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About Oregon Coast today. (Lincoln City, OR) 2005-current | View Entire Issue (May 15, 2020)
get out! Give spring a swarm welcome People might well be staying home, but spring has led to swarms of honeybees doing the rounds in search of a new place to live. Rebecca Fain, president of the Central Coast Beekeepers Association, said this is the time of year when a lot of people panic about swarms. “Swarming is a natural biological phenomenon for honeybees and other pollinators,” she said. “It is an important part of maintaining this beneficial species in our environment. Every honeybee colony matters in this age of population decline, so finding a new home for these swarms is what we as beekeepers want to do.” Fain says swarm season lasts until about July; and offers a few tips and suggestions if you do see a swarm in your yard this spring. “When the bees swarm, they are temporarily in limbo looking for another place to live,” she said. “Please contact us at the association, at 541-997-3792, so we can arrange to have a beekeeper come out and take care of the bees.” While waiting for help to arrive, the bees might get a little cranky, so spraying them with a light, simple sugar spray (one part water to one part sugar) can help calm them down. Of course, the spray bottle needs to be clean and free from any pesticide or herbicide residues. If you get stung, which is unlikely because the bees are concerned about finding their new home, treat with ice or a cold compress to reduce the swelling. Excessive swelling, difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness could indicate a bee sting allergy — call 911 immediately. Beekeepers collecting swarms is considered an essential activity of managing livestock during COVID-19 restrictions and is approved with social distancing measures in place. For more information, contact the Central Coast Beekeepers Association at centralcoastbeekeepers@gmail.com or 541-997-3792. Farmers market makes a fresh start The Neskowin Farmers Market will begin its 2020 season this Saturday, May 16, operating from a temporary location at Neskowin Valley School. Oregon’s COVID-19 response has categorized farmers markets as essential services, allowing the market to operate according to guidance issued by the Oregon Department of Agriculture. “The Neskowin Farmers Market is a necessary source of food for many residents of Tillamook and Lincoln Counties, and we are committed to the health and well-being of our community,” said market manager Rachel Pettit. “We are following CDC and state guidelines to prioritize customer, vendor and community health, so things will look and feel a lot different than they have in past years. Please help us keep the market open and continue supporting local farmers by observing the changes to market operations while you shop.” The market will operate from 9 am to 1 pm in the covered play area at Neskowin Valley School, located at 10005 Slab Creek Road, about four miles inland from 18 • oregoncoastTODAY.com • facebook.com/oregoncoasttoday • May 15, 2020 its regular location at Neskowin Wayside. The first hour of market, from 9 to 10 am, will be reserved for community members who are at a higher risk — elderly, immune-compromised, etc. Booths will be spaced 10 feet apart and limited to grocery vendors only, with no craft vendors until further notice. Guests are also asked to leave dogs at home for the time being. There will be no samples, no seating and no hot coffee for purchase. Consumption of food in the market is not allowed. “The market is functioning like a grocery store,” Pettit said. “Please wave ‘hello’ to your neighbors and move along.” There will be no public bathroom facilities, but a hand-washing station will be available for customer use. The market will return to its usual location at the Neskowin Beach Wayside as soon as possible after Oregon State Parks reopen. For more information, go to www. neskowinfarmersmarket.com or find the Neskowin Farmers Market Facebook page.