Our local beekeeping association came together in the early sixties as a group of men and women with a keen interest in a fascinating hobby.

The specific and primary purposes of CEIBA are:

a. To promote the pursuit of and interest in honey bee culture.

b. To promote the production of and use of honey.

c. To promote the prevention of disease of honey bees.

d. To disseminate information about beekeeping.

e. To engage in pursuits related to the encouragement of beekeeping as a hobby or profession.

If you live in Central Illinois and would like to join CEIBA, contact us and start coming to our meetings. Owning your own bees is not a requirement.to belong to CEIBA. We hold meeting bi-monthly, and sometimes more frequently during the active seasons-spring, summer and fall. The busy season meetings are generally held at a member’s apiary (beeyard), where we often look into one or more colonies. It is often a fun and learning experience and all are welcome. We do prefer that visitors wear protective gear (bee veils at a minimum), although some of our members do not.

In the process of these meetings, you will find that each beekeeper has his or her own way of doing things. It can make for an interesting and educational experience! Our members apiaries are located in all corners of east central Illinois. Each apiary brings into play it’s own unique combination of environmental factors.

Should you decide to become a member, annual dues are currently $16/year, and membership brings some extra benefits. Both American Bee Journal and Bee Culture give lower rates for association members. Package bees purchased through the association are also slightly less if you are an association member. The cost of the dues does not begin to cover the amount of free advice that can be gotten from other beekeepers! To encourage you in this endeavor, please print off this membership form. If you desire to join, fill it out, add a check to CEIBA for $16 and mail it to our treasurer Andy Blum, 1453 CR 3600N, Paxton IL 60957

Consider joining us for our 200p Beekeepers Beginner's Course