By Shelby Wentz, ABAC Agricultural Communication, May 2026 graduate
Over the years, concerns about threats to bees, such as pesticides, disease, and displacement issues have been widespread. However, there have been positive reports about the outlook for bee populations in recent years.
Amber Perkinson is the President of the Southwest Georgia Beekeeping Club (SOWEGA). Perkinson suggests that while many commercially used bees are doing well, native bees have a different outcome.
“Native bees are most affected and in danger from pesticides and displacement issues,” Perkinson said.
The Save the Bee campaign focuses on pollinators. It raises awareness to fund more bee research and environmental restoration, creating solutions that allow bee populations to remain sustainable.
“A lot of the focus on the Save the Bee campaign has accidentally been overshadowed by our European honeybees,” said Perkinson. “And while we appreciate that everybody cares about them so much, European honeybees are at much less risk and are thriving in America. I appreciate the shift and the research that I’ve been seeing and how people are trying to bring more and more light that native bees need focus and protection.”
The Southwest Georgia Beekeeping Club booth at the Expo is the place for anyone eager to expand their knowledge about bees. From cooking demonstrations to viewing beekeepers’ equipment, the SOWEGA Beekeepers are on hand to educate visitors about pollinators.
While at the Expo, visitors can get an up-close look at the world of bees through observation hives. These hives have their frames inside, which show visitors what bees do daily to maintain their hive. There will also be a pollinator garden located in the Community Garden with Farmer Fredo, including pollinating trees, shrubs, and flowers.
Members of SOWEGA will be available to talk to individuals interested in starting a pollinator garden or exploring the idea of hosting a hive on their property. SOWEGA will also showcase hive equipment to educate visitors on what beekeepers use daily to maintain pollinators.
New to the expo this year, SOWEGA Beekeepers will be included in cooking demonstrations where members will make granola with honey as well as honey and peanut butter balls.
Kim Bridges is a member of the SOWEGA Beekeeping Club.
“The SOWEGA Beekeeping Club comes together to educate, support, and share beekeeping practices within the community,” Bridges said.
The SOWEGA Beekeeping Club is a non-profit membership club based in Albany, Georgia at Chehaw Park. Members range from hobby beekeepers to those who produce commercial honey. Club members and visitors come from surrounding counties. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend the monthly meeting, held every second Thursday of the month at the Chehaw Park Community Building.
The SOWEGA Beekeeping Club has a mascot, Buzzee the Bee. Buzzee will be available for photos in the garden. Make sure to stop by their exhibit to learn more about the importance of pollinators and even how to start a personal pollinator garden.
