suggested Contributions: Massaro members $10; non-members $15; students $5; under 15 and over 75 free.

To view the trailer go to: www.journeyoftheuniverse.org

This event takes place at : Jewish Community Center, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge CT 06525

Volunteers from the Jewish Family Services Food Pantry in New Haven enjoy radishes from Massaro Community Farm!

Despite the fact that this was a tough year weather-wise for Massaro Community Farm [don't forget the long cold spring, intense heat in early summer, hail storm in July and the blizzard in October!] we were still able to hit our goal of donating 10% of our produce to local hunger relief organizations! Our Farm Fresh Produce Donation Program was a great success — the total amount of produce donated was 2,260 pounds! Over a 22-week growing season, that’s an average of 102 pounds per week. Our food donation partners this year are: Birmingham Group Health Services in Ansonia, Jewish Family Services of New Haven [via the Connecticut FoodBank], Woodbridge Senior Center Services and Columbus House in New Haven. All were very happy with the program and are looking forward to next year’s bounty. Sandy Hagan, Food Pantry Manager for Jewish Family Services, says that the “majority of our clients visit many pantries every week plus they are on food stamps and still cannot make ends meet. This program helps to fill in the gaps.” We are thankful we can give back to the community in this way. To help support us in our food donation efforts, click on the Donate Now link or become a Member, click here for more information.

Suzanne Werth says the event was a great success. “The realtors had many questions and seemed truly interested in our mission,” says Suzanne. “Many did not know much about the farm at all, so there was obvious value in educating this particular group. Some expressed interest in joining the CSA themselves, and one is even interested in volunteering at the farm!”