Western Apicultural Society of North America (WAS)
Supporting beekeepers across the West with science-based education and a strong member community.
Join a Supportive Community Dedicated to Better Beekeeping
Monthly Mini-Conferences | Resource Library | Collaborative Network
Becoming a WAS member means more than access to resources — it’s joining a network of beekeepers, researchers, and educators working together to advance the art and science of beekeeping. Your membership supports ongoing education, research, and collaboration that strengthen bee health and sustainability across the West.
Stay Connected
Get periodic updates on upcoming mini-conferences, beekeeping news, and educational resources across the West.
Upcoming Events
Dan Long, founder of EZPZ Beekeeping Equipment
2nd Thursday Mini-Conference
EZPZ Beekeeping Equipment: The Evolution of Queen Rearing Innovation
Dr. Scott McArt, Associate Professor of Pollinator Health at Cornell University and Director of the Cornell Dyce Lab for Honey Bee Studies
4th Thursday Mini-Conference
Pesticide Risk to Bees: What We Know and What We Need to Know Better
How We Serve Our Members
Western Apicultural Society members receive access to exclusive benefits, including:
In a world full of mixed information, we offer regionally relevant evidence-based education and resources to help you strengthen your skills, make just-in-time informed decisions, and keep your colonies thriving.
About the Western Apicultural Society
Education | Community | Research
Founded in 1978, the Western Apicultural Society (WAS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the art and science of beekeeping across our vast region. WAS collaborates with leading beekeepers, honey bee educators, bee scientists, and other experts worldwide to share evidence-based knowledge and address the challenges facing beekeepers in the U.S. states and Canadian provinces of:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- Wyoming
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Northwest Territories
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
News & Announcements
August 2026 – Organizational Updates
2025-2030 Strategic Plan
WAS is excited to announce that it has made significant progress on its strategic plan, aimed at increasing member value through innovative products, new services, and engaging monthly Mini-Conferences. We’re especially proud of our website making it easier for beekeepers across the West to find relevant and clear information. Additionally, our vibrant social media presence has engaged an impressive number of new followers and our transition to twice monthly mini-conferences has attracted attendees from around the world.
August 2026 – Membership Updates
Why the New Virtual Conferencing Platform?
As part of our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan for digital expansion, WAS launched a new twice monthly “Art & Science of Beekeeping” virtual mini-conference series in January 2026. Held on the second (“Art of Beekeeping”) and fourth (“Science of Beekeeping”) Thursdays each month, the series brings beekeepers together across the West and beyond. Powered by vFairs, these sessions offer accessible, science-based education, community connection, and skill-building for beekeepers of all levels. The new platform enhances engagement and supports WAS’s mission to provide trustworthy, high-quality learning experiences across a wide geographic area. Best of all, the new platform automates tasks previously managed by a small team of WAS volunteers freeing them to invest in developing additional value-added programs for members.