DeKalb Parks Holds Honey Harvest with Hands-On Beekeeping Program at Community Youth Farm

Youth and adults invited to experience honey harvesting, beekeeping, and the importance of pollinators at DeKalb County EMBARC Community Youth Farm

DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will host youth and adults to experience the art and science of beekeeping during a special Honey Harvest and Beekeeping Program from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 29, at the E.M.B.A.R.C. Community Youth Farm, 1185 Rock Chapel Rd., Lithonia, GA 30058.

Founded in 2021, the E.M.B.A.R.C. Community Youth Farm continues to provide innovative, hands-on opportunities that connect youth and community with agriculture, food production and the natural environment. This year's beekeeping program will highlight one of the farm's growing successes: more than 400 pounds of honey have been harvested from the farm's hives this year.

The program is open to youth and adults ages 10 and older and is designed to make agricultural education engaging, accessible and fun for participants of varying experience levels. Whether participants are interested in beekeeping, gardening, food production, pollinators, nature exploration or simply want to try something new, the program offers a unique opportunity to experience firsthand how honey travels from the hive to harvest.

Participants will suit up in protective beekeeping gear and, under professional supervision, get an up-close look inside active hives. They will learn how a healthy bee colony functions, how beekeepers maintain and protect their hives and why honeybees and other pollinators are essential to agriculture and the broader ecosystem.

E.M.B.A.R.C. staff and Ed Morgan of The Atlanta Bee Company will supervise the activities and guide participants through the beekeeping and honey-extraction process.

Established in 2021, by CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, the E.M.B.A.R.C. (Education, Market, Botanicals, Agriculture and Recreational Center) Community Youth Farm is an innovative agricultural and educational resource where youth, families and residents can learn through direct experience. E.M.B.A.R.C. combines agriculture with education and recreation to help residents better understand where food comes from and the importance of sustainable food systems. 

The farm features more than 20 raised garden beds, a state-of-the-art green house, bee hives, a pavilion and hands-on programming, demonstrations and community activities, while creating opportunities for the next generation to develop an appreciation for agriculture and environmental stewardship.