2nd Thursdays
Monthly Member Meetings
Guest speakers, bee education, and community discussion. Our flagship gathering — bring your questions and your curiosity.
Details
Serving Broward County · Florida · USA · Est. 2015 by Dr. Leo Gosser
Broward Beekeepers Association
Supporting Beekeepers
Educating the Public
Protecting Pollinators
New to the hive? We were all New-Bees once. 🡒
In the News
"What Connects Us: A closer look inside the Broward Beekeepers Association."
Featured on Local 10 WPLG News · May 2026
Mark Your Calendar
Next in the Hive
Meetings and open houses move around month to month — see the full calendar & details.
Who We Are
Broward's hive for community, education, and all things beekeeping.
We're a county-wide nonprofit of hobbyists, sideliners, and just-plain-curious neighbors who love honey bees. Founded by Dr. Leo Gosser, the Broward Beekeepers Association brings together folks from every corner of the county to learn, share, and keep our pollinators thriving.
Whether you've kept bees for twenty years or have never lifted a frame, there's a spot for you in our hive. We meet the 2nd Thursday of every month, host public apiary open-houses, and turn fear into fascination one curious visitor at a time.
Our Mission
Education & Outreach
1Teaching the public about bees — our primary pollinator!
2Providing education for new and experienced beekeepers.
3Setting an example of environmental responsibility.
4Providing access to honey bees & education programs at public venues.
Join Us Monthly
Meetings & Events
There's always something happening in the hive. Come for the bees, stay for the people — every gathering is open and beginner-friendly.
Monthly
Apiary Open-House
Step right up to the micro-apiary at Tradewinds Park. Suit up, peek inside a working hive, and turn fear into fascination.
Details
Check Schedule
Community Outreach
Tabling, school talks, and "Save the Bees" advocacy across the county. Volunteer with us and be part of the hive.
Details
Check Schedule
Hands-On Workshops
Practical skills and honey crafts — from frame inspections to soap, candles, and mead. Learn by doing, alongside seasoned keepers.
Details
Meet Our Members
The people behind the hive
Our association runs on the heart and hustle of volunteers — a dedicated board and the many members who teach, mentor, and show up month after month.
Board of Directors
Anker Pearce
President
Claire-Helen Cobb
Vice President
Julie Mongerson
Secretary
Beekeeper since 2018. Italian-Registrar-certified honey sensory expert ("Honey Sommelier") and AHJA Honey Judge candidate.
Frank Wellnitz
Treasurer
Beekeeper since 2014 and BBA treasurer since 2018. Retired from the maritime industry — he gave up his airplane and sailboat, leaving plenty of time for bees. Also an active woodturner.
John Sims
Information & Technology
Mentors & Volunteers
Beyond the board, dozens of members give their time as swarm responders, workshop leaders, new-bee mentors, and open-house guides. They're the reason a first-timer always has someone to call.
Workshop Leaders
New-Bee Mentors
Swarm Responders
Open-House Guides
Outreach Team
Shari Shine
Raffle & Fundraising
Gus Diamond
Micro-Apiary Manager
Britt Baker
Micro-Apiary Manager
Christina Mikkelsen
Newsletter Editor
Join the Hive
Don't bee shy — become a member.
Membership keeps our apiaries buzzing, our workshops free, and our pollinators protected. One simple membership — open to everyone, every experience level.
Annual MembershipBroward Beekeepers Association
$30per year
- Monthly member meetings with guest speakers
- Hands-on workshops & apiary open houses
- Mentorship from seasoned local beekeepers
- Members-only resources, minutes & swarm hotline
Annual membership covers your whole household. Gift a full year to a friend or fellow bee-lover.
Ask a Question
New to bees, or just curious? Ask away.
Wondering how to start beekeeping, report a swarm, or join the hive? Send us a note and a friendly member of the BBA will get back to you. There's no such thing as a silly bee question — we were all New-Bees once.
Before You Ask
Frequently asked questions
We meet the 2nd Thursday of every month, 7:00–9:00 PM. Locations rotate — check the calendar for the next meeting's venue. Meetings are open to everyone, members and curious newcomers alike.
Please don't spray them! Honey bees are valuable pollinators and can usually be relocated. Email us at info@browardbees.org and we'll connect you with a licensed local pro who does live removals.
Absolutely — many of our members started knowing nothing about bees. Come to a meeting or an apiary open house, where you can suit up and see a working hive up close. Our mentors love helping New-Bees get started.
Membership is $30 a year and covers your whole household. It includes monthly meetings with guest speakers, hands-on workshops, apiary open houses, mentorship, and members-only resources. Bee-come a member →
It's a free, family-friendly chance to meet the bees. Hosted by BBA members at our micro-apiaries, we open the hives and give you a tour of what beekeepers look for. Stay at a comfortable distance or bring your own protective gear — see the calendar for dates.