STILLWATER – Backyard adventures and DIY projects are all the rage right now, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic prompted people to rediscover some of the joys of being at home and pass the time with new hobbies. First, it was gardening, then chickens, and now the latest backyard buzz is bees.
Courtney Bir, Oklahoma State University Extension farm management specialist, has studied how small-scale agricultural projects appeal to residents with extra space and time on their hands.
“The calls county educators are receiving on these topics is increasing,” Bir said. “Gardening seed companies were selling out of seeds in January, and a growing interest in poultry is part of the reason why OSU Extension developed a backyard chicken course.”
Oklahoma bees
Already an avid gardener, Bir became so curious about the rising number of bee inquiries that she decided to establish her own hive. The first step involved understanding her city’s rules on backyard beehives. Oklahoma is a beekeeper friendly state; beehives are governed by the Apiary Act, which states Stillwater or any other community in Oklahoma cannot prohibit bees within city limits.
“Urban beekeepers are protected by this law, and a housing subdivision can’t restrict bees,” Bir said. “Having said that, it’s good to be a good neighbor. Make sure that when…
