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warmer weather, bouncing, baby animals and a world of blooming flowers waiting for their buzzing friends the bees to pollinate them and their brethren. Well, let's hope you like those cherry blossoms the way they are because the buzz is honey bee colonies are collapsing on a global scale. And no pollination means Despite the growing trend of urban beekeeping spawned in some part by Michelle Obama's installation of beehives in the White House, honeybee populations are mysteriously on the decline all over the world. According to The Independent, scientists working for the United Nations have revealed that the phenomenon of the disappearing bees, which began in the mid 1960s but has been seen to be escalating in Europe and the US in the past decade, has spread to China and Japan with the first signs of disappearances cropping up in Africa. Scientists cite many possible contributing factors to what they are referring to as the "colony collapse disorder," including insecticides, parasites, air pollution (which could interfere with bees' ability to locate flower plants) and habitat degradation such as the loss of some flowering plant species. Scientists warn that if we do not change our global management the colony collapse will continue. It has been suggested that farmers and those with available land plant flowering plants and be more careful with insecticides - especially in the case of wild hives. So, beekeeper readers, what do you suggest? How can we keep the bees buzzing and the fruits growing?

Perfect for winter: National Brood Box Hive, Flat, Paradise Honey Poly BeeBox Finland EPS- lightweight beehive is the result of 35 years of beekeeping experience from the biggest honey producer in Scandinavia Paradise Honey ltd. BeeBox Finland EPS-lightweight beehive is based on long term experience in beekeeping and technical knowledge about suitable materials for good quality beehive in different environments and apiary’s in Northern Europe, arctic Russia, Australia and New Zealand. The BeeBox EPS hive material has been field tested for about 30 years in Finnish winter colder than -35 C and in summer heat over + 30 C. In recent years the hives have been tested with good results also in extreme weather conditions of Siberia. The body material in BeeBox hive system is made of food grade, extra hardened, expanded polystyrene (EPS) with a density over 100 kg/m3. The boxes will last for decades with proper use and service. The BeeBox hives are manufactured with ISO 9001 quality certified process and materials. Full manual of the assembly and use of these hives can be found here Product supplied flat. Hive only - frames and foundation sold seperately. - Floor with varroa mesh - 1 Brood Box - 1 Roof - All frame runners - Queen Excluder About this item Great turn around of the order, the brood box was well packaged and is now full of bees We Also Recommend National Complete Hive Kit, Flat, Pine, with Premium Wax Foundation Langstroth Complete Hive Kit, Flat, Pine Beeswax Coated Plastic Foundation Langstroth Complete Hive Kit, Flat, With Premium Wired Wax Foundation

About the Halflings (or “Humblekin”) of Panzoasia Halflings (or “Humblekin”, as they call themselves) tend to have the same skin, eye, and hair colors as the majority of the local Human population. Whether they have dark or light skin, however, their complexions tend to be ruddy. A Halfling’s facial features are generally proportioned very much like those of a young Human – with large eyes, a short face, and a high forehead. They tend to have dimples, and short, “button” noses. Most male Halflings can grow long sideburns, but no other facial hair. The noses of older males with pale complexions also tend to be distinctly reddish. Halflings often dress in patchwork versions of the local costume – and may take pride in remembering how they obtained each individual scrap of their outfit. Once, Halflings made patchwork because of their poverty, but nowadays they wear their patches as a symbol of their People’s resourcefulness. Halflings of the Ultimate West are particularly fond of tartan and cheque patterns, and keep their pants and skirts up with suspenders, not belts. Halflings are also known for their distinctive hairstyles, with exaggeratedly large curls held in place with pomade. Some dye their hair pure hues of yellow, red, green, or blue. They often make jewelry out of old coins, or small objects discarded by Humans, Dwarves, Elves or Gnomes. There are four Halflings “Kins”, each of which had associated with a different People before the Invasions. The Man-kins (or “Robins”) have a noted preference for patches (or patterns) in various shades of a single color, and always live in above-ground houses. The slender Elf-kins (or “Huldurfolk”) have pointed ears, prefer clothing of many colors, and traditionally live in the same manner as Elves. The dexterous Gnome-kins (or “Dobs”) have hairy feet, and traditionally live inside artificial earthen mounds. The stout Dwarf-kins (or “Knockers”) have attached earlobes, traditionally live in mines underground, and are the only Halfling Kin whose men can grow mustaches. Gnome-kins and Dwarf-kins do not commonly wear shoes, but Man-kins and Elf-kins do. Halflings do not have their own languages, but speak the tongues of the other People associated with their Kin. Halfling dialects are full of unique slang, however, and may be nearly incomprehensible to the speakers of the regular language. Halflings love to sing, often mocking the pretensions and failures of their enemies (and even friends) through improvised lyrics. These songs frequently include strings of nonsense words. Other songs are often sad laments for the oppression, disrespect, and tragedy that Halflings have historically suffered – covering such topics as being abducted and forced to work in a Orcish factory, having your husband-to-be run off with a Elf woman who will grow tired of him in just a week, or being stuck in a collapsed coal mine and realizing that your Dwarven employers only care about saving their own kind. Halflings of every type traditionally use cairns as markers and memorials, but most of the ancient cairns were vandalized and destroyed during the Reign of the Monsters. Halflings prefer to bury their dead directly in the ground, with the grave marked only by a cairn. It is still traditional for newly married couples to build a cairn together on the day after their wedding. While ancient ones were made exclusively of stones, modern cairns can incorporate any items that are important the Halflings the build them (or the people they memorialize). During the Reign of the Monsters, those Halflings who were separated from the Human, Elven, Gnomish, or Dwarven communities they once served survived by hiding in underbrush, lurking in ruins, and otherwise living at the margins. There the Halflings became adept at scavenging, and re-purposing objects discarded by others. Other Peoples notice that their Halfling friends never throw anything away. They will even incorporate found objects into the construction of their homes. Humans and Elves have a tendency to call all Halfling men “Bill”, and all Halfling women “Cutie” – regardless of their actual names. While these Humans and Elves may think they are being affectionate and endearing, most Halflings actually regard the practice as patronizing and insulting. Increasing, younger Halflings are standing and up and demanding that the “Bigs” refer to them by their real names. Halfings ride ponies, and keep small cattle, sheep, and goats half the size of those raised by humans. Halflings love milk, cheese, and butter, and their dairy livestock are extremely important to them. Very small dogs are most popular pets among the Humblekin. About half of the Humblekin are Good in Alignment, and they are among the most fervent devotees of the Lord and Lady of Light. Their worship is notable for its many choral hymns of praise. Many older Halflings are Lawful, but younger Halflings are increasingly embracing Chaos to rebel against their history of subservience to the other four Peoples. Chaotic Halflings often sport spiky hairstyles, or shave the sides of their head and stiffen the remaining strip of hair to stand on end. Less than 1% of Halflings are actually Evil; they often lurk near burial grounds, robbing graves and waylaying visitors. Halfling communities of the Ultimate West are traditionally governed by a Sheriff or Headman, who is nowadays elected, but historically had been appointed by the leader of other People with whom the Halflings live. Despite being otherwise generally Good in nature, Halflings seem to express their resentment for their historical exploitation by electing Sheriffs and Headmen who make a point of being aggressively obnoxious towards non-Halflings. In mixed communities, the predominant trades of Halflings will be weaving, herbalism, the growing of high-quality produce, distilling, beekeeping, and the making of candy. They take also pride in succeeding at hard and dirty jobs nobody else wants, such as cloth dying, cleaning, charcoal burning, and trash reclamation.

Looking for a Beekeeping Class for 2017? Our NEKBA Bee Class (both part I & part II combined) is nearly 10 hours of education for new and those looking for a re-fresher in their early years of beginning beekeeping. Several courses will be presented by our keynote speaker, Keith Delaplane, on the 2nd day or part II of the class. Keith’s book, a field guide, and presenter’s notes are included with each family registration. Additional family members or friends are welcome to attend for a nominal registration fee, which also includes the presentation notebook. We are a non-profit organizations. The fees are calculated to cover the costs of rent, books and materials, as well as shared costs for our keynote speaker. This event is for beginning & 2nd or even 3rd year beekeepers or those looking for a re-fresher. We like to say that you’ll learn more the 2nd time around. The class is held on 2 weekends as there is much to offer and learn. Trying to hit on all topics in 1 day is a lot to try to absorb. We want beekeepers to get the most and learn the best way possible.Special keynote instructor for March 12, 2017 – Keith Delaplane from the University of Georgia! Keith will also be in that weekend to lecture at our Kansas Honey Producers Association meeting to be held in Topeka, Kansas on March 10th and 11th. It’s NEKBA’s annual Beginning Beekeeping Class for 2017. See our NEKBA 2017 Bee Class Outline & Registration form, which covers both Sunday’s, March 5th & 12th from 12-5:30 PM. LOCATION – Douglas County Fairgrounds – 2110 Harper Street, Lawrence, KS Drive KS K-10 to Harper Street, go north 2 blocks to the Fairgrounds. Visit the NEKBA.org website for more information and links. Classes are on Sunday’s, March 5 & 12, 2017 (parts I and II). Registration @ 12PM to pick up your book and name tag(s) Class begins at 12:30PM and we’ll wind down @ 5:00PM The 2nd day of the workshop is being taught with special presentation on bee biology, mites, an over-view of hobby beekeeping, and how to’s of starting your own hive. This event offers the opportunity to hear and learn from a distinguished expert in the field of modern scientific beekeeping. What might it take to get started? Check out this NEXBA EQUIP LIST. Honey Bees and Beekeeping: A Year in the Life of an Apiary, 3rd Edition Spiral-bound The registration fee includes Keith Delaplane’s book in addition to a guidebook on the problems that can afflict honey bees by Penn State. New members will be eligible to win a starter single story hive and a 3-pound package of bees with a queen. All other registrants will be eligible to win door prizes. You must be present to win. Each family registration will receive 1 Honey Bees and Beekeeping: A Year in the Life of an Apiary, 3rd Edition by Keith Delaplane, and Field Guide to Honey Bees and their Maladies by Penn State University & MAAREC. Each registered person will receive a set of presentation notes. If you already have these books, there will be an alternate choice available.

Nanaimo Beekeepers Club Links to educational resources, videos and Information that will help you on your bee keeping journey Library Books and DVD’s The Nanaimo Beekeepers Clubs owns and shares a considerable collection of books to its members. These can be viewed and checked out at each club meeting. All pollinators are important, this site holds lots of information about bees and others critical to food and ecosystems Floral calendars provide information on the yearly cycles in the flow of nectar for honey production and availability of pollen in your area Excellent articles about all aspects of beekeeping, well written and well organized. The Practical Beekeeper Almost all the information from Michael Bush book about Beekeeping Naturally is available on this site. BC Honey Producers Association Promoting and encouraging beekeeping in British Columbia BC Ministry of Agriculture Monitors for bee diseases and pests through bee inspections and the delivery of educational services & a full range of laboratory diagnostic services Canadian Honey Council The national association of beekeepers representing 8,000 apiculturists across Canad Wasp/Yellow Jacket & Asian Giant Hornet Traps To manage existing wasp problem by trapping/killing spring queens, and detection of Asian Giant Hornet (AGH) emerging queens (if any) in the spring. Please see details here Here are some excellent free online resources to get you started Everything you need to know in your first year. Bee Videos & Films For an extensive list of bee videos check out Strathcona Beekeepers site Bee Sampling Procedure and Address You need to send a bee sample of at least 50 adult bees. To ship, dry the sample first in a paper bag, place in the freezer for a few days and then mail in a container where any excess space is filled with paper towels, toilet paper or any other moisture-absorbing material. Don’t forget to include your contact info! Paul van Westendorp 1767 Angus Campbell Road, Abbotsford, BC V3G 2M3 Phone: 604-556-3129 / Fax: 604-556-3015

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For just a few weeks each year, Manuka trees flower in the remote and wild central volcanic plateau of New Zealand’s North Island. Treasured by New Zealanders, this area is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tongariro National Park. Three Peaks began with a desire to produce the world’s most magnificent Manuka honey and a passion for New Zealand’s volcanic central plateau. Our journey to produce the finest Manuka honey has led us to some of the wildest parts of New Zealand. It’s led us to sustainable management of our land, conservation of precious indigenous forest, native animals and waterways and growing wonder for the role of bees in nurturing our natural landscape. We have learned that bees mirror our commitment to our community and that the best Manuka honey has a depth of flavour, texture, character and complexity that lingers on the senses. We’ve learned that while Manuka honey is one of the most natural food products you’ll ever find, it’s a complex art and science to deliver the very best Manuka honey to our customers. Producing the world’s finest Manuka honey is a challenge and privilege we’re proud to bring to the world. Thoughtful design and uncompromising quality are hallmarks of who we are. Only the very best makes the Three Peaks Manuka honey grade. Our founders grew up roaming the mountains of the Tongariro National Park – amidst family holidays and adventure races they developed a deep love and appreciation for the unique landscape of the North Island’s central plateau. Today, the whole Three Peaks team is connected to New Zealand’s central plateau – we grew up there and hike, hunt, and ski in the area. Because we know the landscape, we know the Manuka honey produced in this region is something very special. At Three Peaks, we’re a team who marry the art of beekeeping and honey production with consummate professionalism – that’s what sets us apart. We see it as our responsibility to care for every aspect of sustainable land management, beekeeping, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, packaging development and logistics, so we can ensure our Manuka honey remains at its finest every step of the way from our hands to yours. From the landscape where our beehives sit, to the stores that sell and deliver our product, we ensure Three Peaks Manuka honey retains the flavours, textures, colours and Unique Manuka Factor (UMF™) it is famous for. Read more about the Three Peaks team. At Three Peaks, we’re committed to sustainable land management and the preservation and restoration of the incredible native flora and fauna on our land. As well as large areas of native Manuka trees, our land contains unspoilt areas of dense native forest that are home to populations of iconic native species such as Kiwi. We are replanting large areas of our land with native Manuka trees, restoring ecologically-significant wetlands and reducing numbers of introduced predators that harm delicate and endangered native species. We are fierce guardians of the untouched native forest that we own. The land our bees forage is both rugged and fragile. Rugged because it is a remote and extreme environment of steep hillsides and plunging valleys. Fragile because an ecosystem in an extreme environment can be easily thrown out of balance. Beekeeping on our land requires skill, strength and the courage to work in a landscape that demands you treat it with respect. We believe that taking care of our land, means it will take care of us. Our sustainability practices are bringing more stability and resilience to this special landscape: and our commitment to sustainability is an integral part of Three Peaks. We believe it is also part of what makes Three Peaks the world’s most magnificent Manuka honey. A thriving bee population is very important to us, and for our beekeepers, bee health is their number one priority. We love our bees! Bees are a vital part of many ecosystems around the world and are under threat in many places. New Zealand has a thriving bee population, partly due to the popularity of Manuka honey. Beekeeping is a complex craft that requires careful tending of each beehive throughout the year. We only work with beekeepers who understand bee health is their highest priority. You can be sure that all Three Peaks Manuka honey has been produced by bees who are nurtured and well cared for.

Sicily Region - Guaranteed Safe Quality The QS trademark - Guaranteed Safe Quality – aims for enhancing agri-food products with a high quality standard and promoting their diffusion according to specific production standards. The control system Compliance with the rules is regulated by a control system carried out by independent control bodies such as CCPB. Through the use of the trademark and the respect of the rules that distinguish it, a greater transparency on the product and on all the phases of its production process is guaranteed: traceability and data are the intrinsic characteristics of the product quality. The QS Trademark According to the Rules of the Use of the QS Trademark and the Procedure for Using the Logo deliberated by the Region of Sicily, the products that can get this logo are the following per Supply Chain: - Vegetable productions: fruit and vegetables, table oil, cereals, leguminous and forage crops, nursery gardening, officinal plants. - Livestock productions: Pigs, sheeps, goats, beef cattle, dairy cattle, chickens, rabbits, heliciculture and beekeeping. - Fish supply chain: Fishery and acquaculture How QS works The Sicilian Region has published a Guideline (here PDF) for the functioning of the QS system. It sets up the principles and the criteria to define the binding production regulations. These guidelines must refer to the following areas: animal health and welfare, protection of agricultural biodiversity and genetic resources, protection of the environment and health of production, intrinsic characteristics of the product and ethno-social and economic quality aspects. The control is carried out by independent control accredited bodies that operate according to the ISO 17065 Standard. The Sicilian Region has currently published the following standards projects for the public consultation (30 days): • Raw sheep's milk of sheep and goat and derivatives • Local supply chain pig • Fresh meat and derived products of Black Sicilian Pig Our staff is available for any assistance and/or commercial offers on the certification of above approved standards.

- Farmers are finding ways to get by By: Nicolas Pantelick T wo weeks ago, I set out with three of my colleagues from the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) to the village of Gourrama in the Moroccan Middle Atlas Mountains. Our journey, from sunrise to sunset, took us across rugged terrains and through communities of all sizes. I revelled in the beauty, both natural and created, that flashed by my window as we drove. Each of the passing images aroused in me the innocent excitement one feels at seeing a place for the first time, if even just for a moment. Solitary concrete buildings partitioned the flowing green fields we slipped through. Washed in fading emeralds, reds, pinks, and oranges, in profile, they appeared as stooped faces, their heavy-set brows animated by the soulful eyes of lit windows. They, witnesses to the passing lives and journeys of all, were solemn and resolute in their observation. Other constructions lay further back from the road, their glossy tin roofs peeking out from the verdant seas beside which they stood. The space between these oases of life and colour did not feel hollow or maligned. It existed alongside the same expansiveness with which the blue sky above stretched up, out, and around us, without limit. Upon arrival in Gourrama, we met with local representatives to drop off several hundred walnut and almond saplings at surrounding agricultural associations. These were only a fraction of the thousands of fruit trees we had carried with us, tightly packed in the back of our vehicle beside our luggage. One such representative, Tarik Sadki, head of the local association, gave us a tour of the property where we would be staying. Among the many buildings of mud brick and reinforced straw we walked through, one room, in particular, was a source of pride for Tarik. Here, he had curated a museum space over the past 20 years, dedicated to the preservation of the region’s history dating back a millennium, containing dozens of Amazigh, Arab, and French artifacts, from ancient tools and weapons to contemporary pieces of artwork. This first morning in Gourrama, we distributed trees to 32 local farming families. Men, old and young alike, arrived wearing customary earth-toned djellabas to stave off the morning’s chill and protect their eyes from the rising sun. Excitedly, they hoisted their sapling bundles onto the backs of waiting donkeys, with visible pride and purpose. Ingenuity in the face of hardship is commonplace within this community and the thousands of others in the High and Middle Atlas Mountains. Climate change is just the latest challenge they face. Oftentimes, people find themselves returning to tradition when they encounter problems of modern creation. On our last day in Gourrama, we came upon a small stand-alone corn processing facility where hydropower is used to churn grain into flour. This generational self-sustaining practice has yielded years of profit for the community. Its industrious design and the myriad of aforementioned examples serve as remembrances that, despite an ever-changing world, those who work in symbiosis with their environment will have their dedication reflected and returned In the late morning, we drove to a nearby town for further tree dissemination. There, I asked a handful of farmers about the effects of climate change on their livelihoods. In response, one man named Mustafa said that he has noticed a precipitous drop in rainfall, leading to reduced land quality. This dearth of rain, he revealed, has also impeded communal efforts to expand cultivation range, stabilize income fluctuations, and sustain local apiaries and flocks. One solution that he and others have found for this issue has been to build dams and canals to divert water from rivers to their fields. Moreover, during a dry year, he explained, farmers must plant more drought-resistant staples of barley and corn, even when these crops do not provide enough self-sustaining income. Similarly, another farmer named Hasan recounted that, since a 2008 flood, all of the almond trees have been dying in the region. Because of this difficult reality, farmers seek more environmentally resilient varieties of trees that will flower later in the season, during a time of greater rainfall. Unrelated to climate change, Hasan expressed that a lack of fundamental agricultural training has also been responsible for diminishing yields. He believes that these farming practices, wherein people plant their trees and leave them without care, are a consequence of this deficient education. At midday, after all farmers had received their trees, we led a discussion on communal wants and needs for the future. Through this conversation, we learned that rural Moroccan farmers often struggle to find the “right” domestic market for their products, toiling to make enough money, even in plentiful years. The majority of their crops are exported raw to European countries, to be processed and sold at high prices for the benefit of large corporations, instead of for their original growers. Moroccans want to access the international organic market, but rarely can because they lack adequate resources to effectively plant, grow, harvest, process, and distribute their produce. Some farmers have taken this challenge head-on, successfully managing the “seed to sale” value chain themselves. In this regard, a few in Gourrama have made moderate gains processing local olives into olive oil. Beyond this, the group discussion brought forth two final issues: the inadequacy of young children’s school facilities and sweeping rural joblessness. Employment outside the field of agriculture is difficult to come by in this area, and the only occasional jobs available are in animal husbandry and beekeeping. Subsequently, we emphasized that HAF will remain a part of their entire development process, from the distribution of seeds to the certification, processing, and sale of produce, assisted by the USAID Farmer-to-Farmer program. To conclude, we completed a ceremonial tree planting, fertilizing the saplings, freshly laid to rest, with the traditional practice of spreading ash on the topsoil to deliver vital nutrients to the tree roots. Following a typical late Moroccan lunch, we travelled to a 20-hectare communal farm on an immense plain bordered by low, rolling mountains. It seemed an impossibility, with the wind whipping through our scant jackets and clawing roughly against our flushed cheeks, that anything could flourish amongst such tumult. Yet, we learned, adversity and perseverance, like that which we had seen throughout our visit, was acutely woven into the very essence of the place we stood. This project was created by the local agricultural cooperative with a government land grant, providing jobs for unemployed individuals lacking viable professional prospects, and keeping them from succumbing to the tide of rural emigration. Ingenuity in the face of hardship is commonplace within this community and the thousands of others in the High and Middle Atlas Mountains. Climate change is just the latest challenge they face. Oftentimes, people find themselves returning to tradition when they encounter problems of modern creation. On our last day in Gourrama, we came upon a small stand-alone corn processing facility where hydropower is used to churn grain into flour. This generational self-sustaining practice has yielded years of profit for the community. Its industrious design and the myriad of aforementioned examples serve as remembrances that, despite an ever-changing world, those who work in symbiosis with their environment will have their dedication reflected and returned.

Organic Learning Opportunities At this point in the growing season, you might have more dirt on your hands than time. But for those interested in new production techniques, here are a few opportunities for learning. Most are available for viewing whenever you are. The Organic Farming Research Foundation is seeking feedback on their new online training modules. There will be 6 models in all when finished. Topics available now include Ecological Weed Management, Nutrient Management, Soil Health, and Conservation Tillage. https://ofrf.org/programs/education/ The Rodale Institute is offering their Organic field day online. Just $25 gets you access to all 13 virtual field days, presented July 13-17. Thirteen topics include pastured hog production, beekeeping, organic no-till, and vegetable systems. Indiana Organic Grain Farmer Meeting – Recordings from the February 2020 meeting include presentations from farmers and researchers, including a session on the financial side of organic transition and an organic no-till research update. You can also view new articles (and accompanying spreadsheets) comparing financials of conventional and organic crop rotations: from the Purdue University Center for Commercial Agriculture Looking for something a little more hands-on? Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) offers internship, apprenticeship, and mentorship programs for beginning farmers.

Afternoons with Jesse Mulligan for Tuesday 11 February 2020 1:10 New Zealand Beekeeping's Jane Lorimer talks honey prices Beekeepers say supermarkets are making life tough for their honey suppliers. They say as beekeepers cut prices and see their returns fall, supermarkets are still selling their honey at the same price. New Zealand Beekeeping president Jane Lorimer joins Jesse to explain. 1:17 Daily working life of an Intimacy Coordinator Yesterday our TV critic Phil Wallington expressed surprise that there was now such a thing as an "Intimacy Coordinator" on film sets. Tandi Wright got in touch to explain what the work is and why she thinks it is important. Tandi is a New Zealand Actress and works as an intimacy co-ordinator in New Zealand and Australia for international company Intimacy on Set. 1:27 Fears locust plague in African countries could become even more devastating The United Nations is warning the most devastating plague of locusts in recent history could be on its way in the next few weeks, as the bugs continue to swarm Somalia, and East Africa. Somalia has declared the locust outbreak a national emergency, and swarms in Uganda and Tanzania, are causing fears for the food supply there as crops are being decimated. Professor Steven Trewick knows all about locusts, and talks to Jesse about how and why they are so destructive. 1:50 First song: Delaney Davidson - Ship of Dreams Lyttleton singer songwriter Delaney Davidson has a gig with difference this month. Self-described as part man part wheel, a wandering minstrel with a suitcase in one hand and a guitar in the other. He joins us today from our Christchurch studio to tell us about his appearances during The Hamilton Gardens Art Festival which runs from the 19th February to the 1st March. Delaney will play a number for First Song. 2:10 Government looking at freeing up an extra frequency for RNZ Concert Colin Peacock, presenter of Mediawatch on RNZ joins the programme now for his take on the government's announcement that it is looking at freeing up an additional FM frequency meaning RNZ Concert will be able to remain on the FM network. 2:20 Catherine Robertson on language and stereotypes Today is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science - which calls on everyone to "smash stereotypes, defy gender biases and defeat discrimination that hold women and girls back from succeeding in science and technology". Catherine Robertson takes a look at language that dissects stereotypes. 2:20 New tunes that take from the old Alice Murray from RNZ's Music 101 team will be talking about songs that rely heavily on the sampling of an older tune and the Spotify recommendations that have sent her back in time to learn about these familiar-sounding but brand new-to-her funk and soul tunes. 3:10 Bariatric Surgeon Andrew Jenkinson tells us why we eat too much Low-calorie diets can do more harm that good to many people trying to loose weight says a doctor who has seen more than his share of patients who have failed on traditional diets. Dr Andrew Jenkinson, is a bariatric surgeon in London who treats the obese. He explains why we need to stop obsessing about calories and food fads in his book, Why We Eat Too Much: The New Science of Appetite. 3:30 Spoken Feature: Goer Our series with retired broadcaster Ian Johnstone continues, as we hear his tales of travelling in Europe with his wife Marjorie. Ian calls it their "Geriatric OE". 3:45 The Pre-Panel Story of the Day 4:05 The Panel with Caroline Daley and Thomas Pryor

My friend Sarah Brown interviewed me for her “Failing Forward” podcast which resulted in this mini episode about beekeeping…the “failing” parts aren’t explicit here, but believe me, failure undergirds it all. Very listenable at 6ish-minutes long. Also, in this image you can see my favorite Quoddy Ringboots (they don’t touch the floor because at 5’3″, I’m shorter than I sound). They are the most comfortable shoes you can imagine. Ever. In the world. There’s something wonderfully interesting about people who have heard the voice of intuition (or the voice of the universe or God…you know, the voice of something larger than we are) and who have then acted upon that calling by becoming beekeepers. Beekeeping isn’t a hobby that we simply pick up. I’ve come to think of it as a calling…a calling that requires a commitment we might not initially have anticipated but a commitment that we don’t shy from, and I love that quality in people. But that’s not the point of this post. Here’s my point: I visit many colonies with numerous beekeepers, and long ago I realized that the most often-spoken word in the bee yard is “Sorry.” After all these years and all these bees, I still find myself saying “I’m sorry” all the time. I say it without speaking, and I say it aloud. Everyone I work with says it. A lot. And we don’t wait to express ourselves…we say it right away as we make our many mistakes. We screw up. We hurt others. We squish bees or unsettle them or drop things or fumble. We’re sorry for that. And expressing that apology for being imperfect, clumsy human beings is a high quality to me…it requires humility, and I will follow humble-yet-confident people to the ends of this earth. It is my favorite quality combination. Pompousness can go jump in a lake. As beekeepers work to become more confident stewards of our colonies, we’ll make our mistakes. To hear “I’m sorry” mumbled as the bees teach us to become better beekeepers and better people, though, is a sweet experience. Reader, on Monday, November 7th, two of my friends and I spoke about beekeeping on WVXU, Cincinnati’s NPR station. And I have to tell you that someone over at ‘VXU is really good at editing. :) I know a thing or two about editing, and it’s not easy to do smoothly, but someone over there is first rate at it. Because there was one instance when I stumbled around a bit and went on a bit too long, and it’s not in the tape. THANK YOU, editor. (That’s me on the left in the blue shirt and the round glasses; Melanie Evans of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s Pollen Nation is in the center; and Carlier Smyth of Queen City Bee Co is closest. I love those big headphones and fuzzy mics.) Dear Reader, it is Easter time, and in Ohio this means the beginning of bee season. The colonies that successfully overwintered in my bee yards are bursting at the seams. Which suggests to me that swarm season may come earlier than usual this year…I usually expect my first swarm call on Mothers Day. It’s one of the most exciting calls of the year, and all my nerves are alert for it. Which is why I love this “Praise of the Bees” image. Because it is in every way full on glorious bee. In this image, beekeepers smoke a swarm and cut the branch on which it hangs. This swarm will then become a happy hive in the beekeeper’s yard. Bees fly in the air, and it seems to me that they’re all over the blooming trees and shrubs and flowers. Another beekeeper cuts comb from a suspended long hive, honey runs through a sieve, and his assistant collects the small amount of honey in a jar. (I like that this is a sustainable practice. They are not taking more than the bees can give and not more than the beekeepers can use.) For several months each year, I’m this busy. I’m deliriously, exhaustedly busy and I’m happy with that. And who wouldn’t be? It’s so freaking exciting. So, friends, if you happen to find a swarm hanging sweetly in a tree or on a bush or on a lamp post or wherever, please contact me. I’ll be delighted collect it. I might look tired and dirty when I see you, but I will be happy. And I think it will make you happy, too. My Aunt Chris sent this video my way. She has one of the liveliest backyards ever…full of blooms and wonder. I’ve always loved thinking of her out puttering in her greenhouse and her gardens. It’s a trait shared by my mother, her sister—a trait inherited directly from their father. And although I consider myself late to the party, I can say that this dormant green-thumb obsession has now blossomed in me, too. In the video, please note that the common denominator in all this wonder is flowers. If you plant it and it blooms, they will come. Good morning, Reader. There are few things I enjoy more than getting a lift from the bee yard on a tailgate. You can find the story behind this image here. [Image by Patrick Reddy at the Cincinnati Enquirer] Ohhhhh. I love this! And you can order one for yourself at Design by Humans. I have nothing to do with this wonderful shirt. I have no idea who designed it. All I know is, you’re gonna see me wearing it. Happy New Year, Reader, and what a perfect time for our thoughts to turn to the bees. :) These past weeks, I’ve received a surprising number of emails and phone calls from those lucky people who received beehives for Christmas. And I must say, what a terrific gift idea! And for this very reason, next Christmas I plan to offer TwoHoneys gift certificates. So, here are my January and February suggestions for those of you looking forward to your first season with bees: - Beekeepers are a smart bunch, and they read, read, read. - Devour everything on Michael Bush’s website. Devour every word and image. - Alternatively, buy Michael Bush’s book…same information…the website is free, but the book is more organized. - Read The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Beekeeping. WHICH IS NOT FOR IDIOTS! This book is written for smart people by two very smart people. - Join the beekeeping forums through which beekeepers from around the world become friends and share knowledge: Beemaster and Bee Source. For some reason I can’t explain, I lean toward the crowd over at Beemaster.com. - Learn the difference between Langstroth hives and top-bar hives. - Don’t discount the idea of running top-bar hives. I love them. Keep an open mind about it. I implore you. - I run about half Langstroth hives and half top-bar hives, though I strongly strongly strongly prefer top-bar hives for backyard beekeepers or urban beekeepers or older beekeepers or young beekeepers or physically-challenged beekeepers or female beekeepers or short beekeepers. - To learn more about top-bar hive beekeeping, please read Les Crowder’s Top Bar Beekeeping - If you’ve determined that you’ll run Langstroth hives, Reader, I STRONGLY encourage you to run 8-frame, medium-depth equipment. This is a rather new practice, so if you’re not keeping up with the reading, you’ll probably follow the old path. And it will take you years to work your bees out of the old-thought system and into the newer one. - I also STRONGLY encourage you to let your bees build their own beeswax foundation. In other words, don’t purchase any type of foundation for your frames. Your bees will respond exuberantly. And exuberance cannot be overrated. - Once you’ve finished your first reading list, feel free to contact me. We can decide where to keep your hives and how to get your bees. - In Ohio (which is where I live), we order our bees in February. - The bees arrive mid April, which is when we need to have our equipment in place and our tools in order. There. That should get us all started into the new year, yes?

Discussion Topics: 02:00 Intro and recap of the day 04:00 dynamics of harvesting for Kai 05:30 dynamics of training beekeepers 06:20 Southerns beekeeping association – Swarms – Bee removals 07:40 Cape Bee in Scuttaleta hive 10:20 Malawi beekeeping hives 11:40 Differences in SA Lang hive management in contrast to the US 15:15 Track Swarms 15:40 Brood dynamics, lulls – but no clustering 16:15 Swarm prevention, SA=”spring maintenance”, Description of a package in the US 18:15 Requirement for pollination services – blueberry, macadamia, kiwifruit, and avocados 20:40 Pollination pests and problems – 2 spotted stink bugs, honey badgers, no varroa, and hive beetles. Theft 22:40 weather dynamics 23:30 Hive stands, Single deep with medium supers, Moving hives around 24:30 Working hives – morning, and in the dark 25:25 African “Killer Bee” label and how relentless the bees are 28:30 Dynamics of beekeeper partnerships and training/mentoring approaches 30:20 Education of South Africa Beekeepers 32:00 Older beekeepers dynamic – they don’t want to share 33:00 Contrast of practices vs. US beekeeping 35:00 dynamics of afternoon storms 35:45 wrapping up the discussion Note: The title is palindrome…. the date is 0202-2020, a palindrome.

Salvation for Dummies The “For Dummies” books have made a ton of money for writers and publishers. There are scores of titles, each one describing complex tasks in simple language. They’re the go-to books for those of us who get lost in the 12-page/five-language directions that come with our new purchases. Plumbing. Learning Spanish verbs. Doing taxes. Beekeeping. List any subject, and Dummies.com probably has a book for it. There’s even a Revelation for Dummies! However, when I did not find one covering salvation, that set me to writing. Introduction: This book is for people who would rather look forward to eternity with a caring God in the happiness of heaven rather than living (and then dying) on Earth without hope of something better. It’s also for those who find “theology” unwieldy and bewildering. Page 1: The Bible's most popular salvation words are found in the third chapter of a book written by one of Jesus’ best friends, Fisherman John. He heard Jesus say this to a temple spy: “God loves you so much that He asked me to come to earth, find you, love you without limits, so that you fall in love with us, and then make sure to get you to your room in our heavenly home — rather than just staying down here and dying forever.” (See John 3.) Page 17: “There is nothing you can do that will in any way add anything to what God has already done for you.” (Edward Heppenstahl, 1969) Page 21: You will be tempted (by the devil/Lucifer/his minions) to try to do stuff so God will love you more or at least be awed with your holiness. Don’t fall for his scam. Instead, “Since you have given up on yourself and allowed God to take full control of your life [Christians call this being 'born again'], focus your mind on God’s heavenly home, rather than on the dusty trash of Earth. And, because salvation takes a 'whole life' commitment, focus your heart up there also. With your thoughts (mind) and emotions (heart) connected to God’s power, you’ll become like Him, changed from the inside out." (See Colossians 3.) Page 35: One of the Bible writers, Paul, a man who knew what it was like to be changed from a murderer to a lover, dictated God’s “salvation formula” in a letter to some friends. The letter is still around: “God’s looking for folks who want to be with Him more than anything else. When He finds them, He lifts them up and shouts to everyone in the universe, ‘Hey, look at Fred and Mary. See the way they live, so kind and loving! They live like this because my Son, Jesus, has gracefully forgiven them and filled them with our love!’" (See Ephesians 2.) Then Prisoner Paul adds, “Remember, salvation is only available to those who trust God to do the saving. If you could do anything to get yourself to heaven, you’d go around boasting about your ‘good works’ rather than remembering that He’s the only reason you can be saved” (emphasis added). Last Page: There’s lots more, but it’s all the same. Salvation’s something God does, for free, for anyone (including you) if you ask. From last month's column: What page of the Bible did Eduardo share with his friend? John 14 and 15.

Small vials line up the table, each filled with either dead honeybees or their favorite sticky, yellow substance. Strategically placed on the wall above them are rectangular wooden frames filled with old honeycomb. These are just two pieces of Zinnia’s Upson’s (‘19) artwork, who, through old materials from bee farmers, is painting a dark picture of the fate of America’s declining honeybee population, all while inspiring viewers to take action to save them. Between 2016 and 2017, a third of the nation’s honeybee colonies were lost, according to an annual survey of nearly 5,000 beekeepers. This phenomenon is called Colony Collapse Disorder, which occurs when the majority of worker bees in a colony disappear and leave behind their queen and remaining immature bees, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The honeybee decline will severely effect our nation’s food production, as honeybees are responsible for pollinating about $15 billion worth of U.S. crops each year. Almonds, for instance, are completely reliant on honeybee pollination. As a self-described foodie, Upson was interested in learning more about the phenomenon and decided to use it as the focal point of her studio art major capstone project. Her work will be featured alongside the five other senior artists in the department’s upcoming exhibition, “Cease & Desist,” which will be in the Cornell Fine Arts Museum from April 12 to May 13. Upson visited bee farms to collect materials for her project, such as old bee crates and actual dead bees found at the bottom of those crates. She also uses mundane objects such as plates, mirrors, and furniture to create a powerful image. “I combine found objects with delicate materials such as vellum, twine, and thin wire as a means of referencing the current tenuous state of our ecosystem,” she said. Her pieces give off an industrial feel that closely relates to humanity’s contribution to the collapse. In one of Upson’s pieces, a dead bee sits on an old-fashioned floral plate with a fork and knife on each side and a mirror that faces the viewer. This shows how the bee decline affects our food industry and how people need to “look in the mirror” to establish change. “These works focus on the human responsibility to be urgent in responding to the decline of bee populations by accentuating their fragility in relation to our own self-indulgent lifestyles, and how quickly both can change,” Upson said. By not focusing on a specific cause, she is able to work with the ambiguity of the colony collapse and provoke commentary. “Rather than pointing to a singular source, I instead provoke viewers to consider the long-term consequences of colony collapse and what could be lost in the event of a mass extinction of bee populations,” Upson said. The exact reason for the bee decline is unknown, but researchers believe that it could be due to beekeeping malpractice, such as spraying unreliable sedatives and transporting colonies haphazardly. Large-scale inorganic pesticide contamination on flowers hurts biodiversity and general bee health during pollination. Habitat destruction due to climate change and the formation of monoculture colonies also threaten the species. “Instead of taking an extreme approach to this dire situation, I purposefully reference the bees within a poetic and whimsical realm to remind us how humble and immeasurably significant they are to our planet, while also provoking viewers to imagine a world without them,” Upson said. She urges people to make local changes by volunteering, planting bee friendly-plants, using more organic materials when gardening and being aware of the effects Colony Collapse Disorder has on the food industry. “I think that, because colony collapse disorder is so ambiguous, people think there’s no way to prevent it or that we aren’t the ones at fault. Through my pieces, I’d like to correct that reasoning and show the need for human change before it ruins our food industry,” she said. The art exhibit opens on Friday, April 12 at 7 p.m. and runs through May 13. For more information on the featured artists, check out The Sandspur’s coverage of the exhibition from last semester.

Due to its exceptional landscape diversity and high biodiversity, on 9th October 2003 the Government of the Republic of Slovenia declared the area as a protected nature area of Goričko Nature Park. In order to manage the park, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia has been established by the Public Institute, which, in the framework of the public nature conservation service, carries out protection, development, professional, control and management tasks in the area of the park. About Nature Park Goričko Goričko region is a lanscape with low hills and it is located in the northeastern part of Slovenia. This hilly surface is divided with creeks, which have washed away the sediments and formed wide valleys. The humans build settlements in these valleys and inhabitet also ridges and slopes of the hills. One of the most beautiful views on this landscape can be seen from the highest point of Prekmurje, which is Sotina Hill on 418 m of elevation. From it you can see the whole Ledava valley, Ledava lake, and also other parts of Slovenia like Boč, Donačka gora and Pohorje hills. Goričko is divided in 11 municipalities with 90 settlements and around cca. 17.000 inhabitants. In the centres of these settlements there are usualy firehouses and rising towerbells from different kinds of churches, which are signal that we are located in the diverse religious region of Slovenia. The most diverse in fact. On Goričko there are united believers of catholic, evangelical, pentecostal, baptist and calvin cristian church. The nationality and ethnicity composition is also quite diverse. On the eastern border with Hungary, with the exeption of village Kobilje village, there is present The Hungarian National Minority. In some villages on Goričko there live also members of the Roma ethnicity group. Each group of people contributes important par to the rich cultural mosaic of Goričko. Goričko is without major central city, this role is done by Murska Sobota in Ravensko region. The bigest settlement on Goričko is Grad, in which the biggest baroque castle in Slovenia is located. This castle is also the headquarters of The Nature Park Goričko Public Institute, which manages the protected area of nature – The Nature park Goričko. Beacause of constant periferal position throughout the history, the economy of Goričko was always stagnating. Thus, the region was deprived of important traffic roads, the development of industry, major settlements and other infrastructure. The people of Goričko were always mostly farmers and crafstsman. They farmed on the small fields, had some lifestock and almost all had an orchard and a small vineyard. In the valleys and on slopes of the hills there were fields, meadows and pastures, on the southern slopes with the higher angles there were orchards and vineyards. On the terrain where farming was not possible, there remained forest. Near the meandring streams there were mostly wetlands and wet meadows. The people of Goričko created many different, small habitats and rich landscape diversity, which of course contributed to high level of biodiversity. With this way, man and nature on Goričko lived hand in hand. And the same case is present today. Former rurality today depicts opportunity and advantage. Remotenes of the region enabled preservation of rich natural and cultural environment. The combination of nature creativity and humble, working people of Goričko is still the most valuable feature of Goričko region. Goričko was protected as Nature park in year 2003 and is included in European network of protected areas Natura 2000. The Nature Park Goričko today covers 462 km2. Municipalities of Goričko On the area of the Park there are 11 municipalities: Cankova, Dobrovnik, Gornji Petrovci, Grad, Hodoš, Kobilje, Kuzma, Moravske Toplice, Puconci, Rogašovci and Šalovci. The Municipality of Cankova The area of the Municipality of Cankova is on south mostly plain and hilly on the north. On the west is bordered with 22 km long border with the Austria. The border is creek Kučnica, a more than thousand year old border between Hungary and Austria in the history countries. Most of the people live on small farms and works in Murska Sobota or in Austria. Village Cankova is the centre of the municipality, in the middle of the village there is park, where is also a statue of dr. Avgust Pavel, first translator of slovenian literature to hungarian language. More informations... The Municipality of Dobrovnik The area of municipality od Dobrovnik was inhabitet long time ago. Proof of that is the found old stone chisel and mounds near Dobrovnik village. Dobrovnik is after Lendava the second largest bilingual settlement in Pomurje region. Three quarters of population represents members of the Hungarian National Minority. In municipality there are several natural features which enables the development of tourism and using of thermal water. Perhaps the most known location is the Bukovnica lake with sorounding area. More informations… The Municipality of Gornji Petrovci Many of the people in this municipality are farmers. Despite smallnes, municipality offers quite a few important historical and artistic monuments and tourist locations. Village Ženavlje was become known after the stratospheric baloon landed back in 18. august 1934. In the baloon were belgian scientists Max Cosyns and Nere Van Elst. In the Križevci village there is the oldest tree in Goričko - a 700 years old chestnut tree. More information… The Municipality of Grad Village Grad is currently the most popoulus setllement on Goričko, first mentioned as Lyndwa, than as Gornja Lendava (Upper Lendava), from the year 1952 as Grad (Castle) – after middle age castle which stands on a hill from basaltic tuff. In the middle ages here was the administrative center of Goričko and Ravensko region. The biggest touristic sites are castle and Vulkanija. In the Municipality of Grad there is several more nature and culturalhistoric sites to discover. More informations… The Municipality of Hodoš Based on the number of residents is the Municipality of Hodoš the smallest municipality in Slovenia The area is interestig from ethnological view. Here we can find ethnological protected farms and typical panonnian water springs. Hodoš village was first mentioned in year 1331. In the past it was also important local centre. More informations … The Municipality of Kobilje The Municipality of Kobilje is located by the Kobilje creek and in between the old forests and vineyards. Found objects indicate that people were living here probaly already in the stone age. The heritage of the past is perfectly combined with the urbanistic environment in Kobilje village. In the middle of the village there are two checker trees, the oldest of its kind in Slovenia. On sorounding hills there are many vineyards, on the hill of Saint Martin there is also a 200 years old service tree. More informations ... The Municipality of Kuzma The Municipality of Kuzma is positioned on the border triangle between Slovenia, Austria and Hungary. On the site of the border triangle the statue is positioned. The statue is three-sided. Each side is covered with coat of arms of one of the country. To the border triangle leads nature theme trail, which is equipped with many interpretation tools. To the site leads also path from the Austria and one from the Hungary. In the municipality there are also many of other interesting sites. More informations… The Municipality of Moravske Toplice The Municipality of Moravske Toplice has a long border with the Hungary on the east. In the municipality there also lives a strong communty of National Hungarian Minority. These have important role in having good relationships with the Hungary. The municipality is relatively large in area but sparcely populated - especially in the northern part. The strategy of development lies in the connecton with small villages, ecological farming and soft tourism. In the municipality are aware of benefits of untouched nature and thermal spring water that is present beneath the area. In the village of Moravske Toplice there is complex of spa resorts, hotels and other tourist infrastructure. More informations … The Municipality of Puconci In the Municipality of Puconci lies on the metting point of plain and hilly part of Prekmurje region. The plain one is marked with agriculture and lifestock breeding, the other one is marked with viticulture and fruit growing. The speciality of this municipality is the harmony of many religious groups such as evangelical, catholic and pentecostal evangelical churc. There are many cultural and touristic associations in the municipality. More informations … The Municipality of Rogašovci The Municipality of Rogašovci is positioned at the nortwestern park of Goričko region. It borders on Austria, where also the highest point of Prekmurje can be found. The Sotina hill is 418 m high and on it is also panoramic tower. In the area there are also several others panoramic view points like Serdica Hill and Fikšinci ridge. Important park of cultural history represents beekeeping. Important sites are also the Rupniks mosaic in the Church of Saint Helena in Pertoča, the spring of mineral water in Nuskova, the quarry of schists in Sotina and others. More informations … The Municipality of Šalovci The Municipality is located in the northeastern part of Slovenia. In this municipality there are the only growing places of garland flower. The village Šalovci were in the end of the 19. century one of the biggest settlements in Goričko. Today the number of residents is halfed due to the depopulation. The village is shaped along the main road in the valley of Velika Krka creek. More informations …

Columbus Greek Festival - Columbus, OH - Sep 4 to Sep 7, 2020 Live Greek for a weekend and enjoy shopping, food, drink, dancing, music and culture. Adult admission is $5 and is good for the entire weekend. Held at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Labor Day Festival - Canal Winchester, OH - Sep 5 to Sep 7, 2020 Attracts over 40,000 visitors annually. Beauty pageant, car show, rides, games, craft vendors, food and entertainment. Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival - Upper Arlington, OH - Sep 7 to Sep 7, 2020 A day full of art, music, food and activities in Northam Park. Upper Arlington’s signature event since 1966. Popcorn Festival - Marion, OH - Sep 10 to Sep 12, 2020 Attracts crowds in excess of 250,000. Parade, rides, cornhole tournament, fine arts show and entertainment. Honeyfest - Lithopolis, OH - Sep 11 to Sep 12, 2020 Show off your best honey recipe, get a bee beard and learn more about beekeeping. Enjoy a mead competition, pageant, honey bake-off, foods made with honey, honey extraction demonstraions and more. Free parking and shuttle, plus free admission. Salt Creek Valley Festival - Richmondale, OH - Sep 11 to Sep 13, 2020 Live music, baby contest, children’s activities, auction, puppet show, talent show, marching band concert, and more. Since 1996. Old Hilliardfest - Hilliard, OH - Sep 12 to Sep 12, 2020 An art and street fair with food, music, rides and car show. Mohican Bluegrass Festival - Glenmont, OH - Sep 17 to Sep 19, 2020 A family friendly outdoor music festival along the Mohican river, with bluegrass music, food vendors, craft vendors, kid’s recreation activities, plus camping on-site! Delaware County Fair - Delaware, OH - Sep 19 to Sep 26, 2020 The Delaware County Agricultural Society held its first exhibition and show in 1834 Barnesville Pumpkin Festival - Barnesville, OH - Sep 24 to Sep 27, 2020 Always the last full weekend in September. Lots of great food and contests, over 400 cars in the car show and a giant pumpkin parade, and more. Plus pumpkins for sale! Andersonville Historic Fair - Andersonville, GA - Oct 3 to Oct 4, 2020 History comes alive in Andersonville each year in October, when hundreds of Civil War renactors set up camp and stage two realistic mock battles. Vendors, parade, live entertainment, puppet shows, line dancing, and more. The Cotton Pickin’ Fair - Gay, GA - Oct 3 to Oct 4, 2020 A twice a year festival with live music, magic show, arts, antiques and Southern foods. Dates back to 1972. Ohio Smoked Meat and Barbecue Festival - Nelsonville, OH - Oct 16 to Oct 17, 2020 BBQ competition, fall foliage train ride and more. Hummingbird Festival - Hogansville, GA - Oct 17 to Oct 18, 2020 An outdoor festival with food, music, and crafts for the whole family. Columbus Marathon - Columbus, OH - Oct 18 to Oct 18, 2020 The 17th largest U.S. marathon and the largest in Ohio has been ranked by Runner’s World as one of the top 20 marathons in the United States and by USA Today as one of the top 10 fall marathons. Circleville Pumpkin Show - Circleville, OH - Oct 21 to Oct 24, 2020 100,000 attend this event daily. Always the 3rd Wednesday through Saturday in October. Giant pumpkins, parades, Miss Pumpkin Show and Little Miss Pumpkin Show, amusement rides, food vendors, crafts and games.

Distillery Lane Ciderworks, Maryland’s original craft hard cider maker, will host the “Explorer’s Festival” on Saturday and Sunday, October 6 and 7 from 10 -5. Join us for the ultimate apple experience – tastings of over 20 varieties of apples, our fresh and hard ciders, apple picking, tours of the 3,000-tree orchard and other apple-related activities. Distillery Lane Ciderworks produces internationally award winning hard ciders on our farm in Jefferson. Our sustainably managed orchard was planned and planted to produce the highest quality hard ciders, styled on historic American, English, and French ciders. The 6th annual festival features beekeeping, cider pressing, and cooking demonstrations, along with cider and apple tastings and tours. Cider master Tim Rose will host demos on cooking with DLC apples, showing, for example, why some apples are better in pies and others reserved for drinking or eating. Twelve hard ciders, including DLC’s latest entry, Chesapeake Rumrunner, will be available for tastings all day to our visitors over 21. “It’s all about the apples,” said DLC owner Rob Miller. “We call it Explorer’s Weekend because we are exploring all things orchard related on the weekend dedicated to the spirit of exploration.” Admission and parking are free. No reservations are required. Apple and fresh cider tasting are free. All tours and demonstrations are free. Hard cider tastings are offered to those over 21 for a nominal fee. Cheese plates from our neighbors at Caprikorn Farms and farm fresh sausages from Whistle Punk Farm will be available for purchase, as well as a selection of baked goods. Here is a detailed schedule: Guided orchard tours: 11:00, 2:00 and 4:00 Self-Guided Tours of the Farm: All Day Beekeeping demonstrations by Rick Nestler: 11:00 and 2:00 Tim Rose Presentation on cooking with DLC apples: 1:00 and 3:00 Apple Tastings: All Day Cider Tastings: All Day Pick-your-own: All Day Distillery Lane Ciderworks 5533 Gapland Road Jefferson, MD 21755-9239 On Facebook: Distillery Lane Ciderworks

Few expression from last workshop at Naliboki Forest. Of course full relation would be published later on, but few information is worth sheering separately – the tree-beekeeping strategy in swampy forest’s of Belarus. Ivan Mulin, our tree-beekeeper from Naliboki forest create and hanged on the tree’s this year about 10 small log hives. Why? This is an old tree-beekeepers strategy still used by some individuals on Belarus. Where ‚bortnik’ create 2 kinds of hives, one dedicated for honey, and others for swarms. The smaller one are dedicated for catching swarm’s, the cavity of them is lower than standard logs so they make bee’s swarm more often than usual then fly away and look for a new home. They are localized around territory (outside ring) where normal size log-hives are putted on the trees and tree platforms. Of course we talking about area of several square km, where logs and tree-platform are scatter across the territory. On each platform are localizeted up to 3 logs, then some others standing separately on the tree’s. But how to choose a place for placing an log or platform? First of all the tree need to be thick and solid enough, best if it’s have some solid branches on which platform could be supported – minimum 5 m above the ground. But actually most of the platform constructed so far in Naliboki Forest by our brother are on 8 up to 10 meters. But before we would start constructing the platform or pick the tree for putting the log hive on it we first put on such places small carton box warped with foil with few frames with wax in it – the temporally swarm catching boxes. If in one year the box would be settled with bees then on such tree we put a log on constructing platform there. Log hives then need to be transported to the place where we would mount them on the tree and theres only 2 way’s of doing that: one is simply to carry them on Your back wchih we do if more people are coming to the „chutor” for example to learn tree-beekeeping during our workshop. Or drive them with sledge during the winter, when swamps are frozen and cover with snow. We believe that best is to learn is thru practice and best vacation is thru work together. So feel invited for our next workshop there in April 2018 ! Zrealizowano w ramach stypendium Ministra Kultury i Dziedzictwa Narodowego.

Toktogul : Credits Unforgettable tour to southern Kyrgyzstan by Viator / (Rights Reserved) Sary Chelek Biosphere Reserve by Kondephy Toktogul Lake by revolution cycle The Kyrgyz Buzz | 10 Day Tour of Beekeeping in Kyrgyzstan by Viator / (Rights Reserved) This product includes GeoLite2 data created by MaxMind, available fromhttps://www.maxmind.com If you have questions or concerns about copyrighted material on the site, please contact us at [email protected].

Royal Jelly isn’t the Queen’s favourite pudding – as far as we know – but it’s still important, thanks to its numerous health benefits. And when it comes to skincare, Royal Jelly is a major multitasker, known for its anti-ageing, antibacterial and wound-healing properties. But what exactly is it, and how can it help your skin? Read our round-up of six fascinating facts about Royal Jelly. 1. It’s not just for queen bees Royal Jelly is a sticky white substance produced by worker bees. It’s fed to both honeybee larvae and queen bee larvae after they hatch. Then, after two or three days, the honeybee larvae are no longer fed Royal Jelly while the queen larvae will continue to eat it. The queen then feeds exclusively on Royal Jelly for the rest of her life, which can last several years.1 2. It contains it’s own unique proteins There are a number of different nutrients in Royal Jelly: water (50-60%), proteins (18%), carbohydrates and sugars (15%), fats (3% to 6%), minerals (1.5%), and small amounts of vitamins including B2, B3 and B7 – all essential for healthy skin.2 It also contains nine exclusive proteins, called major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs), and fatty acids.3 It’s these nutrients that are thought to give Royal Jelly its health-boosting effects. 3. It’s a powerful antioxidant Along with many other ingredients produced by the hive, like Manuka Honey, Royal Jelly is a potent antioxidant. Studies have found it is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, plant compounds that have significant antioxidant properties.4 This means it can help fight the damage caused by free-radicals, including the appearance of wrinkles, and conditions associated with ageing such as diabetes and dementia. Experts believe the longevity-enhancing benefits of Royal Jelly are what give it this anti-ageing quality. 4. It can beat dry skin Many moisturisers will help soothe dry, damaged skin but a particular fatty acid found in only Royal Jelly can actively boost skin’s hydration levels. Evidence shows that 10-hydroxy-decenoic acid (10HDA) could restore the skin’s barrier, reduce inflammation, and significantly increase moisture content in the upper layer of skin – up to 60% more hydration in just 21 days, according to one study.5 5. It can increase your collagen levels Collagen is the skin’s internal ‘elastic’, but levels naturally start to drop as we get older. Step forward Royal Jelly – Korean researchers discovered that it can help increase collagen levels within skin cells,6 while another Korean study found it can speed up skin cell renewal, boosting collagen production and helping to protect against UV damage.7 6. It’s a natural acne-fighterRoyal Jelly also has ‘remarkable antibacterial properties’, according to a major review of clinical trials.8 This makes it an effective anti-acne ingredient – one of the causes of acne is certain bacteria that live on the skin. Royal Jelly’s anti-inflammatory properties can also help calm and soothe acne spots, while it can regenerate skin cells to tackle acne scars, too. If all those facts have made you keen to give Royal Jelly a go, the ApiClear Skin Treatment Serum contains Royal Jelly, plus other ingredients designed to improve blemish-prone skin. The ApiNourish Revitalising Day Cream SPF 15 is also rich in Royal Jelly and is one of our highest-rated skincare products, too. 1. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States. Value-added Products from Beekeeping. http://www.fao.org/3/w0076e/w0076e16.htm 2. Viuda-Martos M, Ruiz-Navajas Y, Fernández-López J, Pérez-Alvarez JA. J Food Sci. 2008 Nov;73(9):R117-24. Functional properties of honey, propolis, and royal jelly. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2008.00966.x 3. Cornara L, Biagi M, Xiao J, Burlando B. Front Pharmacol. 2017 Jun 28;8:412. Therapeutic Properties of Bioactive Compounds from Different Honeybee Products. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5487425/ 4. Kocot J, et al. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018 May 2;2018:7074209. Antioxidant Potential of Propolis, Bee Pollen, and Royal Jelly: Possible Medical Application. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5954854/ 5. Duplan H, et al. Eur J Dermatol. 2011 Nov-Dec;21(6):906-15. Effects of Hydroxydecine(®) (10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid) on skin barrier structure and function in vitro and clinical efficacy in the treatment of UV-induced xerosis. https://mdr.buzz/2z2nRXY 6. Park HM, et al. J Med Food. 2011 Sep; 14(9):899-906. Royal jelly protects against ultraviolet B-induced photoaging in human skin fibroblasts via enhancing collagen production. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21812645 7. Juyoung K, et al. Nutr Res Pract. 2010 Oct; 4(5):362-368. Royal jelly enhances migration of human dermal fibroblasts and alters the levels of cholesterol and sphinganine in an in vitro wound healing model. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2981718/ 8. Fratini F, Cilia G, Mancini S, Felicioli A. Microbiol Res. 2016 Nov;192:130-141. Royal Jelly: An ancient remedy with remarkable antibacterial properties. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944501316300830

Professional honey producers say people should stop wasting their money on costly how to start beekeeping classes in Erlanger Kentucky because they can get affordable training through online information plus ebooks which cost far less than beekeeping classes. Lots of people don’t realise that beekeeping can get you tons of cash if you need to begin beekeeping as a business and is a million dollar sector. But one thing for sure is that it requires a lot of commitment in order for it to become successful. When beginning of in beekeeping one has get a guide on bee biology or to undoubtedly learn bee biology from an experienced beekeeper. One of the first things to understand before you begin beekeeping is that since bees boom on flowers, the winter season is a huge struggle in their opinion. Simply because bees find it difficult eat there own honey, which will be simply regurgitated food and sometimes to produce honey. Its quiet an astounding thought bees have mastered the skill of making it during the winter months without flowers, but it does occur. The ordinary time for bees to generate considerable amounts of honey is the warmer months like in summer, and is the time where you will find many beekeepers farming Beekeeping can be an expensive hobby should youn’t know what you are doing. It is possible to wind up making expensive errors along the way. It may seem affordable because you can make a box and put some slides for bees to come, but you have to know of the right areas to put your cartons for them to construct their hives. To be able to gain extra knowledge in beekeeping one needs to learn entomology, which is a necessary part of the beekeeping business. You must know the type of predators will prey on your own bees, such as microscopic mites, wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets. Science also plays a large part in beekeeping because it teaches you how to keep bee’s habitat healthy and free of pests. Beekeeping stretches back generations in some families, which then makes lots of people dedicated and serious about honey bee’s activity, which can be extremely important in almost any beekeeper training. A lot of beekeepers mastered the ability of beekeeping through their grandparents and parents. And to them is only a straightforward chore to do on the farm, but in the long run eventually became something that was marketable as a merchandise in the worldwide markets. If you are willing to learn and strive for success but apart in the learning curve when mastering this fascinating hobby, it is simple to be on your way to successful beekeeping.

To stay updated with the latest information in the apiculture industry to can check out our apiculture latest news. On the other hand in case you are starting beekeeping and would like to start professional apiculture today download a copy of our beekeeping for beginners ebook. Beekeeping, like every other activity, has its dos and don’ts. Start beekeeping generally includes buying bees and the needed gear. Yet, some people who are beginning this hobby normally make several mistakes. It is acceptable to make mistakes, and this post can help new beekeepers avoid making the exact same mistakes others have in the past. Here are three errors which every beekeeper should prevent: 1. Not knowing the best time to begin a beekeeping business or hobby can end up being a disaster. It often leads to a lack of your bees and money. Since most bees perish during the wintertime, winter is the worst possible time to begin. This would compel a beekeeper to buy a fresh batch of bees, which would be more expensive money. Fall is another poor time since there are fewer blooms, so a smaller number of honey harvested, to start beekeeping. The best time to start beekeeping is during summer, which is the time of the year where there are plenty of blooming flowers. 2. Purchasing used gear and old books on beekeeping. This really is a common mistake made by many beginning beekeepers. Buying used old and gear beekeeping publications is not a great thought, although it is understandable that one would need to conserve money as much as possible. First, used equipment can come with “inherited” problems. The extractor outlet might have a flow, or the uncapping knife might not be sharp enough to uncap all the wax. This would surely impact the quality of one’s honey, which isn’t an ideal scenario particularly if a beekeeper is intending to start a honey-selling business. Second, old books can supply information that is dated on beekeeping. One might be stuck using the conventional approach when there are more rapid and better ways to keep beehives and production honey. 3. Refraining from purchasing protective gear. Think about this. He/she will most likely come out as a pincushion with all the bee stingers, if one doesn’t wear protective gear when handling the hives and gathering the honeycombs. Protective gear is not cheap, yes, but it will help beekeepers avert spending medical bills. These three mistakes happen to be presented here to help future beekeepers avert them. It’s a good idea to consult a professional beekeeper before getting started beekeeping. If buying a certain item looks too expensive, consistently consider the ending cost ( in case that they do not purchase this item now, will it cost them more later on?). Finally, it truly is up to the individual to decide the best course of action.

Welcome to the 54th episode of Reaching for the Moon, the podcast brought to you by the Witches and Pagans of Everglades Moon Local Council. The Wheel continues to turn and we find ourselves at Lammas! This episode features a workshop entitled “The Magic of Bees” presented by Lady Bridget, Lord Riekin, and Lady Arianhwen at Merry Meet 2018. If you were ever interested in beekeeping, or just more information about these wonderful ladies, this workshop is for you! This eposide also features music! Our wonderful workshop is bookended with music of the season. To start, we have “We are Sisters” by Crow Women. This song comes from their album, “Crow Goddess” (click the album title to purchase!). After the workshop, be sure to listen to “Round and Round” by Aradia from her album, “Songs for all Seasons” (which unfortunately is no longer available for purchase. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER! If you have suggestions or comments, we’d love to hear them! If you’d like to contribute something to our podcast, whether it’s your music, an article, or something else, please leave us a comment below and we’ll get back to you to help make that happen! You don’t have to be a member of EMLC to contribute to our podcast. Please be sure to leave us feedback on iTunes. It’s a great way to help other pagans find us, and makes us feel awesome when we see those 5-Stars! Blessed be! We are EMLC, and We are CoG! Listen right at this page using the player below:

We both love the nature and being outside. We love to travel and make new experiences. That’s why we are in Australia. We are quick learners and fit. Lutz is also doing cross fit in this free time and I(Cathrin) trying my best to do some sports as well but not that crazy stuff. We both like animals and grew up with them. So we know how it is to live and work with animals. I (Cathrin) am horse riding since years and love to learn everything I can. We both are active people and want to do things but also can relax and enjoy the moment. Why I joined WWOOF We both love animals and the nature. We want to learn how it is to work and live on (organic) farms. Also we want to improve our English skills and meet new people. Languages I speak Hello, we are Lutz and Cathrin from Germany. A young (23 and 24 years old) and fit couple. We both have a driverlicense for car and motorcycle (automatic and Manuel). We both know how to drive a tractor and we both already worked on farms for a few weeks. Lutz is also used to drive trailers. Cathrin is also horse riding since years. We are really motivated to help as much as we can. Lutz is a industrial mechanic, so he also has mechanic skills. We are both uncomplicated and love being outside. We also have our own car and are flexible. Skills I would like to learn Organic Practices, Permaculture/Biodynamics, Gardening, Pruning, Propagating, Composting, Soil conservation, Biodynamics practices and techniques, Mulching, Animal Care, Mustering, Beekeeping, Worm farming, Fencing, Building, Natural building methods, Tool making, Using and caring for tools, Handyman, Mechanical, Dairy, Cheese making, Preserving food, Wild food foraging, Fermenting food, Bread Making, Wine making, Marketing produce

A Creation of Our Own Doing Randy Oliver ScientificBeekeeping.com The Varroa Problem didn’t just happen—we created it, and we unintentionally perpetuate it. And we will continue to prolong the agony until we, as a community, finally say “Enough!” and start to work together to solve it. Routes Of Transmission In order for a parasite species […]… Read More To stay up to date with the latest information in the beekeeping industry to may check out our beekeeping latest news. On the other hand in case you’re starting beekeeping and desire to begin professional beekeeping now get a copy of our beekeeping for beginners ebook. Beekeeping, like every other activity, has its own dos and don’ts. Beginning beekeeping usually involves the gear that is needed and purchasing bees. Yet, some individuals who are starting this hobby generally make a few errors. It is okay to make mistakes, and also this article can help new beekeepers prevent making the same mistakes others have before. Here are three blunders which every beekeeper should avert: 1. Not understanding the best time to begin a beekeeping business or hobby can prove to be a catastrophe. It may lead to a loss of your bees and money. Since most bees die during the winter, winter is the worst possible time to begin. This would induce a beekeeper to buy a brand new mountain of bees, which would be more expensive cash. Autumn is another inferior time since you will find fewer blooms, thus a smaller number of honey harvested, to begin beekeeping. The best time to begin beekeeping is during summer, which is the time of the year where there are loads of blooms that are blooming. 2. Purchasing used equipment and old books. This really is a standard error made by many start beekeepers. It’s clear that one would want to cut costs as much as possible, but buying used gear and old beekeeping publications isn’t a good idea. First, used gear can come with “inherited” difficulties. The extractor outlet might have a flow, or the uncapping knife might not be sharp enough to uncap all the wax. This would definitely affect the quality of one’s honey, which isn’t an ideal situation particularly if a beekeeper is planning to start a honey-selling business. Second, dated information can be provided by old books on beekeeping. One might be stuck using the traditional approach when there are better and more rapid means manufacture honey and to keep beehives. 3. Refraining from buying protective gear. Think about this. If one does not wear protective equipment when managing the hives and collecting the honeycombs, he/she’ll come out as a pincushion with all the bee stingers stuck to their body. Protective equipment is not cheap, yes, but it is going to help beekeepers avert having to pay medical bills. These three errors happen to be presented here to help future beekeepers avert them. It’s best to consult an expert beekeeper, before getting started beekeeping. If buying a certain item appears too expensive, constantly consider the ending price (if they do not purchase this item now, will it cost them more later on?). Finally, it’s up to the individual to determine the best plan of action.

Equipment & Supplies Equipment is a key component of keeping bees, and as with all things beekeeping related it comes with an abundance of choices and variety. While a Google search will reveal a number of different suppliers of beekeeping equipment, we have included members of BABA that also sell equipment. Note that buying from these members often means no shipping costs which can be a large savings. Agricultural Hall supplies a variety of beekeeping supplies, including woodenware for hives, veils and tools. 245 Amory Street Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 Open Sat & Sun, 9:30am-2:30pm & by appt. The Beekeepers’ Warehouse supplies bees, beekeeping equipment, and holds classes on beekeeping. 1 Sullivan Street, Woburn, MA 01801 Phone: (781) 935-6090

Information Possibly Outdated The information presented on this page was originally released on March 3, 2017. It may not be outdated, but please search our site for more current information. If you plan to quote or reference this information in a publication, please check with the Extension specialist or author before proceeding. Producers set priorities, discuss issues with MSU BILOXI, Miss. -- Mississippi State University researchers and Extension Service agents heard suggestions from Coastal area agricultural producers and industry leaders about the research and education they need from the university in 2017. The MSU Coastal Research and Extension Center Producer Advisory Council meeting was held on Feb. 28 in Biloxi. The annual meeting helps the university allocate time and resources to the most important issues facing Mississippi's agricultural producers and related industries. “This meeting is an opportunity for you to tell us what additional research we can do and help us understand how to deliver that knowledge to you through the Extension Service,” said James Henderson, who became head of the Coastal Research and Extension Center on Feb. 1. “We will share everything you tell us today with our Extension agents and research faculty in the southeast district.” Producers from nine commodity groups met in breakout sessions to discuss their groups’ priorities. Commodities represented were beekeeping, forestry, livestock, agronomic crops, commercial horticulture, home horticulture, fruits and vegetables, horse and small ruminants, and seafood and aquaculture. Client services remain at the forefront of Extension Service and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station leaders’ agendas in spite of statewide budget cuts. “Your input and support are crucial for us to be able to meet your needs, especially in hard economic times,” said Steve Martin, associate Extension director for agriculture and natural resources programs. “We must be sure we are intently focused on your most pressing issues and needs. We want those at the top of our list.” Agronomic crop producers asked that MSU continue soybean, cotton and corn variety trials using new technologies, such as strip tillage behind ryegrass cattle. Producers said they want more grower meetings across the district, as well as research and education on new technologies. They also asked for research on biostimulants. Beekeepers said they want information about the veterinary feed directive, new Mississippi Department of Health regulations related to selling honey, and new Food and Drug Administration labeling requirements. They said they need a resource to locate veterinarians willing to treat bees. The group also expressed a desire to work with Extension bee specialist Jeff Harris to produce an educational video series. Commercial horticulture representatives asked for research on imminent diseases, the best roses and woody materials for arrangements, and vase life of woody materials and unusual greenery. They also discussed barriers to hiring labor and the need for young professionals. Forestry group members said they want more education on understory management and technological advancements. They also requested a method for learning about timber prices in a timelier manner. Fruit and vegetable growers said they want education on disease control in high tunnels. The home horticulture group asked for more resources related to native plants and organic production of vegetables. They requested an Extension publication on proper materials for frost and freeze protection of plants. Representatives of the horse and small ruminant group said they need more information and education on markets, marketing and the new veterinary feed directive. Members of the livestock group said they want more research on the best methods for success in mineral programs and parasite control. They want more education on using Global Positioning System technology for pasture management and the veterinary feed directive. Seafood and aquaculture representatives asked for more training on oyster harvesting equipment and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points certification. They also requested an annual report on the estimated economic impact of the seafood industry by major species.

For autumn syrup This page has been much modified from Dave Cushman's original page. It includes information about the benefits of thymolised syrup and three methods of making it. ROB Manley is often credited with being the first person to advocate the use of thymol in syrup for feeding bees, but this is erroneous. Manley's first book "Honey Production in the British Isles" was published in 1936, some time after an article in "The Bee World" written by "A.D.B." (Annie Betts - Editor) dated May 1931, which referred to an article in Bee Craft dated January 1931, mentioning the use of thymol to prevent fermentation of syrup. Manley wasn't mentioned in the article, but others were, suggesting that Manley may have got the idea from someone else, but due to it being in a book, therefore more permanent, Manley has probably been given credit that may have been due to others. It seems that a Dr Killick was involved with others, including Manley, in correspondence, so I guess thymol was used for some time before 1931, making the usual "cut and pasted" words often seen on the web that "thymol has been used in syrup since the 1940s" a long way out. Manley states in his book "Honey Farming" (1946) that he thought that Dr Killick was the first to recommend it, so he clearly wasn't claiming credit himself. The history doesn't bother us now, but it is Manley who promoted it and it is "Manley's recipe" or "Manley strength" that is often quoted, so I will do so here. Thymol is a powerful disinfectant and fungicide that is readily available online or through beekeeping suppliers. It is supplied in the form of crystals, somewhat finer than granulated sugar. It doesn't dissolve readily in water, but does in alcohol. Many references, including the earlier ones, suggest using surgical spirit, also known as "rubbing alcohol". I am not a chemist, but I have been told that isopropyl alcohol (also known as isopropanol) is a "cleaner" alcohol that is less likely to leave residues. There is much information on the internet, with other substances, such as methylated spirits also being advocated. A search online will show different strengths and mixtures. It seems from the various suggestions that they are all suitable, but when I am dealing with something I have little knowledge of I tend to be cautious. For that reason I only use pure isopropyl alcohol. It costs a small amount more, but if kept sealed it lasts a long time. For Manley's recipe I have copied and pasted from Dave Cushman's original page, but I have edited it slightly for clarity. "By using surgical spirit we can first produce a "stock solution" that is miscible with sugar syrup or honey. Manley's recipe has become a standard and even if the requirement is for a stronger solution, this is often specified as "3x Manley strength" or "4x Manley strength". This does not mean making the solution 3 or 4 times stronger, but using 3 or 4 times the amount of the stock solution in the same amount of syrup. Manley's original recipe (known as "Manley strength") was one ounce of thymol crystals dissolved in five fluid ounces of surgical spirit to make the stock solution. Then half a fluid ounce of this mixture was added to 1 Cwt (112lbs) of sugar, which he dissolved in 7 imperial gallons (8.75 US Gal.) of water for direct use as winter feed. These obsolete units convert directly into 28.5gm thymol crystals to 142 ml surgical spirit which is a ridiculous way of expressing it. However 30gm thymol dissolved in 150 ml of surgical spirit will give a solution of the same strength and the figures are both more manageable and more easily remembered. The stock solution is added to syrup at the rate of one teaspoon to a three gallon (imperial) quantity of syrup. This converts to 5ml of stock solution in 13.5litres, which is not a brilliant way of describing it, but the final strength is not critical. I have several plastic 'jerry' cans that hold 15 litres and I use 1, 2, 3 or 4 teaspoons of concentrate according to the strength that I require." A simple way of making the stock solution is to dissolve 30g of thymol crystals in 150ml of isopropyl alcohol. I find this is best done in a wide necked airtight container, such as a honey jar. This makes it easy to remove a teaspoon of solution without spilling. For the ordinary amateur beekeeper this amount goes a long way and will keep for a long time. It might be helpful to know that 150ml of isopropyl alcohol weighs 118g. "Manley strength" will prevent unsealed syrup fermenting in the combs during the winter. Fermented stores can cause bad dysentery, usually resulting in bees defecating within the hive, which will spread nosema if it is present to any great degree. Thymolised syrup will prevent syrup in containers and feeders fermenting and growing the black fungal sludge that can quickly appear, making cleaning so difficult. With care you can keep thymolised syrup in a container for some time, often from one year to the next. The cleaning of feeders and containers is much easier. There is much information available on the internet about thymolised syrup, much from amateur beekeepers, but few mention the syrup strength that Manley used, which was the old ratio of 2lb sugar to 1pint of water, or modern equivalent of 4 kg sugar to 2.5 litres of water, which very neatly makes around 5 litres of syrup. Thymolised syrup at 3-4 times Manley strength has long been suggested as an effective treatment against nosema (Nosema apis), but of course this is often dismissed as "anecdotal evidence". There are two papers widely available that show results of experiments supporting the use of thymol against nosema. These are accessible as PDFs from the buttons on the top left. The R.N. Rice report by courtesy of the Australian Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation (RIRDC), the Yücel and Doğaroğlu study by courtesy of Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences. There is a further paper by Cecilia Costa et al (courtesy of HAL), accessible by the buttons that shows that thymol is also effective against Nosema ceranae. Randy Oliver has an article on his website, the "Nosema Twins - Part 5 Alternative Treatments" that gives some useful information, including the use of thymolised, or what he calls "thymolated" syrup. Thymolised syrup made in the above way that Manley did can mean the thymol separates out and floats to the top of the syrup if left to stand, which varies the concentration. It has been found that lecithin will emulsify the mixture, so it mixes easily and permanently, preventing separation. A websearch reveals that lecithin is a substance that occurs in animal and plant tissue. It is widely used as a food additive, so unlikely to be a problem to bees. It isn't clear who the first person to come up with the idea of using lecithin was, so I give no credits. There is much information online about using lecithin, mostly using similar wording, quantities and procedure, suggesting a lot of "cut and paste", which may have been displayed by people who have never used it. Below I have put together in italics a method that is based on the online information, which I have used and it works. I have followed it with my own modification on the italicised text, which I now use and suggest reading. The above gives the same quantity and strength as Manley's original. Most sources suggest the syrup will turn "milky", but I find this doesn't happen, although the "stock solution" does. The following is my variation on the italicised "standard" method above. I find this an easier way of doing the same thing and saves measuring because it uses items that we all have. The quantities aren't that important, so measuring out the ingredients as described below gives virtually the same strength. It is helpful to know that a heaped teaspoonful of thymol crystals weighs around 10g, a level teaspoon is around 5ml, a level dessert spoon is around 10ml and a 1lb honey jar holds about 320ml of liquid. There are variations, e.g. I found that a heaped teaspoon of thymol using the same spoon varied between 8-12gms. Here is what I have modified the above method into. Whichever way you make thymolised syrup remember that "Manley's strength" is one teaspoon to 13.5 litres of syrup that is made at the rate of 4kg sugar to 2.5 litres of water. This makes 5 litres of syrup, so one teaspoon of stock solution in 10 litres of syrup is less than 1.5x Manley strength. Whatever quantity of syrup you make you will need a little mental arithmetic. I use a graduated syringe instead of a spoon. When bees are fed gently, there is food coming in, which allows them to produce wax to cap what has already been processed. This means there is a minimal amount of unsealed stores that the bees will probably use first. If bees are fed very quickly, once they have finished the food, there is no income to produce wax with, so a much larger amount of stores is left uncapped. It is this that often ferments. For that reason it is probably more important to thymolise your syrup if you feed rapidly. Beekeepers will need to observe regulations in their own countries. In the U.K it is illegal to use thymol as a treatment for nosema because it is not registered, but it is legal to use it to prevent fermentation and mould growth in syrup at whatever strength you feel is suitable. The NBU sheet accessible from button on top left also gives advice on thymolised syrup. Page updated 24/09/2019

A record of all the relevant beekeeping that I do (or have done) during the month of November. For the record, I began with two nucleus colonies in Langstroth hives in 2010 that I kept in my small backyard near downtown St. John’s (Newfoundland). I bought two more nucs the next year. By 2012, using swarm cells and naturally mated queens, I had six colonies on a farm in Portugal Cove. By 2013, mostly by creating splits with swarm cells, I had eight colonies on the edge of a big field in Logy Bay. I lost most of my colonies in the winter of 2015 to shrews. That was the only year I wasn’t able to take honey from my hives. I moved what was left of my colonies to Flatrock in 2015 and slowly built my beeyard up to nine colonies by the summer of 2016. My goal is to maintain a relatively self-sustaining beeyard with no more than ten colonies. Here’s a 23-minute collection of more behind-the-scenes cell phone shots, this time from November 2017 when I was still temporarily working with a single hive. It’s a good example of what not to do (though I’ve done worse). I’ll list the highlights after the video as soon as I have a chance to watch it all again. I usually add just-in-case sugar above the top bars in my hives around early November. By that time — in my local climate — it’s usually so cold that the bees move to the bottom of the hive beneath their honey stores (and then gradually eat their way towards the top of the hive throughout the winter), which makes it easy for me to put the sugar in without bothering them. But that didn’t happen so much this year because November has been unusually warm. Only in the past few days have I noticed the bees, at least in some of the hives, clustering below the top bars. So I decided to add some sugar bricks today… About 1.3 kg (or 3 pounds) of a sugar cake added to this hive today. (Nov. 30, 2016.) I’ll probably add more later when I find the time. These bees were breaking through the top bars were so cold, it was easy to slide the sugar in without bothering too much. It was 18°C / 64°F today and the bees in all of my hives — even with shrew-proofing 6mm / quarter-inch mesh covering all the entrances — were out in full force. Quarter-inch mesh covering all the entrances. The mesh slows them down but doesn’t prevent them from getting out or inside the hive. (Nov. 17, 2016.) I’ve heard arguments that the bees can’t get through quarter-inch mesh. But that’s not true. If it was, my bees would have been locked inside their hives behind the mesh all last winter. The bees in the above photograph wouldn’t be flying around today. Continue reading → Despite following the Mountain Camp method of dry sugar feeding in the winter more or less since I started beekeeping, I don’t do it anymore. I’ve switched to easy-to-make and easy-to-add sugar cakes. Bottom side of a sugar cake eaten away by the bees. (April 17, 2016.) I don’t use dry sugar anymore because the bees tend to remove it from the hive if they’re not hungry enough to eat it. Spraying the sugar down with water so it hardens helps to prevent this, but if the weather is still warm enough so that the bees are flying around, they’ll do what active bees like to do: clean house. Whatever grains of sugar are not hardened together will often get tossed out of the hive. I used to add dry sugar sometime in November after the temperatures took a serious dip — when the bees were clustered below the top bars, not actively flying around in house-cleaning mode. Overall, the discarded sugar wasn’t a huge problem. If the bees were hungry, they ate the sugar regardless of the weather. But still, sometimes it seemed like a waste of sugar. Continue reading → I may not wrap all of my hives this year, but I’ve decided to wrap at least the ones that don’t get much sunshine. Hive wrapped with roofing felt, nice and tight. (Nov. 06, 2016.) The black wrap will perhaps warm them up a degree or two on really cold (but sunny) days so they can move more easily onto honey frames. Roofing felt attached with quiet-as-can-be thumb tacks. (Nov. 06, 2016.) My feelings about wrapping my hives continues to evolve. I began in 2010 by wrapping my hives in roofing felt just like this, except now I use thumb tacks instead of staples because they’re easy to push into the hive and don’t disturb the bees like the bang of a staple gun. (Both this and using push pins to attach shrew-proofing mesh was recommended to me by one of the 6 regular readers of Mud Songs. You know who you are. Thanks.) Over the years, though, mostly due to laziness and the fact that my beehives were an inconvenient distance from where I lived, I got out of the habit of wrapping them and it didn’t seem to make any difference to my over-winter survival rates. Generally, colonies that went into winter in good shape, came out in good shape whether they were wrapped or not. But last winter, not having wrapped any of my hives, I wasn’t too impressed with how they came out of the winter. None of them died, but neither where they strong. Having hives mostly full of old and stressed queens may explain some of it, but I also noticed in hindsight most of my hives get very little direct sunlight in the winter, much less sunlight than any of my hives in the past. So just to be safe, I’m wrapping the hives that get the least of amount of sunlight. We’ll see what happens. Continue reading → July 2019 Introduction: I don’t add dry sugar to my hives like this anymore. I use sugar bricks instead. However, I’d probably follow this method if I couldn’t use sugar bricks. I usually pour dry sugar over newspaper into my Langstroth honey bee hives so the bees have something to eat just in case they run out of honey during the winter. Some people refer to it as the Mountain Camp Method, but I’m00 pretty sure beekeepers have been pouring dry sugar into their hives long before Mr Camp came along and popularized it. I’ll call it Dry Sugar Feeding for now on. In any case, it may not be the best method for feeding bees over the winter, but it works well for me and that’s what matters most. I like it because it’s the easiest method I’ve ever tried and it may be better for the bees than hard candy or candy boards. Do a little research on Hydroxymethylfurfural and you’ll know what I’m talking about. 2 kg of dry sugar over the top bars. When I first fed my bees dry sugar, I waited until January or February when the bees, if they were low on honey, would cover most of the top bars in the hive. But waiting that long is a pain in the butt for all kinds of reasons, so now I put the sugar in long before the bees really need it — just like I did today. Here’s an 11-minute video recorded a few hours ago that demonstrates the dry sugar method in all its glory. I also explain near the end how moisture quilts work. P.S.: I’m not a big fan of feeding the bees pollen patties early in the winter because most of the time they don’t need it and it’s not always good to give the bees solids when they can’t get outside for cleansing flights. I try to reserve pollen patties for small colonies that could use a little boost in brood production. The colony in the video that I refer to as being about the size of a human head will get a pollen patty in a week or two. A small cluster like that, which is likely to get smaller before it gets bigger, won’t be able to stay warm much longer. The colony could be in trouble if I can’t get the queen laying soon. Another postscript (written in part as a response to the first comment): If I had to do this again, I would place something round in the middle of the newspaper, a small bowl or a jar perhaps. Then after I poured the sugar on, I’d remove the bowl or jar so that a round sugar-free area of newspaper was left behind. Then I’d cut a hole in the exposed newspaper so that when the cluster came up, the bees would go through the hole without having to chew through the newspaper to get at the sugar. The hole would also allow moisture from the cluster to rise directly up to the moisture quilt. (If I have a chance, I’ll record a follow-up video.) This is the time of year when I say to my bees, “I know things are looking grim, but just hang in there for another two months and you’ll be alright.” The number of dead bees that fall to the bottom of a hive in the winter can be alarming. The bottom entrance of most of my hives look like this near the end of November: The usual number of dead bees for late November in eastern Newfoundland. But that’s just he beginning. Most of the bees alive inside the hive today — let’s say about 15,000 bees — will be dead before the weather warms up again in the spring. That pile of dead bees is gonna get big. Check out this bottom board from one of my hives last year: Thick carpet of dead bees. (June 2014.) The bottom entrance to that hive was clogged with dead bees by January and I wasn’t able to clear it out, so the photo might be a fair example of how many bees can safely die over the winter, at least in a large colony. That particular 3-deep colony was full of bees (living bees) by the end of June and gave me my first honey harvest before the end July. So it’s not all doom and gloom. The other good news is the Winter Solstice (usually December 21st or 22nd), the shortest, darkest day of the year. In theory, the queen begins to lay again, or increase her laying rate, once the days get longer. She won’t go wild with laying eggs right after the Solstice, but with longer stretches of daylight, at least new bees will begin to emerge to replace the winter die-offs. That’s why I usually feel pretty good if my bees are alive and well by the end of January. They’ve gotten over the hump of Winter Solstice and baby bees are just beginning to emerge so the population is more or less stable. As long as they don’t starve to death or get eaten alive by shrews, I’m good. New bees should outnumber the dying bees sometime in April or May so that the population begins to go up and up until it peaks around June and stays there with about 50,000 bees until the end of July. Nice. The next two months, though — that’s when I worry the most. I often use a cheap stethoscope to monitor my honey bees in the winter when they’re still clustering below the top bars and out of sight. It’s the least disruptive method I have for checking on the bees. Listening to the bees with a stethoscope. It took some practice, but I can tell how deep and how large the cluster is by listening through the hive with the stethoscope. Most of the time, though, I’m just checking that the bees are still alive. That’s usually good enough for me. A $7 stethoscope. Sticking my ear against the hive works too, but it’s not as dignified as walking around with a stethoscope. FEBRUARY 20, 2016: I have to say I continue to be impressed with the $7 stethoscope I bought on Amazon. I listened again to my bees today and could hear a lively buzz of bees in every hive. It takes a bit of imagination to interpret how the bees are doing from the often distant-sounding hum heard through the stethoscope, but at least I can tell they’re still hanging in there. April 2019 Postscript: I still have my stethoscope, but I don’t use it often anymore. I just bend a knee into the dirt and stick one ear to the side of the hive. I can hear the bees better through my ear.

Jan 01, 2015 07:46PM By Juliette Jones Bees are like canaries in the coal mine, warning us of an imminent and frightening threat to our food. – Friends of the Earth Most people have little idea of the relationship between the honey bee kingdom and the expression of life on our planet. The loss of the honeybee would have an inconceivable impact on the entire ecosystem. There is a story about Albert Einstein asserting he performed a calculation, which led him to a startling conclusion: ‘If the bee disappeared off the face of the earth, four years later, all humans would have also died.’ Whether or not the story about Einstein is true, there is no doubt that the loss of the honeybee would have a devastating effect on our food supply. Every third bite of food we eat is pollinated by honeybees. We are facing what should be genuinely alarming statistics, concerning the loss of the bee population. In the United States, it has been estimated that 30 percent of our commercial bee population is dying annually, nearly double the historic loss. Many commercial beekeepers have gone out of business. But, for the moment, the number of commercial beekeepers in Florida is again expanding due to investors, who realize the commercial value of pollination. These are people, who have money to invest, but are not always experienced beekeepers. It remains to be seen just how well this will work out. While some of the causal factors of honeybee depopulation are known, a great deal remains unclear. Neonicotinoids (Neonics), a dangerous class of pesticides, is widely used, lethal to bees and poisonous to pollen and nectar, soil and waterways. Loss of native habitat, mono-crops, such as sugar, and disease factors are also certainly part of the problem. Much has been cited about genetic modification of crops and how GMOs affect the life, or should I say death, of bees. The European Union has banned the most widely used neonic pesticides. In the U.S., the EPA is ignoring the advice of its own scientists. We, as a society, cannot afford to stay uninformed about these issues because, if present death rates continue, we will progressively face the loss of our food supply. If we think the price of decent food is high now, what will the future hold? To Bee or Not To Bee Traditionally, Florida has been known as a premier locale for beekeeping and the production of honey. The honey industry in Florida was worth about $23 million in 2012. Twenty-seven states use Florida as a winter nursery, where beekeepers rebuild their stocks and contribute to our agricultural and economic health. In 2014, the Florida legislature apparently realized the seriousness of the challenge to the bee population and its relationship to our economy. They appropriated $2.5 million to build a state-of-the-art research facility at the University of Florida. This “Bee Lab” was to concentrate on honeybee husbandry, biodiversity, integrated crop pollination and the study of Colony Collapse Disorder, a phenomenon that causes unexpected losses of managed honeybee colonies. This project would have made Florida a national leader in honey bee research and put Florida in a better position to receive national grants and visits from international researchers. Governor Scott, however, chose to veto the project for reasons that seem entirely unclear. The economic value of this project to the state of Florida has been amply demonstrated through an independent report conducted via Tax Watch. Realizing that this project is vital to Florida and very possibly to the life of the honey bee worldwide, the Florida State Beekeepers Association (FSBA) is now putting together a new effort to get it back in front of the legislature in 2015. FSBA President, Tom Nolan, informed me that the organization has raised $15 thousand in the last month and are actively fundraising on their website. As I see it, the general population needs to develop a much greater level of awareness, concerning the necessity for support of the honeybee, and in one way or another, take steps to become involved. As a backyard beekeeper I can testify to the many joys and adventures of beekeeping. One of my life goals is to foster heightened interest in beekeeping and devote time to the support of bee colonies. Not long ago, my friend Russ and I rescued a gentle honeybee colony that had made its home in an old armchair someone had thrown in a parking lot. The neighbor was threatening to set the chair on fire. So, we covered it with breathable garden cloth, placed it on Russ’ flatbed trailer and moved it off to a sheltered place. Soon, I will transfer this colony from the armchair to a productive hive. The wisdom of the beehive far surpasses the wisdom of human communities. Bees are among the most perfect of animals, and we, who keep them learn a lot in caring for them. Unfortunately, many people fear or revile the honeybee as a “stinging insect.” Unless provoked or Africanized, the honey bee does little harm and provides untold benefit on behalf of the human race and the environment in general. In upcoming feature articles Dr. Jones will discuss the myth and magic surrounding the honeybee, the history of beekeeping, the medicine of the hive and the life of the honeybee, as universally honored in sacred literature. To learn more or donate to the Florida State Beekeepers Association, visit their website at FloridaBeekeepers.org. Juliette Jones, PhD, grew up in a little house in Michigan where she knew every tree, rock, animal and flower in the universe of the family’s back yard. Early communion with the natural world triggered super sensory experience and gnosis of our direct relationship to the cosmos. Her involvement with the preservation and protection of our environment led to exploration of critical challenges facing Florida and our planet. She holds several academic degrees. As a writer, public speaker and clinically certified spiritual counselor with hospice, she exercises her passion for research and progressive self-realization. She sees backyard beekeeping and Apitherapy as a fascinating way to learn and share. Connect at [email protected]

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You can make a poultice to draw infection, treat boils and abcesses, relieve inflammation or a rash or simply draw the poison from a bee sting! The paste can be applied directly to the skin and covered with a piece of clean cloth. The cloth can then be covered with plastic wrap to hold in the moisture. A compress is used the same way but usually warm liquids are applied to the cloth instead of raw substances. The list of ingredients to use for a homemade poultice is endless! Don’t forget that you can use poultices or compresses on your pets and livestock also! You may want a thin layer of cloth between your skin and the onion. A homemade mustard poultice is very powerful and can burn your skin if applied directly. Mash the fresh weed for the paste or use a tincture as a compress. Simply heat milk and add a bit of bread, wrap in gauze or cheese cloth and place on cut or wound. Snip or crush a small handful of comfrey leaves into a dish. Let cool a little then spread the pulp directly on the affected area. Pour off excess water and mix in 2 tablespoons of slippery elm powder. I can’t afford a dr and don’t go to them unless i have no other choices. I have used tabacco poultices for over 30 years for insect stings. Human organs such as the liver lungs and kidneys are over engineered. The dentist kept throwing antibiotics at it, but it kept returning. My brother was afflicted with a large boil to the side of the nose. The poultice can be changed every 3 to 4 hours or whenever it dries out. These poultices can even be used to treat chest congestion, hemorrhoids and earaches. A potato poultice is good for inflammation and eye troubles such as conjunctivitis. For even better results take up to one teaspoon tumeric in a cup of warm milk along with using the external tumeric poultice. It works pretty fast and often much better than over the counter products. Cover with gauze and bandage to hold in the poultice in place. Mash thyme leaves and cover with boiling water (same as comfrey poultice). Learn how to make a poultice for warts and wart removal home remedies here! You can wrap a word in square brackets to make it appear bold. I boil small amount of milk, add small amount of vinegar until it forms a ball. Depending on the time of day, we would just leave it on overnight. It sounds disgusting, but it is your own perfect pharmacy – a healing cocktail mixed personally for you, by you! I had no insurance of any and also was unemployed at the time. Learn a simple meditation that you can do just about anywhere! Honey by en.wikipedia.org Honey is collected from wild bee colonies, or from hives of domesticated bees, a practice known as beekeeping. Honey use and production have a long and varied history as an ancient activity. The honey stomach holds about 40 mg of nectar, or roughly 50% of the bee’s unloaded weight, which can require over a thousand flowers and more than an hour to fill. The hive bees then use their honey stomachs to ingest and regurgitate the nectar, forming bubbles between their mandibles, repeatedly until it is partially digested. The honeycomb is removed from the hive and the honey may be extracted from that, either by crushing or by using a honey extractor. The amount of food necessary to survive the winter depends on the variety of bees and on the length and severity of local winters. If exposed to moist air, its hydrophilic properties pull moisture into the honey, eventually diluting it to the point that fermentation can begin. The bees mix glucose oxidase with expelled nectar they previously consumed, which then creates two byproducts: gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide, partially responsible for honey’s acidity and ability to suppress bacterial growth. The practice was common dating back to ancient times, when honey was sometimes blended with plant syrups such as maple, birch, or sorghum and sold to unsuspecting customers. In an unadulterated honey, the carbon isotopic ratios of sugars and proteins should match. Honey barbecue and honey mustard are other common flavors used in sauces. Cell immobilization methods, however, proved effective for enhancing mead quality. At room temperature, honey is a supercooled liquid, in which the glucose will precipitate into solid granules. Instead, as the temperatures become lower, the viscosity of honey increases. Viscosity increase due to cooling occurs very slowly at first. Honeys from heather or manuka display thixotropic properties. The fructose gives a negative rotation, while the glucose gives a positive one. However, honey contains fructose, which caramelizes at lower temperatures than glucose. The specific types of acids and their amounts play a primary role in determining the exact temperature. However, the reaction can also be slowed by storing the honey at colder temperatures. Melting crystallized honey can easily result in localized caramelization if the heat source is too hot, or if it is not evenly distributed. The pollen in honey is traceable to floral source and therefore region of origin. The taste may vary from year to year, and the aroma and the flavor can be more or less intense, depending on which bloomings are prevalent. Monofloral honeys have distinctive flavors and colors because of differences between their principal nectar sources. In practice, because of the difficulties in containing bees, a small proportion of any honey will be from additional nectar from other flower types. Honeydew honey is popular in some areas, but in other areas, beekeepers have difficulty selling the stronger-flavored product. This honey has a much larger proportion of indigestibles than light floral honeys, thus causing dysentery to the bees, resulting in the death of colonies in areas with cold winters. Bees collecting this resource also have to be fed protein supplements, as honeydew lacks the protein-rich pollen accompaniment gathered from flowers. It also liquefies any microcrystals in the honey, which delays the onset of visible crystallization. Heat also affects appearance (darkens the natural honey color), taste, and fragrance. Raw honey contains some pollen and may contain small particles of wax. When honey is exposed to ultrasonication, most of the yeast cells are destroyed. Ultrasonication also eliminates existing crystals and inhibits further crystallization in honey. The processing also produces a honey with a smooth, spreadable consistency. This process may or may not include the use of drying and anticaking agents. As an alternative to this labor-intensive method, plastic rings or cartridges can be used that do not require manual cutting of the comb, and speed packaging. Honey gets its sweetness from the monosaccharides fructose and glucose, and has about the same relative sweetness as sucrose (granulated sugar). Honey is produced by bees collecting nectar for use as sugars consumed to support metabolism of muscle activity during foraging or to be st ored as a long-term food supply. In cold weather or when other food sources are scarce, adult and larval bees use stored honey as food. The forager bees then return to the hive, where they regurgitate and transfer nectar to the hive bees. The bubbles create a large surface area per volume and a portion of the water is removed through evaporation. The bees work together as a group with the regurgitation and digestion for as long as 20 minutes, passing the nectar from one bee to the next, until the product reaches the honeycombs in storage quality. As removed from the hive by a beekeeper, honey has a long shelf life and will not ferment if properly sealed. These species are known to feed on nectar and produce honey. To safely collect honey from a hive, beekeepers typically pacify the bees using a bee smoker. Before the invention of removable frames, bee colonies were often sacrificed to conduct the harvest. Many species other than humans are attracted to wild or domestic sources of honey. Honey, and objects immersed in honey, have been preserved for centuries. Adulteration of honey is sometimes used as a method of deception when buyers are led to believe that the honey is pure. Sometimes, crystallized honey was mixed with flour or other fillers, hiding the adulteration from buyers until the honey was liquefied. Primary fermentation usually takes 28 to 56 days, after which the must is placed in a secondary fermentation vessel for 6 to 9 months of aging. Although supplementation of the must with nitrogen, salt, or vitamins has been tested to improve mead qualities, no evidence suggests that adding nutrients reduced fermentation time or improved quality. Fresh honey is a supersaturated liquid, containing more sugar than the water can typically dissolve at ambient temperatures. This forms a semisolid solution of precipitated glucose crystals in a solution of fructose and other ingredients. The rate of crystallization is affected by many factors, but the primary factor is the ratio of the main sugars: fructose to glucose. Some types of honey may produce very large but few crystals, while others produce many small crystals. Like most viscous liquids, the honey becomes thick and sluggish with decreasing temperature. The sheet-like appearance of the flow is the result of high viscosity and low surface tension, contributing to the stickiness of honey. The higher the water percentage, the more easily honey flows. These types of honey enter a gel-like state when motionless, but then liquify when stirred. The effect honey has on light is useful for determining the type and quality. The overall rotation can be used to measure the ratio of the mixture. Like all sugar compounds, honey caramelizes if heated sufficiently, becoming darker in color, and eventually burns. Of these acids, the amino acids, which occur in very small amounts, play an important role in the darkening of honey. Maillard reaction occurs slowly at room temperature, taking from a few to several months to show visible darkening, but speeds up dramatically with increasing temperatures. However, honey takes substantially longer to liquify when just above the melting point than at elevated temperatures. Honeys can be from specific types of flower nectars or can be blended after collection. The rheological and melissopalynological properties of honey can be used to identify the major plant nectar source used in its production. To produce monofloral honey, beekeepers keep beehives in an area where the bees have access to only one type of flower. Honeydew honey is very dark brown in color, with a rich fragrance of stewed fruit or fig jam, and is not as sweet as nectar honeys. The production of honeydew honey has some complications and dangers. Good beekeeping management requires the removal of honeydew prior to winter in colder areas. Raw honey is as it exists in the beehive or as obtained by extract ion, settling, or straining, without adding heat (although some honey that has been “minimally processed” is often labeled as raw honey). Those cells that survive sonication generally lose their ability to grow, which reduces the rate of honey fermentation substantially. Creamed honey contains a large number of small crystals, which prevent the formation of larger crystals that can occur in unprocessed honey. It is traditionally collected using standard wooden frames in honey supers. Comb honey harvested in the traditional manner is also referred to as “cut-comb honey”. Baker’s honey is outside the normal specification for honey, due to a “foreign” taste or odor, or because it has begun to ferment or has been overheated. Additional requirements exist for labeling baker’s honey, including that it may not be sold labelled simply as “honey”. Homemade Bleach by nourishingjoy.com Don’t miss any natural living freebies and resources! And besides, some people are allergic to chlorine – might there be a decent alternative for them? The long answer – yes, but with different recipes for laundry and cleaning if you really want to knock out viruses, not just mold and bacteria. Honestly, chlorine inhalation is what bothers me most about having it in my home. Two, sodium hydroxide is highly corrosive, and even though it has changed states here due to the chemical reaction with water and chlorine, the mixture is still corrosive. In its purest form, hydrogen peroxide even sometimes used to propel rockets because of its explosive nature! Because it weakens and loses its potency so quickly once mixed, there is no “recipe” for it beyond that, as you don’t want to mix it up ahead of time. And of course, you’ll have the best results if you spray and let it sit to dry without wiping or rinsing. The lemon juice is actually an important part of this recipe, so don’t skip it. So why not thank them in ways that they’ll truly appreciate? One person at this forum purports that the standard rule of thumb is 8-10 oz of 35% hydrogen peroxide to 1000 gallons water to attain a reading of 30 ppm after application. Can either of these be used safely to soak our vegetables in for parasitical and amebic reasons? The bugs and parasites you’re dealing with are nasty – you don’t want to mess with them! So, again, the easiest source is the stuff from any drugstore. But that’s outside the scope of this post – that’s a different subject entirely. I shared this in a fb group and plan to make some soon! Lemon essential oil does have potent antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which certainly makes the bleach more effective, but there are other essential oils that are potent in that regard as well. I would just add a few drops (5-10) of any other scent, but you can certainly add more if you’d like. Want an alternative to chlorine bleach but don’t want to make your own? To decide whether homemade bleach is right for you, first you should know your ingredients, both of regular chlorine bleach (aka sodium hypochlorite) and the homemade versions. Chlorine fumes can cause everything from mild headaches and dizziness to internal tissue damage of the nasal, pulmonary, and bronchial tissues, if the exposure is either severe or prolonged. You may remember sodium hydroxide as the active ingredient in drain cleaner and the ingredient we use in soapmaking to convert oils into soap (it’s also known as “caustic lye”). However, at the concentrations we use here, the corrosive levels are very low and there is very little vapor vulnerability. Lasts up to 1 month in a clear bottle, 2-3 months in a dark bottle. Wrap the spray bottle in a brown paper lunch bag and secure at the top. The citric acid acts as a whitener, a very mild disinfectant, and as a water softener (thus allowing stains to be lifted out more easily). So why not thank them in ways that they’ll truly appreciate? These recipes are an alternative to chlorine bleach, but they are bleaches in and of themselves. I was wondering what sort of hydrogen peroxide you use; are some brands better than others, without stabilizers and such? If you have 29% on hand, you can use it, but you’ll need to add a fair bit of water, as 29% is quite powerful and will burn your skin and corrode various surfaces on contact. Certainly feel free to mix it up according to your mood or preference! If you would prefer to skip the essential oils altogether, they aren’t absolutely required (so feel free to leave them out), but they certainly do give the bleach its effective punch for disinfecting surfaces. How To Remove Ringworm Fungus » How To Clean Stuff.Net by howtocleanstuff.net Ringworm is a fungus that grows on skin and sheds spores, which is how it transfers to others. The spores can shake loose virtually anywhere in the environment, which is why keeping the ringworm covered is so important, but good air circulation is also needed for the infection to heal so the clothing must to be loose-fitting. Once a thorough cleaning has been done, close contact with the infection or items that are in contact with the infection is the greatest risk of it spreading. To use turmeric, mix a little water with powdered turmeric to make a paste that is about the consistency of toothpaste. Leave the bandage and paste on for 20-30 minutes, then wipe it off. Keep the area covered with breathable clothing, such as a long-sleeve shirt or pants, as much as possible to prevent the spread of spores. Some dry clean only fabrics can be safely be washed when needed. Otherwise, using a home dry cleaning kit can allow you to expose the item to the heat of the dryer for longer, increasing the effectiveness of killing the fungus. Allow the spray to sit on the clothing for a few hours to penetrate the spores and kill them. Washing without anti-fungal spray should still kill the spores. Fill the washing machine as normal with laundry detergent, water, and clothing. Borax can be used in addition to your normal laundry detergent. Just be sure to dilute it in water first to avoid getting dye stains on your clothes. However, that does require moving the item, which may not be the easiest solution. If neither of the above methods are possible, you can spray the upholstery with either a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water or with an antifungal spray. Spray the mixture over the leather and let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe off the spray. To do so, wet a cloth with the alcohol, then wipe it over the surface of the leather. If you wish to clean your carpet, begin by spraying it with an anti-fungal spray. Both the spray and the hot water will help to kill and remove the spores. Be sure to tell them that you are trying to remove the fungus, so they can use the appropriate products. If you are not sure it is safe for your specific surface, test it in a small hidden area first. Put the item in a bowl of white vinegar or spray it on the surface and let it soak for 10 minutes. This method should never be used for jewelry that contains stones however, as the acid can etch or damage some stones. Gold items can be placed in the sun for 30 minutes, as long as they do not have any stones that can be bleached in sunlight. Brass and copper items should never be put in the sun as they can tarnish, and they should never be cleaned with alcohol as it can removed their lacquer. You can help it do this by boosting your immune system. For any items that have loose parts like buttons or toys with sewn or glued eyes, put them in a pillowcase for washing. Heat is also effective for killing ringworm, so any item that can withstand high heat can be steamed or ironed as well. Doesn’t have to be organic, but make sure it is without dyes or additives. Next find a small jar with a good lid; a baby food container or the like. This will be a very strong solution, and is not for areas around the eye or mouth. Immediately stops the itch, prevents spread and clears-up in a couple days. This is very useful when treating a pet or when checking for the fungus. Great if it glows, but if it doesn’t, that doesn’t mean it’s not ringworm. I was told that one week after it stops glowing, no infection. Yes, the whole house needs to be disinfected, and more than once. Vet says there’s an 80% chance the spots are ringworm and gave me sulfur bath. When ringworm fungus enters your home, classroom, or daycare center, every precaution and cleaning measure needs to be taken to stop it from spreading. These spores can be difficult to remove once they have spread, which is why proper cleaning is necessary. The good news is that a thorough cleaning to start out paired with taking precautions to keep the ringworm covered can resolve this problem and only as-needed cleaning will be required from there. Those in tropic areas that remain humid and warm year-round should take additional precautions as the spores can survive longer in that environment. If treating an infection on your pet, be sure to get a product that is specifically recomended for their species. To use white vinegar, simply spray or wipe undiluted white vinegar onto the ringworm three times each day. Spread the paste over the ringworm, then put a bandage over the area. If your item is dry clean only, then that will have to do unless you want to wash it anyway. Sprays that are used to kill other fungi, such as athlete’s foot would work. Dilute the white vinegar with an equal amount of water in a spray bottle. Allow the cycle to run for a few minutes to disperse the soap throughout the water and clothing. Another great way to kill any ringworm that might be on cloth upholstery is to use a steam cleaner. It is not likely that the spores will thrive on the carpet because there is no moisture to support them. Next, fill the carpet cleaner/steamer with hot water and clean the entire area. Carpet shampoo can also be added for additional cleaning power. It is also possible to have the fungus removed by having a professional clean the carpets. Isopropyl alcohol can also be used to kill ringworm, however, it should never be used on wood as it can damage the finish. Also, any jewelry item that has glued parts should never be soaked as the glue can come loose. Silver jewelry that does not have any stones can be wiped with isopropyl alcohol, then rinsed with water. Pets can also carry ringworm and their areas will need to be treated as well. Leaving items in the sun for just 30 minutes can kill the fungi and fungal spores on the surface of the item. If you don’t have a steamer, you can (carefully!) hold an item over the spout of a steaming tea kettle. Make sure it is clear, like aloe is supposed to be, and without things for sunburns, like lidocaine. Fill the jar 3/4 of the way with the aloe, and then the rest of the 1/4 with tea tree oil. Continue using after the ringworm is gone, for at least a week, if only once a day. Never, never, ever treat cats or dogs with tea tree oil! I read horror stories on the internet from people who had it, treated it, thought it was gone and it appeared again, sometimes for as long as a year! I repeated this a couple of times a day and it was gone in five days. Instructions to wash any spots with anti-fungal soap, and dry thoroughly. Vacuum carpet often and shampoo further into kitten’s medicine process. Noticed spots on the kitten 2 days ago and brought him to the vet yesterday. I bathed him last night to one of the worst experiences ever. Senior Biology by seniorbiology.com You can think that nature has manipulated the variables but it is still appropriate to class one as dependent and one as independent. Although some micro-organisms are deliberately used to make foods such as yoghurt and cheese, other microbes ‘spoil’ food. He was able to reduce mortality of post operative surgery by up to 45%. Small paper discs (like out of a hole punch) are sterilised and then soaked into different anti-microbials. Detergents and 70% alcohol have some microbiocidal effect but are not sporicidal and dry out skin surfaces. The diameter of the zone of inhibition is a measure of the effectiveness of an anti-microbial compound. Despite this, much is still to be learnt about the mode of action of these active agents on bacteria such as those shown above. Do probiotics survive the digestive tract as claimed? Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. After 3 days in the incubator, there was growth on many (but not all) plates. Flood waters are known to contain viruses, molds and bacteria that can easily become air borne, and combined with sewage and toxins in flood waters this makes a dangerous combination. Insurance companies wouldn’t bother to clean moldy carpets because many molds produce mycotoxin which is very dangerous for humans as well as animals. Measure the size of the colony after a few days and then place a square of filter paper on the agar with various amounts of clove oil added and note the growth over the next week. Be warned: you will need to consider health risks before you get started, and your teacher will need to approve your plans. Place the mold solution on a nutrient agar plate and incubate for a while. Growth of molds at different concentrations of clove oil ranging from zero on the left to 100% oil on the right. Whilst students may choose various aspects of physiology, such as rates of photosynthesis or respiration, membrane permeability or diffusion rates, a popular experiment involves enzyme activity. This experiment involved varying the amount of amylase to determine the effect this has on the speed of starch break down. Alternatively, some students examined the effect of the emulsification of fat through the use of different quantities of dishwashing liquid to mimic the act of bile salts to see what effect this has on the speed of the reaction. The presence of lactic acid, produced during the lactic acid fermentation is responsible for the sour taste and for the improved microbiological stability and safety of the food. Be careful if you intend to measure titratable acidity as a function of time eg “time elapsed” (rather than just as a function of some manipulated variable (such as temperature). Note about identifying variables: “time elapsed” can be a controlled variable or independent variable (or both) in this experiment (and others that involve collecting data over a period of time). There are two independent variables: “time” and “temperature” but they can be examined separately. The difficulty with the second approach is the control of other potentially influential variables (such as humidity – as you have to take what you get). You can run the statistics on each pair separately, but, for students who are not that “stats-savvy” then they could look for interactions between them at a visual level. Food, as well as meeting the nutritional requirements of humans, will also meet the nutritional needs of a vast range of micro-organisms. The discs are placed onto the agar plates and then into the incubator for a couple of days. Students have used the width of this ring to indicate effectiveness (and to collect quantitative data). For example, phenols sterilise well but are corrosive and toxic. This photo shows zones of inhibition around filter paper disks saturated with anti-microbial compounds. Mounting concerns over the potential for microbial contamination and infection risks in the food and general consumer markets have led to increased use of antiseptics and disinfectants by the general public. We usually think of bacteria as something that causes diseases. Probiotics are often called “good” or “helpful” bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy. Even after flood waters recede, the residue left behind contains the same micro-organisms. One common way to get rid of mold is to wash the affected area in a clove oil solution. You could grow some mold on bread (such as the black-green mold pictured below) and place a few drops of a solution of it on a nutrient agar plate and then incubate it. As another treatment you could add the clove oil filter paper at the time of innoculation. If you want to control the type of mold present – and consider the naturally occuring molds too haphazard – then you could consider buying a specific strain. Clove oil is one way to remove it although some expert cleaners prefer bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Just seal a slice of bread in a plastic bag with a few drops of water and wait a few days. You can see the oil-impregnated filter paper square has killed off the mold. If the blue colour lightens or disappears, this indicates starch is breaking down. The problem is – how do you quantify the degree of breakdown? You use the “temperature” as the independent variable but if you measure the dependent variable (titratable acidity) every week at 0, 1, 2 and 3 weeks then you really have two experiments in one. A plot of titratable acidity (y-axis) vs time (x-axis) would show 4 lines (if you used 4 different temperatures). Saccharomyces cerevisiae consumes glucose faster than fructose because this yeast is know to prefer glucose (and so is called a glucophilic or ‘glucose-loving’ yeast). Natural Disinfectant For With Lemon That Is Non Toxic and Safe by theseamanmom.com I always have in the house and chances are you do too, it’s affordable, inexpensive and non-toxic, making this lemon disinfectant a much better choice for the environment than the store bought products. If you’re reading it on mobile, there’s no popup whatsoever. I may have over looked but what exactly is the recipe? I barely have time to clean my house properly (and to me that means deep cleaning the heck out of every nook and cranny!). I also use my handy dandy homemade disinfectant spray to clean my cutting boards (which smell super yuk especially after cutting meat, fish, onions and garlic). I love adding lemon essential oils for extra cleaning strength and for that wonderful scent. I am very sorry you felt this isn’t appropriate, my intention wasn’t to hurt your feelings. This is a win/win for both sides and that’s what myself and my circle of bloggy friends have been doing for years. Homemade All Purpose Cleaner: A Simple Recipe That Really Works by diynatural.com It’s simple to make, contains all natural ingredients, and smells like lavender and mint! Did you know that mixing vinegar with liquid castile soap causes a reaction that unsaponifies the soap, breaking it down into its original oils? So how do you know what the right ingredients are for each recipe? We have the time, experience, and resources to make a great homemade all purpose cleaner. This doesn’t mean that you can’t use homemade cleaners, but simply that you may have to tweak a recipe or two or use more of a cleaner than originally recommended. Put simply, no one cares about your family as much as you! I like to use it full-strength because it’s already diluted (3% hydrogen peroxide, 97% water) when you purchase it. In 2011 she left her counseling career to pursue healthy living. So knowing how to remove oil stains from clothes is a must, even if the stains are already set in! Learn various ways to get rid of them including our homemade aphid spray. They were only 6 years old, but it cause a bubbling in the countertop behind my sink. Seems to do a bit better when testing against same recipes with regular tap water. Instead of boosting your cleaning experience, this acid and base actually cancel each other out. Most people don’t, and for that reason, we did all the legwork for you. Even some of the so-called natural cleaners contain chemicals you don’t want in your home. For best disinfecting results, spray on surfaces and leave for several minutes before wiping clean. If you rely solely upon this advice you do so at your own risk. So knowing how many drops that is will be beneficial when mixing the cleaner. I think those computer screen cleansers are pricey, they’re not versatile at all and they’re also full of chemicals. I cleaned the kitchen today and this removed an old beet stain from my cutting board! This will make a very inexpensive and effective granite cleaner! DIY Natural Granite Cleaner With Essential Oils by rootandrevel.com And then we’re touching those surfaces and doing things like eating, touching our skin (and if you’ve got kids, you can bet their putting those contaminated hands in their mouths!). It’s also a confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans, though it is a suspected human carcinogen. You may want to spot test on a super small, hidden section of the granite first to be sure! Is it okay to use in the mixture because it’s a small amount? When in doubt call a manufacturer/installer of countertops in your town. In other words bacteria won’ t penetrate, ( like a plastic or wood cutting board). Would it be safe to use for cleaning since you shouldn’t inhale it? Can you substitute the rubbing alcohol with hydrogen peroxide instead? I am renting a condo that has natural stone and marble counter tops, floors, and shower floors. It’s just vinegar that can etch the stone, so this should work great. I am nothing if not a woman of my word, so let’s get into it! It’s just way too easy to make your own cleaning products! It makes sense if you think about it–we’re spraying these cleaners all over our homes, inhaling whatever’s in the mixture as we spray it and long after it’s been applied to every surface. But what about granite or countertop cleaning sprays, specifically? It’s made without vinegar to protect natural stone, and the homemade recipe smells amazing thanks to essential oils! The homemade recipe is best for organic housekeeping and those looking for safe, non-toxic cleaning options. Would it be ok to substitute the rubbing alcohol for hydrogen peroxide. Dump some on dark clothing and come back and you will see color removed. During day plain water unless raw meat touches counter then wash with soap&water and rinse/dry. Expect to save lots of money and get rid of all those nasty toxins in your home!

Whitby & District Beekeepers' Association membership is now 90+ members, we have an active range of events planned throughout the year. We hold indoor meetings at Whitby Rifle Club during the out-of-season periods and apiary meetings throughout the active beekeeping season (April to September). Our Apiary meetings always follow a theme of 'what is needed to be done for the month ahead'. The meetings are at members' apiaries, details are provided as part of the event details. We have a good program of 'Summer' apiary meetings and a varied indoor program - something for "old hands" and beginners alike. See the MEETINGS area for further details of our latest program of events. Sunday, 16th August 2020 14:30:00 Location: John Owens Apiary @ Moorsholm If you think you've identified a swarm please use our handy identification guide to find out what to do next: Please Review this Important Information regarding your membership data Click here to download.

5 Frame Saskatraz Honey Bee Nuc with Marked Queen for sale in the Midwest USA All orders currently placed should be ready for pick up around the end of May. Please note important information regarding shipping honey bee nucs: Honey bee nucs are for pick up from us only; we will not ship the nucs due to the stress that it will cause them. We will not give our customers a poor quality honey bee nuc that will not perform well. Buy 2020 5 frame 9-5/8" deep honey bee nucs with a young, mated Saskatraz queen bee who has been marked with this year's color. Nucs will tentatively be available starting the end of April - early May, depending on the weather. Plans are to have nucs available through June. All nucs have 5 brood frames with a mated queen who is already laying, a mixture of worker bees, nurse bees, and drones who are all adjusted to the queen's phermone; brood in all stages from the queen; pollen and feed. Nucs will be in a reusable 5 frame plastic corrugated nuc box. We start the nucs out with new beekeeping equipment, so there is no worry about old frames. These bee nucs have brand new frames with newly drawn out comb on wooden frames with Premier brand Platinum foundation, the bee's choice. We do not require a frame exchange, and we do not need the nuc boxes returned. Depending on the time of year that the nuc is picked up from us, and the weather conditions, these nucs may need to be fed sugar syrup to keep them sustained until they can get out and forage on their own. Cold, rainy weather in the early spring can keep bees confined inside of the hive, and a strong, growing beehive can eat up a few frames of feed within a short time. You can find an article here on how to transfer your honeybee nuc into your hive body. At Lappe's Bee Supply & Honey Farm LLC, we work hard to supply our customers with the best bees and beekeeping supplies possible, plus a wealth of bee keeping knowledge and beekeeping 101 to help you keep bees and become a successful & happy bee keeper! Highest Quality Guaranteed Lappe's Bee Supply promotes successful beekeeping and is dedicated to providing our customers with the highest quality of products possible. Our nucs carry a money back guarantee. If you do not agree that we are providing you with high quality honeybees at the time of pickup, you do not have to accept the nuc, and we will give you a complete refund of the purchase price! The guarantee ends when the you leave with the nuc(s); anything that happens with the bees after that time is completely the customer's responsibility. Saskatraz Honey Bees Nucs Information The Saskatraz queen bees for these nucs come from Olivarez Honey Bees in Northern California, who has been producing some of the highest quality queen honey bees for over 50 years. Saskatraz queen bees have been selected for high honey production, good overwintering ability, temperament, and good mite resistance. Other good traits include fast spring buildup, which results in increased honey production during the summer honey flows; and earlier brood rearing in the spring time. Saskatraz Hybrid queens have been crossed and open mated with different genetic families, including Italian Hybrid and Carniolan. Since they have such a diverse genetic background, the coloring can be different on the queens, from a lighter yellow color with a black tipped tail, to a tiger striped color, and even a darker black color. Advantages of getting a nuc: The bees already have a head start at building up and gaining strength for the summer honey flow. The mated queens have already been laying eggs in the brood nest for quite some time, and new bees are either hatching or getting ready to hatch. They will also already have nectar and pollen available as stores in the honeycomb. If you would like to become a beekeeper and are interested in beginning beekeeping, and are looking into getting into backyard beekeeping, urban beekeeping, or keeping bees just for pollination, these honey bee nucs are a great way to begin you beehives! Basically 5 frame bee nucs are miniature versions of a full working bee hive, giving you a jump start on building up your bee colony for the first summer honey flow. Most new hobbyist bee keepers prefer starting their beehive with a nuc, as opposed to a package of bees, since the nuc will give them an easier head start to getting their bees up and flying! It's also easier to transfer your deeps out of the bee nuc and into your Langstroth brood box. We have customers from all across the Midwest United States come to pick up our 5 Frame Saskatraz Honey Bee Nucs for sale, including in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, and even from as far away as Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Colorado and Utah!

Worlds Largest Honeybee The worlds largest honeybee, Apis dorsata laboriosa (the Himalayan honeybee), measures 1.2 inches long and is found in elevations between 8,200 and 9,800 feet. The Himalayan honeybee, builds large nests under southwest facing overhangs of massive vertical cliffs. One nest can contain up to 130 pounds of honey. Do not miss this MORE THAN HONEY, a new documentary by the Swiss filmmaker Marcus Imhoof, mesmerizes the audience with breathtaking video from inside the world of bees. More Than Honey is a film on the relationship between mankind and honeybees, about nature and about our future. Honeybees show us that crises and disasters are triggering an uncertain future. Honeybees have thrived for 50 million years, each colony 40 to 50,000 individuals coordinated in amazing harmony. So why, seven years ago, did colonies start dying en masse? Marla Spivak reveals four reasons which are interacting with tragic consequences. This is not simply a problem because bees pollinate a third of the world’s crops. Could Dr. Roger Hoopingarner discusses Sex Determination in Honey Bees Castes; Parthenogenesis and Sex Determination in Honey Bees; Larvae and Pupae Development February 12, 2013, Dr. Roger Hoopingarner lectures on the sex determination in honey bees, development of male (drone) and female (workers and queen) bees, as well as the role of sex alleles and the Bee Diseases and Pests with Dr. Marion Ellis The education committee at the American Beekeeping Federation (ABF), strives to keep its members engaged and informed. The ABF offers its members free beekeeping education through its on-line classes titled “Conversations with a Beekeeper.” The class given on January 30th, 2013 was given by Dr. Marion Ellis

In total, eight new recruits (pictured) turned up, dressed in bee keeping protective outfits and learnt more about bees, their habits and their hives which can contain 50,000 bees plus a queen. “We decided to run a taster session to help people understand how bee keeping works. If they like the starter day they can sign up to our bee keeping course which lasts for seven sessions, I think once they get started people do find bees fascinating,” Mike Osborne from Stratford Beekeepers said. Bees collect pollen and nectar on their hind legs, which they take back to the hive to help feed young bees. They communicate using pheromones and when they discover a new area rich with pollen they return to the hive and perform a vibrating figure of eight dance in the dark which tells fellow bees at what angle they have to fly to find the new pollen source. Stratford Beekeepers’ introduction to beekeeping course begins on Tuesday 16th February and costs £75. Anyone interested in attending can contact Mike Osborne on telephone 01789 731745 or email: [email protected]

It’s with a heavy heart that I write this post, dear friends. A bee-apolocypse has hit our our beehive; it has collapsed, disappeared, extinguished. All that remained were a few die-hard stragglers, a pile of bee corpses, and a nearly empty hive with nothing but yellow jackets and wasps slurping up the little sweet stuff that remained. As you may recall, not long ago we decided to collapse our two hives into one. One hive was just not producing enough filled honeycomb to survive a winter, while the other seemed to be thriving. That appeared to be a success, and when we last checked on them a few weeks ago, two levels were jam-packed with bees and there was a lot of honey. Not much of it was capped off though, so we were a little concerned that they only had a few weeks left to make some more supplies and food for the winter. To help them along, we added a shallow pool of sugar water on top. There was a screen inside of it, which is supposed to prevent the bees from falling in and drowning. To make it a little easier for them reach the water, we propped open the top of the hive with a little stone, so they could easily exit from the top and the bottom. When we arrived to check on them the other Saturday, three weeks had passed and we could tell immediately something was wrong. It was a bright and sunny day but from the distance there didn’t see to be much activity coming in and out of the hive’s front door. As soon as we got closer, we immediately noticed that all the buzzing things weren’t honey bees at all, but rather yellow jackets. The shallow pool was empty of sugar water now, but there as a thick layer of dead bees inside. Either they drowned or engaged in a battle. But the hundred or so bee bodies in the pool didn’t represent the thousands that should have been remained in the hive. As we cracked open the top level, we knew immediately. The bees were gone. File after file was was dry of all honey and pollen. A scattering of yellow jackets swarmed greedily around. We’re not sure what went wrong, but we have a few hypothesis. 1. Leaving the top of the hive open allowed predators to move in. Still, a yellow jacket is usually no match for a honey bee hive. 2. Too many drowned in the pool, leaving the hive week. They fled because of that. 3. It’s a bad place to put a hive. Perhaps our tiny 1/3 of an acre plot is just not conducive for honey bee hives. It’s on the edge of the woods, and maybe the feral critters and flying things are just to many. Who knows. 4. We don’t tend to the bees closely enough. Two, sometimes three, weeks pass between our visits to the hives. Perhaps that is leaving them alone and unattended too long. If we were there monitoring things more closely, perhaps we could have changed its course. 5. Or, is this a classic case of hive collapse that we have been reading about with worry? Needless to say, losing the hive is devastating. Not only did we invest a lot of money and effort into the endeavor (about $500 or so total), but we loved the way having a hive enriches our lives. Isadora and her friends are eager pupils. We were fantasizing about what we could label our honey in the springtime. All for naught. Of course we’ll continue to study and support local beekeeping efforts, but I don’t know if we’ll make the attempt to house our own again. Perhaps we can find someone with a farm or just a robust garden that would welcome us planting a hive on their property. Please let us know if you know of anyone in Columbia or Green counties who might be game to try this adventure with us next year.

If you live in Norfolk, we are almost certain that at some point of your life there, you have witnessed and suffered a Bee Problem in Norfolk. Bees in Norfolk, like bees everywhere else, are beneficial for us as well as the environment. We will discuss about the importance of Bee Hive Removal Norfolk. And we say it’s important because maintaining the bees safety must be a policy to follow, not only to the Beekeepers in Norfolk but to the population as well. You might know bees are an important part of the circle of life of our planet due to their task as pollen spreaders. But that’s not all they do. They produce honey which is a most valuable product in the human markets. For that and other things or by-products, Bees Norfolk gain relevance. But, sometimes they appear in our homes, hiving right inside our rooms, in between our very own walls, in our garages, patios or our children’s rooms. Man has tried to find places safe and away from the wild to live in peace and tranquility, avoiding wilderness in some degree. However, to reach that level completely is just impossible, and so, we must learn to live and share the land with other beings, in our case, bees. Bee Hive Removal Norfolk VA tries to make that happen hurting the bees at the minimum. So, whenever you have a Bee Hive Removal Norfolk Virginia situation, you must contact Bee Hive Removal in Norfolk in order to manage the bees, relocate them and solve your problem in an efficient manner. They are experts at Bee Hive Removal in Norfolk VA. Of course we shall always remember that we must keep a “green” policy every time we can. Let us remember that Beekeeping in Norfolk is a most serious activity. Norfolk Beekeepers will do a great job and you will never tell that you ever had a Bee Problem in Norfolk Ohio. Nevertheless, despite the Bee Problem in Norfolk you may have, there will always be somebody to help and assist you just a phone call away. You just have to be prepared and be ready to make the call as soon as possible. How do I find the right bee removal company? Here are some important questions to ask. 1. Do you have experience removing bees from a wall? Removing honeybees from a wall requires carpentry experience. A novice beekeeper can cause more damage than good if they are not experts in carpentry. 2. What is the process of removing bees from a wall? An experienced beekeeper will identify the location of the bees with an infrared camera, use a smoker to calm the bees, use a bee vacuum and other professional tools to remove the honeybees safely, extract the hive, clean the affected area, apply pesticide to deter honeybees from returning to the empty hive, fill the open area with insulation and replace the wall with the original material whenever possible. 3. Do you have pictures of honeybee removals from walls? Trustworthy honeybee removal companies will have plenty of pictures. Choose a company that has more than just a few examples. 4.How long have you been a beekeeper? Because there are many species of bees, a beekeeper must have extensive knowledge of the different techniques to safely and effectively remove the bees. 5. How long have you been in business? Make sure they have a valid business license and have many years of experience in the bee removal field. 6. Do you have references? A reputable bee removal company will have good ratings online on platforms such as Google. Be wary of businesses that have too few good reviews. It’s not unusual for novice companies to ask friends and family to create favorable reviews. 7. Do you guarantee your work? Read the warranty or guarantee agreement carefully. A good bee removal company will warranty a removal requiring a repair for at least a year. 8. Do you have insurance? Some companies operate with little or no insurance. Companies should have both liability and workman’s compensation insurance. This is a good precaution against accidents caused by bee smokers causing fires or beekeepers falling from roofs or trees. 4 How to Get Rid of Bees – Do’s and Dont’s. DO call a professional immediately. This is the single most important step of bee removal! If you have a bee problem, it’s imperative that you use a professional bee removal expert to fix the situation for you. Their experience, knowledge and skills enable them to effectively remove the bees, quickly and safely, ensuring that no one gets hurt…

We want our students to wake up every day knowing we can change the world! Together. The UNIS Impact Fund was designed and launched this year to support community inspired projects which will help our students do exactly that! Our community goals chosen by our students in November were to prototype Solar Power on campus and to create a UNIS Botanical Garden through fundraising with our community. READ MORE And we got off to a flying start! But only a few weeks into our fundraising campaign, COVID-19 closed our campus and the uncertainty for our community put all our plans on hold. However, this was definitely postponement, not cancellation! There is still much to celebrate and we will start the new school year with our projects well underway with student leadership. Watch out for a full update in August! And a big thank you to everyone who gave this year to get the projects started. Thanks to your generosity we raised $36,776 USD from 78 gifts from families, faculty, staff and alumni. We will continue our fundraising for these projects next year, hoping to hit our $100,000 USD target! And our volunteer Impact Fund Committee will be waiting for new proposals for Grants, helped by our funding from the School Community Organisation. This year the Committee approved Grants for student and faculty passion projects which ranged from reusable shopping bags as part of an IBDP Visual Arts project for our longest attending student, Shin Young Kim, to beekeeping suits for a new ASA (originally planned for Semester 2), musical instruments for a Service Learning project to extend its impact and two projects which will be implemented next year for students to learn Vietnamese textile arts from hosting resident ethnic group artists and to construct a sensory path in Elementary School. The SCO donated $20,000 USD to support the Grants and nearly $15,500 remains for distribution next year. Finally a big thank you to our 2019-2020 Impact Fund Committee (IFC): - Co-Chairs: Emma Silva (Director of Advancement) and Iraj de Silva (Parent) - SCO Executive member: Chris Behr - Parent members: Sandra Le Courtois and Gareth Harrison Poole - Student members: - ES: Vilma Niklasson G5 and Alan Daltry G5 - MS: Beatrice Reilly G8 and Andy Choi G8 - HS: Solene Shelley G10 and Eddie Lee G10 - Faculty members: - ES: Christy Heitmiller - MS & HS: Qingli Liu - VN Staff: Han Bich Hanh and Nguyen Thi Bich Hien - Admin member: Megan Brazil - Board member: Michelle Dinh Jones - Alumni member: Emmanuel Selvanayagam (Class of 2003) There will be places available on the IFC next year and if you are interested to get more involved please look out in August for more information. Any questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact the Impact Fund Committee and team on [email protected]

Building Bridges is a partnership of organisations, led by Community First, that has come together to deliver the Building Better Opportunities Programme across Swindon and Wiltshire. Local Honey Products and Swarm Collection The Wiltshire Beekeeper is a jolly Bee Keeper who spends his days travelling around the country looking after his bees, collecting swarms, giving talks and selling honey products. Fred's demonstrations are vibrant and interesting, and he offers full day beekeeping experiences. He sells pollen, beeswax, candles, handcreams and many more items made from honey from his hives on Salisbury plain. The Sanderson family is the 4th generation of farmers at Stainswick Farm located on the Oxfordshire/Wiltshire border. Cold Pressed Rape See Oil We’re passionate about providing our customers with a local, healthy, natural and fully traceable product – the red tractor logo means that we can tell you which field the rapeseed oil in your bottle was grown in! The most incredible selection of vintage china, tea pots, unique cups, saucers & cake tiers One stop vintage : Denise and Ian have worked hard to gather the most incredible selection of vintage china, tea pots, unique cups, saucers & cake tiers . Their crockery and our food make a fabulous union. Walter Rose is a family owned business established in the 18 th century and supplier of quality meat to many of the best Michelin star chefs in the country. Walter Rose help us with providing amazing heritage breeds including Wiltshire Horn grass fed lamb, Hereford/Angus for beef and the best Wiltshire pork possible - sourced locally in Bishops Cannings. Just outside the sleepy town of Hungerford, Berkshire, Doves Farm nestles in the heart of the Wessex Downs. We mill over 50 specialist & rare grains, produce gluten free pastas and cereals and have a dedicated gluten free bakery. Our products are free from hydrogenated fats, additives and are very much GM free. Random blokes playing random tunes. A 4-piece covers band based in Wiltshire. The band is made up of Danny (the singer), a random guitarist, bass player and drummer. Playing together since the beginning of 2014 and based in Swindon, Highworth, Wootton Bassett and Devizes we’re available to play over 2 hours of pop/rock covers at your pub or party anywhere in Wiltshire. Contact us now to discuss your requirements at www.dannyandtherandoms.com or send us a message on our Facebook page.

This page to list local beekeepers, beekeeping groups and organizations that are working to preserve bees in the province such as bumble bees and honeybees! The future depends on us to keep out the many dangers to bees from coming into the province. We aim to provide as many contacts and equipment suppliers to avoid buying second hand and out of province equipment. This group is for beekeepers on the west coast of NL who wish to share ideas, practices and experiences with others. Although this is for NL WC beekeepers, anyone interested in bees is welcome to join if they wish to. Cormack Bee Company inc. is in the bee farming industry to raise bees and also collect and gather honey, beeswax, and other related bee products. We want to provide the best quality product to our customers as they are our top priority. Winding Brook Farms is a honey producer located in Bay St. George, NL. It specializes in micro-regional varieties which demonstrate wide variation from each other, depending on the type of micro-region. Varieties currently available are; Harry River Wildflower, Robinsons Farm and Hare Hill Wildberry. From river side meadows to farm fields and pastures to cut-overs, Taste the Flora of South-Western Newfoundland! A small scale beekeeping operation with several apiaries along the Baccalieu Trail. Our honey bees forage for nectar & pollen in wildflower meadows, vegetable gardens and flower beds resulting in a delicious local honey - 100% raw & unpasteurized. In partnership with local berry farmers, we provide our honey bees for crop pollination resulting in our honey cranberry juice and our honey berry sauces. Our honey, honey sweetened berry sauces and cranberry juice, honey butter, pollen, beeswax, candles, beekeeping equipment, is usually available 7 days a week - 9 AM to 9 PM - at 267 Grenfell Heights, Grand Falls-Windsor. If you'd like to call ahead - 489-5132 or 486-5334. The bearded beekeeper (Ian Hussey) operates an apiary in Port Blandford and produces honey, offers nuc colony sales, beekeeping management assistance, hive hosting (for those that would like to have a hive on their properties without the commitment to managing the bees themselves) and pollination services to berry and fruit farmers. Plus sells hives and hive wooden ware! Additionally Ian is available for anyone needing honeybee removal from an unwanted area, as well as swarm captures!

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Bees play a vital role in the environment, helping to spread the pollen of flowers and plants which helps them to repopulate. But they also create honey from the nectar that is gathered which you can find on the table of most homes around the world. Awareness of their importance to our eco-system has risen in recent years and has resulted in many people wanting to attract more of them to their yard. This article will give tips on attracting bees to your yard as well explaining why bees are important for the health of your yard, as well as the well-being of the greater eco-system. The most familiar is the honeybee, but they only represented one species out of roughly 20,000 that have been catalogued. In addition to honeybees, the second-most familiar might be the larger bumblebee. Bumblebees may seem fierce, but they tend to be docile around most people. Bees have been a part of human history long before civilization began. No doubt that humans and bees began interacting when the first caveman tasted the honey from a beehive. From that first experience came the many bee farms that produce honey around the world. But there are important questions that need to be answered for those who may want to take up beekeeping or simply appreciate what bees provide in our lives. How to Attract Bees to Your Yard? If you are interested in bringing bees to your yard, you will need to decide which type of bee you want. Basically, the choice is between honeybees or bumblebees, but both serve the purpose of pollinating the fruits and vegetables along with the flowers that grow in your garden. 1. Keep Your Lawn Natural This means having a lawn with a variety of plants and yes, weeds. Perfect rows of grass will not attract any bees because there is no food present. So, you should find plants that are native to your area of the country that provide a food source for the bees. Yes, dandelions are considered a weed, but they bring the bees to your yard. Their bright, yellow color attracts the bees and provides them with plenty of food. If you are not a big fan of dandelions, you can keep them in part of your yard. 3. Avoid Pesticides The number one killer of bees is pesticides. This is not intentional, but the very chemicals used to destroy weeds also kill the bees. Find more natural ways to rid your yard of weeds and keep the pesticides at bay. While birds enjoy birdbaths, so too do bees love water. However, they are not attracted to larger pools of water that birds love to bathe. Instead, you should set up small puddles of water that include a few small rocks for the bees to perch. This way, the water will not drown the bees. A couple of small plates or saucers will do the trick. One possible downside is that puddles also attract mosquitoes, so be sure to empty and refill the dishes with fresh water to cut down on the mosquito population. 5. Create a Nest Building a nest for bees is no problem if you have some dead wood or a dead limb on a tree in your yard. Bumblebees will often find homes inside the wood if you drill a few holes. For honeybees, the holes will have to be deeper, but you may also purchase a bee box which will work just fine. What is the best time of year to attract Bees? Generally speaking, the best time of the year to attract bees is when they are looking for sources of food. This usually means the early spring when the warmer temperatures bring out the bees and in the late fall when many of their food sources have gone dormant, but the temperatures are still warm enough for them to be active. It should be noted that bees are not as populous as they once were. With their habitats being destroyed, pesticides which often wind up killing bees, and the changing climate have all contributed to bees becoming scarcer than before. That is why it’s so important to help bees by creating suitable habitats and leaving them alone to do their job. The need for bees is greater today than ever before. Unfortunately, if we do nothing, then it will become difficult for the bees to survive which in turn affects our health and wellbeing. How Long do Bees Live? To answer the question, it’s important to note that there are three types of bees; - Queen (3-4 Years) - Worker (2-3 Months) - Drone (2 Months) The queen is the reason for the hive. She is the one who reproduces to supply the worker and drone bees. You’ll only find one queen in the hive as any other queens are either killed or they move off to form their own hive. A queen bee will usually live from three to four years on average, dying after they lose the ability to reproduce. The worker bees are also female and as their name implies, they do all the work for the hive. They gather the nectar from the flowers which is used to create the honey to feed the young. They also maintain the structure of the hive and help the queen. The life of a typical worker bee is generally two to three months, although during the winter when there is less activity, they may live up to several months. The drone is the male bee whose only function is to mate with the queen. Once they have fulfilled that function, they usually die or are kicked out the hive. They have the shortest life span of all the bees with most living only for a couple of months. Even the ones who do not die after mating and are kicked out of the hive do not live for very long. How do Bees Make Honey? Bees get the properties they need to create honey from flowers. To gather enough nectar from the flowers to create a pound of honey, the bees have to fly over 55,000 miles and visit up to 100 flowers per bee on each trip. It takes over 555 foraging bees to gather nectar from over 2 million flowers to make a single pound of honey. A single bee that visits up to 100 flowers per day on foraging trips will produce a total of just 1/12th of a teaspoon over its lifetime. The males or drones and the queen do not forage for honey, only the worker bees. The workers gather the nectar and bring it to the hive. With the nectar in their mouths, the bees will secrete an enzyme which mixes with the nectar. When the worker reaches the nest, the nectar is passed from one bee to another which in turn creates the honey. The honey is then placed in the cells of a honeycomb which are made of wax. The honey is kept inside each cell until it is needed. As the honey is placed in each cell, the bees will flap their wings to dry out the honey and then seal the opening of the cell. What is the Difference Between a Bee, a Wasp, and a Hornet? Despite some similarities in terms of their size, wings, and population, there are considerable differences between bees, wasps, and hornets. Bees are furry and gather pollen to make honey which is their food source. Wasps are not furry and are carnivorous in nature. Hornets tend to be longer and have a different color compared to bees. Another difference between bees and wasps is that bees tend to leave people alone and even if provoked will only pursue for a short distance. Wasps however are known to attack unprovoked and if angry will continue to chase you for hundreds of yards. Bumblebees tend to be pretty large and noticeable, plus unlike honeybees will not die after they sting. However, most bumblebees tend to be peaceful and usually will not attack unless provoked. But in any case, bees are an important part of the environment and play a strong role with humans as part of their daily lives. Why Bees are Important to Humans? Because we see bees so often, it is easy to underestimate their importance to the human race. Without bees, it would be more difficult for humans to enjoy a stable, healthy food supply. There are good reasons why bees should be appreciated for the contributions they make on a daily basis in our lives. Pollination: Because bees help flowers and plants through pollination, they help to grow the food that we all enjoy. The continuing cycle of pollination means that the cycle of life keeps going as well. when you consider that nuts, berries, and squashes are all products of pollination, you can begin to see why bees are so important. Add to this the many wildflowers that would not exist without the bees, and the world becomes a less-beautiful place. Although bees carry a sting with some people being allergic, for the most part the presence of bees in your yard is nothing to worry about. They are busy gathering nectar and have little interaction with humans apart from beekeepers who create artificial nests which produce honey. In fact, having bees in your yard can be a good thing which is why you might want to attract them. Bee Fun Facts! We are avid bird-watchers who recently retired, allowing us more time to travel the world. Fortunately, we have managed to visit numerous countries around Europe, Asia, and America. Watching and photographing birds has been a passion for many years and we are making the most of the extra time on our hands!

IS: Who are you and what do you do? I am Rachael, a post-doctoral researcher at Tufts University (Medford, MA) and Washington State University (Vancouver, WA). As a post-doc, my focus is the natural history of an ant-caterpillar relationship in the South Puget Sound, WA. When it’s a caterpillar, the at-risk Puget blue butterfly is protected from predators by ants. For the next couple years, it’s my job to figure out which ants are in the community where Puget blue caterpillars reside, which ants tend the caterpillars, and how the ants behave while defending their charge. Once the caterpillar has been protected, it secretes a sugary snack as a “thank you” to the ant (or ants). (see photo below) Before starting my post-doc, I studied honey bee nutrition and behaviour in the Starks Lab at Tufts University. The main takeaway from my PhD: diet diversity is important for honey bees (and other insect pollinators). IS: How did you develop an interest in your research? As far as insects go, I have always loved them. As a kid, I spent summer nights outside with my dad catching caterpillars, ladybugs, June bugs, whatever I could find. How I got into social insects is a slightly longer story. As an undergraduate, I studied cognition in social birds. One summer, I was accepted into the Tufts University NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program where I did fieldwork studying butterflies. During the REU Program, I fell in love with fieldwork, but I missed the aspect of sociality. For graduate school, I decided to combine my two interests and applied to labs that studied social insects in the field. I ended up joining the Starks Lab to study honey bees and in studying honey bees, became enthralled with the world of beekeeping. IS: What is your favourite social insect and why? This question is so hard. As a beekeeper and someone who recently got their PhD studying honey bees, I feel like I should say honey bees. I do love honey bees, but my favourite social insect might be leafcutter ants. The first time I went to Costa Rica and saw them in action, it was mesmerizing. They walk the same trails so often that they wear down a path in the rainforest. Ants wear down a path in the rainforest. Also, when it rains (which happens often in the rainforest), they just drop their leaf and run home. When the storm passes, they get right back to work! IS: What is the best moment/discovery in your research so far? What made it so memorable? One of my overall favourite studies was the subject of my very first graduate school publication. I worked with an undergraduate to study how worker honey bees cool the hive following heat stress. We heated a small section of a honey bee hive with a theatre lamp (very technical equipment), and took thermal images of the hive as it cooled down. We found that honey bees somehow radiate the heat out to the edge of the hive and in this way, cool the hive down in less than 10 minutes. The heated section of our control hive, the one without bees, remained hot even after 20 minutes! This was also the easiest and quickest publication process I have ever been through. I submitted the manuscript in February, we quickly received positive reviews, and the paper was published by the end of April. My advisor told me to never expect an experience like that again. From Bonoan et al. 2014: Comparison of representative experimental and control infrared images taken pre- and post-heating. The colour green indicates the presences of bees in the experimental hive and the heating pads in the control hive. Red and white areas indicate temperatures above 37 °C. In the experimental hive, the red area grew significantly larger within 3 min of cooling and disappeared within 9 min. In contrast, the high heat area in the control hive gradually decreased in size and still persisted after 18 min of cooling. Such differences indicate that workers effectively cooled the hive by absorbing the heat moving it into the periphery Full citation: Bonoan RE, Goldman RR, Wong PY, Starks PT (2014) Vasculature of the hive: heat dissipation in the honey bee (Apis mellifera) hive. Naturwissenschaften 101, 459-465. IS: Do you teach or do outreach/science communication? How do you incorporate your research into these areas? Yes! Teaching, mentoring, and communicating are three passions I discovered while in graduate school. At Tufts University, I teach an undergraduate-level class called “From Bees to Beetles: Insect Pollinators and Real-World Science.” Students get assigned an insect pollinator that they follow throughout the semester and end the semester by creating a pollinator protection plan for their insect. The students read primary literature that we discuss in class, some of which are my own publications. I also lead a program, “All About Bees,” at the Discovery Museums in Acton, MA. One of my favourite activities in this program is honey tasting. Before they taste various honeys side-by-side, many people don’t realize how different the honeys are! This gives me a chance to talk about how different flowers have different nectar chemistry, and different nutritional values for pollinators. I also bring microscopes for people to get an up-close look at tiny bee parts and when possible, I bring my teaching hive of live (but contained) honey bees. I’ve also given various presentations about my honey bee research and the importance of insect pollinators in general to beekeeping associations, public school teachers, girl scout troops, high school students, etc. photo credit: Evan Sayles IS: What do you think are some of the important current questions in social insect research and what’s important for future research? The big important question that remains, and may always remain, is: how did sociality evolve? Insects provide a great study system for this question, especially when families or subfamilies of insects exhibit different levels of sociality, and the comparative method can be used. Apidae, for example has social bumble bees, gregarious carpenter bees, and thousands of solitary ground-nesting bees. Relative to social bees, there is very little research on solitary bees—maybe solitary bees hold an answer to evolution of sociality. Investigating the evolution of sociality has also gotten bit more complex—and interesting! —with the development of tools to study the gut microbiome. This is highlighted in a recent Insectes Sociaux article by Jones et al. showing that the honey bee gut microbiome is associated with behaviour. Such findings could have implications in the development of the caste system and the division of labour. Thus, a more current question may be: how have microbes influenced the evolution of sociality? IS: What is the last book you read? Would you recommend it? Why or why not? The last non-fiction book I read was Journey to the Ants by Bert Hölldobler and E.O. Wilson. I would recommend it to anyone interested in social insects, ants, or science in general. The book does a great job covering the awesome things about ants while describing Hölldobler and Wilson’s beginnings in science. The last fiction book I read was Caroline: Little House, Revisited by Sarah Miller. I would recommend this fanfiction book to anyone who loves Little House on the Prairie, like myself. The book tells the story of the family’s journey from the big woods to the prairie from Caroline’s (the mother, for any non-little house fans) point of view. I enjoyed seeing the journey from the mother’s point of view, and I found the author was true to the personalities and family dynamic of the original books. IS: Outside of science, what are your favourite activities, hobbies or sports? I go few places without my camera. I especially enjoy getting down on the ground for some macro-photography. I also love to read, bake, and whenever possible, get outside. I love hiking—my husband and I have a lifelong goal of getting to as many national parks as possible. So far, we’ve been to four together (I’ve been to a fifth without him). IS: How do you keep going when things get tough? Science, like life, never goes as smoothly as you want it to. That’s just how it is. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad scientist, or you’re a failure, or you don’t belong. When things get tough, I try to remind myself of this. Science is a challenge and a continuous learning process, which is why I love it. It’s also helpful to talk through things when I feel a bit down in the dumps about an experiment, or something goes awry in the field. When I start to feel overwhelmed by trying to do too many things in general (which I sometimes do), just being outside is my remedy. Driving out of the city to a place where I can breathe in the fresh air, and smell pine trees, usually resets me. IS: If you were to go live on an uninhabited island and could only bring three things, what would you bring? Why? Oh man, this is tough. If I can bring a person as my “thing,” I’d bring my husband. I’d also bring my Swiss Army knife and my Red Sox hat, both of which I rarely do fieldwork without. Both are useful, but also have sentimental value and would remind me of home. IS: Who do you think has had the greatest influence on your science career? Over the years, I have had so many amazing mentors, it’s hard to pick one. My very first mentor in science was my high school biology teacher, Mr. Saunders. In Mr. Saunders’s class, we did an experiment that required watching a goldfish open and close its gills, so we could measure respiration. It may sound tedious to some, but I loved it! That was the moment I realized I wanted to pursue science. Also, Natasha, my REU mentor during my first field experience was huge. Natasha showed me that it was possible to do science outside! It was that summer that I realized I could have a job outdoors, observing and/or chasing insects. IS: What advice would you give to a young person hoping to be a social insect researcher in the future? Stay curious. As we grow up, our natural curiosity that is at the forefront as children, tends to get pushed toward the back. Holding on to that childlike curiosity will help you be a better scientist and a better citizen, no matter what you study or where you call home.

EVENT CANCELLED due to COVID-19. March 26, 2020 – The Style File with Shelley Brown Shelley Brown teaches women how to develop their personal style – the visual expression of their inner personality – through personalized services in Advanced Color Analysis, Proportion Styling, Wardrobe Analysis and Closet Edits. She helps women Shop Smart. Save Time. Save Money. This month at WWBN Shelley will be showing us how to dress for our proportions, attributes, physical features, colors and so much more. This isn’t the old language of the 80’s – it’s all updated! You don’t want to miss this!! In addition, she will work with 2 models so everything is visual. Shelley Brown has been hooked on the high of helping women get great style for over 30 years. After ditching her career in banking, she became a fashion consultant with a major department store which lead to many exciting opportunities; dressing on air personalities, creating relatable seminars, and putting on memorable fashion events for audiences as large as 5000. Dressing women in their best styles and giving them confidence through their personal style became my super power. Shelley created and taught curriculum at a local image consulting school and has since created a pocket-sized file housing a woman’s personal style information – The Style File. MEETING SPONSORED BY: Barbara Marengo, BEBA Collective February 2020 – Social Good is Good for Fatso We hosted Jill VanGyn, CEO of FATSO peanut butter for a social good conversation. Jill has integrated social good into her business, but why? What benefit has she seen in her business, in her community and what impact has her donation had on the charity she’s supporting? January 2020 – Social Media for Business w/Instagram Influencer Jannine MacKinnon Are you feeling like your time on social media is wasted? That you’re not reaching your ideal customer or making an impact? This fireside chat with Motherhood Lifestyle Influencer Jannine MacKinnon will show you how to create content that is engaged with and seen by your community. Jannine is a digital marketer turned influencer who has spent years helping small businesses sort through the overwhelm of online marketing. Whether it’s social media and computer basics, online advertising, or launching an online course, she has supported her clients to feel empowered in making the right decisions to reach their ideal customers. When she became a mom isolation hit hard and she noticed a gap in representation of real, honest motherhood. She has since set out to help young moms find balance between their new role as a mother and re-finding that special part of themselves that makes them feel like them. She has grown her online community to 30k+ by sharing recipes, tips and tricks, and relatable content like my Mom Truth Mondays and Fashion Fridays. www.instagram.com/janninemackinnon | www.HappyStylishFit.com December 2019 – Strictly social Holiday Celebration. We gathered to celebrate the season, enjoy the company of new friends and old and raise money for our charity. No keynote speaker or presentations this month. November 2019 – Get off the Hamster Wheel and Live a Life in Alignment Have you ever found yourself feeling like a hamster in a wheel? Busy, productive, and even successful by others’ standards, but not getting anywhere, or at least not getting where you want to go? Or do you sometimes feel like your work or career are veering off in the wrong direction but you don’t know how to get things back on track? Just like the tires on your car need alignment from time to time to drive straight and true, alignment in your life is important in keeping you on the path you you’ve set out for yourself. When things just don’t feel right, when you’re overly stressed, agitated, or distracted, chances are you are out of alignment somewhere and need to make an adjustment. Join us to explore how you can step off the hamster wheel. Learn the most important things you need to be aligned with to live a life of purpose, meaning and success in work and in life. About: Ingrid Vaughan is an HR Architect and owner of Smart HR in Victoria BC. She works with small business owners in creating and sustaining strong HR programs and systems. With 15 years’ experience in HR management, she brings a practical, proactive approach to human resource challenges in the workplace. Ingrid believes strong leadership is the key to culture, engagement and retention and in 2020 is launching the Smart Leadership Academy as a platform for groups of leaders to learn together in a cohort-based model. She coaches leaders at every organizational level to grow their leadership confidence and effectiveness. www.smart-hr.ca Meeting is sponsored by Pam Katunar, Raymond James Ltd October 2019 5 Powerful Women This month we heard from a panel of 5 business women sharing business wisdom and insights. Pam Katunar, Raymond James Ltd.: How Workshops Can Leverage Your Knowledge and Grow Your Business. Pam has been running workshops and seminars for years, sharing her knowledge, wisdom and expertise. Learn her key takeaway on the benefits. Jilly Hyndman, The Heartrageous Coach: Building Integrity and Resilience in Your Business. Learn a simple and powerful leadership tool that will allow you to build integrity and resilience in yourself and your business. You’ll learn how to re-awaken your feminine super-powers so the garden of your business (and life) can flourish, both in times of flow and challenge. Heather Beaton, Potential Plus Coaching: What are you willing to give up today to accomplish what you want in your future? Tomorrow doesn’t wait. Learn Heather’s 5 takeaways for achieving your business or life goals and dreams. Brittany Barton, Iron & Pearl Financial Services: How To Use Instagram To Engage With Your Network. Regardless of your business. Instagram is one of the least used marketing tools in the financial services industry and many other industries, because people think it’s not applicable to them. Hear how Brittany has leveraged Instagram, grown her network and following. Bonnie Chomica, Marketing Done Write: Social media is rented space, Email Marketing is Where It’s At. Are you tired of posting on social media and not getting any leads? Learn Bonnie’s tips on getting the most from email marketing. August 2019 Be Emergency Ready! Join us this month with Jenn Houtby-Ferguson, a specialist in Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Management, as she asks: Are you ready? In today’s changing world, managing risk is critical to the preparedness of individuals, businesses and communities. From natural disasters to terrorism we must all understand our role, and the role of local government to both prepare for and respond to emergency situations.What is an emergency plan? What should you pack in your Grab n’ Go bag? How can you safeguard your family when travelling? Be prepared, not scared and learn how to disaster-proof your life! - It happened to me! Tales from the front line - What is emergency readiness and why it matters for individuals and community - Who is responsible? - Hazard identification for the Vancouver Island Region - Key components of an Emergency Kit and Family Reunification Plan - What to prepare when you travel and where to get help while away - Where to go for start and go for help? (Additional resources) About Jenn Houtby-Ferguson: A seasoned marketing and communications professional, Jenn Houtby-Ferguson is a sought after speaker and facilitator. Also-known-as Madam Disaster, Jenn is ready to help businesses and individuals be ready before disaster strikes. A sessional instructor at Vancouver Island University, Jenn recently started a doctorate at Royal Roads University and trains groups throughout North America on risk management and emergency preparedness. July, 2019 PR & Marketing for Your Small Business. Trisha Lees spoke about putting your best foot forward in building the reputation of your business. Trisha is the owner of Rep Lab Communications in Victoria and worked with a variety of businesses throughout Canada. With a background in journalism, public relations and marketing strategy, she presents companies in a creative, engaging manner that helps build their reputation and enhance their bottom line. She shared her knowledge of public relations and marketing for small businesses including: - How to get the media’s attention - The best way to spend marketing dollars - Using social media to build a brand and impact sales As a business owner, she spoke about: - How to introduce yourself and grow your opportunities - Using strategy to create a business you love - The challenges of working on your own About Trisha: Trisha Lees founded Rep Lab Communications in 2014, building on a 15 year career developed at Alberta Children’s Hospital and Tartan Group. She has a graduate certificate in journalism from Langara College and a certificate in public relations & communications management from the University of Calgary, as well as a MBA from Royal Roads University, with a specialization in management consulting. For a large portion of her career she has focused on issues and crisis management, often working with clients who are experiencing a situation that will impact their reputation or well-being. Trisha’s ability to communicate a brand’s message effectively has garnered her recognition from diverse businesses and organizations. Most recently, Rep Lab was recognized by Douglas Magazine as a winner of the ‘10 to Watch Awards.’ http://www.replab.ca June 2019, Kelly Falardeau, burn survivor, motivational speaker Kelly Falardeau joins us from Edmonton Alberta, hot on the heals of her Canada-wide documentary film debut #StillBeautiful, the story of her life as a burn survivor. Her message of body image, self-empowerment and self-esteem is an important message for men and women; an issue many struggle with. Her perspective will change your life! In today’s world we are programmed to be SuperWomen, and yet no matter how hard we work at it, we still seem to feel like we are “not enough”. Be prepared to be inspired!! In Kelly’s presentation, she will show you how you can thrive through tragedy or challenge and still be a successful person. Your value and worthiness has nothing to do with how much money you make or don’t make. She will show you how the tragic fire when she was two and her divorce, are actually gifts in life that made her the strong woman she is and if she can do it, so can you. You will be inspired to see your life in a whole new way. About Kelly: Kelly Falardeau is a burn survivor. From the age of two-years-old, when she had burns on 75% of her body, she constantly struggled with her self-worth and confidence.She found a way to go from near-death to success; from the ugly scar-faced girl to the Top 10 Most Powerful and Influential Speaker, Fierce Woman of the Year, an International Best-Selling Author (5x), recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and a YWCA Woman of Distinction.Her most recent accomplishments include two TEDx talks in 2019 and her #StillBeautiful documentary hit the big screen and National TV. www.kellyfalardeau.com Paula McPhee, Marine Biologist turned eco-preneur. Paula and her partner Nairn, both educated in marine environmental fields. were prompted to make changes in their lives when faced with sobering statistic. “By 2050 plastic items in the oceans are estimated to outnumber fish.” Interested in the concept of Zero Waste, they made shifts in their consumption and interviewed hundreds of people while travelling and researching for a year. In August 2018, they opened Vancouver Island’s first Zero Waste grocery store, and one of only a handful in Canada. The store provides customers with everything found in a conventional grocery store, completely package-free. The new store on Douglas Street is taking Victoria, BC and Canada by storm! How does a marine biologist become an eco-preneur? In this keynote, you’ll learn their secret sauce: - passion (find better healthier alternatives for food and consumables while reducing excessive packaging) - mission (to tread lightly on the earth) - determination (navigating a complex retail and grocery industry) - travel (interviewing people for one year in their travels about zero waste) Proof that you don’t have to come up with a new idea, just embody it and share it with the world (at least Vancouver Island). Oh, and they did it all within a year! https://www.zerowasteemporium.com Sozie Moskal, local Victorian grows YouTube channel to 1.9million YouTube subscribers. Peanut Butter and Dragon’s Den oh my! This month we welcome Jill Van Gyn, founder of Fatso Peanut Butter in Victoria, which is taking Canada by storm. In fact she secured a deal on the Dragon’s Den! She says her journey with Fatso is not a conventional entrepreneurial path but her experiences are what enabled her to not only launch the company but drive it to be the success in two short years! Fatso is now in over 1000 stores nation-wide and she has ambitions of entering the US market in 2020. ABOUT THE PRODUCT: “Fatso was developed with the elite athlete in mind, but regardless of whether you’re an athlete, I also get how tough it can be to simply start your day off right. Fatso was designed to be the essential nut butter for the weightlifter, CrossFitter, spin enthusiast, yogi, or mountain biker but is also great for those who want to dip their toes into eating right. Whether you are trying out a keto diet, gluten free, or vegan or just need a better peanut butter in your life, Fatso is here to save the day.” Attend and learn lessons from a successful, unconventional (her words, not ours!) entrepreneur. There are many lessons to be learned from other’s paths: Jill will share - her entrepreneurial journey - how she got the business started - the challenges and lessons learned - today’s success - and of course her vision for the future. ABOUT JILL: Jill Van Gyn was born and raised in Victoria and returned home in 2010 after living away in Montreal and Vancouver for 10 years. Jill launched Fatso Peanut Butter in 2016 after having difficulty finding a job in her field in the year and a half that followed graduation from grad school. Jill’s journey to Fatso is not a conventional entrepreneurial path. Her experiences, tenacity and perseverance have enabled her to launch the company and drive its current success. She lives on a farm with her family in the Blenkinsop Valley and plans on starting a small side business selling figs and making apple cider for local green grocers…if she ever finds the time. The Power of Storytelling with Karen Elgersma Discover how you can create unique, compelling, and inspiring stories that will help you in your business…with the story-whisperer, Karen Elgersma. Karen Elgersma has worked in media for over 30 years as a writer, producer, reporter, host and content creator. Her love of storytelling is infectious, and her passion for sharing her secrets has kept her in high demand as a speaker and media consultant. - Find out how to write your story in a way that is marketable, shareable, and emotionally engaging - Discover the key ingredients to a powerful story - Learn how you can turn your story into content that you can share - Understand the different platforms you can use to market your business through storytelling - Get the insider scoop on how to get earned media –media that tells your story for you, for free (e.g. you featured in Douglas Magazine, or on CHEK TV). - Discover how to hook your audience with your compelling story - Learn how to get eyes on your content. Beyond the Law of Attraction with Nadine Hanchar How would you like to achieve the things in life and your business that you desire? You can. Using the laws of the universe you CAN create your heart’s desires. These laws apply to anyone, any time, any place. They do not discriminate. As you generate energy through your mind and your heart, you have the ability to create in your life. You are doing it all the time. When you understand and cooperate with these Universal Laws, and use them purposefully, you can be more proactive in what it is you create. Whether you are aware of them or not, the Universal Laws govern everything in your life. They are at work all the time, everywhere. Be aware, understand them, and put them into your life in practical ways to assist you: • in being more of who you really are • to create and manifest your life in a purposeful way • in being more fulfilled by working for yourself instead of against yourself. Discover tangible tips on how to use the Universal Laws more effectively to achieve your life’s desires. Christmas Party Event Each holiday we gather to celebrate the season, mingle with friends, raise money for charity and generally have a great time. Make 2019 Your Best Year in Biz with Deb Alcadinho - Plan your calendars (like you’ve never seen it before) and learn how to manage your time, so you can be strategic, making the most of the time you have. - Get comfortable with your money – track it, keep it and know it inside and out. Don’t give away the power. - Set realistic goals, assign projects and action plans to attain them. Goals are great but if you don’t have metrics in place to achieve your goals you won’t see the success you dream of. - Improve your mindset so you don’t get in your own way. Build an Online Course with Theresa Scholes Have you ever considered creating an online course or membership site? Imagine creating that course/membership based on your expertise, then take that content and share it with your audience! By teaching a topic that you are knowledgeable and passionate about, you relay that information to your audience and leave them with no doubt you are an expert in your field. The online course idea is a perfect complement to any entrepreneur as part of their marketing toolkit. Theresa will expand on the aspects of the fundamentals you need to know about: - What is an online course? - What is a membership site? - How do I start with creating the content for a course or membership? - How is the course content formatted on your website? - How do I market my course or membership? Taking the Leap into Business with Lara Martens Join Lara Martens, founder of Water Baby, as she outlines how she started with an idea and developed it into a successful business in a short period of time. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the process involved, knowing your market, the lessons learned, and leave feeling inspired to move your own idea into reality. Build a Business That Matters with Deb Alcadinho The world is ready for those who want to be change makers. The world is ready for you! But are you ready? Join Deb Alcadinho for this inspirational, action-oriented keynote on how you can formulate a business that has impact! We’re not talking vision boards, we’re talking a gritty vision, filled with your heart and soul that encompasses the greater good of what you want to achieve in this world. Deb believes we were all put on this earth for a reason. You will come away from Deb’s presentation with 6 action steps to get inspired and ready to create or revamp the future of your business to create real impact in your life and the lives of others. Be the Change! Possibilities with Susan Simmons Be inspired by a truly inspiring story of determination and commitment to one’s goals. Learn about how one woman took what seemed impossible and continuously overcame challenges to achieve success. Susan Simmons is both an ultra-marathon swimmer and an advocate for people living with Multiple Sclerosis. Diagnosed herself over 20 years ago, she uses swimming and veganism to manage the disease. Last year she completed a one way crossing of the Juan de Fuca Strait from Port Angeles, swimming with nothing more than a swimsuit, cap and goggles. At 52, her crossing is the fastest one on record. Wisdom Leadership with Chantal Normand Get Debt off Your Back with Chris Grew 35% of Canadians are in credit crisis. It’s much easier to get into debt than get out. And it’s not always that people are spending in a careless manner. Sometimes a job loss, or health issue in the family can make it impossible to meet cash outlay needs. Are you or someone you know in debt crisis? In this keynote you will learn: - The 8 debtor options available - What makes a debt restructuring plan successful - Myth busters about banks not lending to people who go bankrupt or file a consumer proposal - How to rebuild your credit rating to a great score. Facebook for Business with JUHLi SELBy Wondering if you should continue spending time promoting and managing your Facebook Business Page in 2018? Or should you shift your marketing time and resources elsewhere? Recent announcements about Facebook’s News Feed algorithm changes have prompted people to claim ‘Newsfeed Apocalypse’! They’re saying that free, organic reach for pages will finally be zero, unless you pay to advertise. Now is a great time to learn what’s new and how it can affect your business online. In this talk we will cover: - How things have evolved for Facebook Pages – Including reach, engagement, & the News Feed Ranking changes (the algorithm) - 2 different ways you can use your Facebook page (one takes a lot more time than the other) *Why you should consider a monthly Facebook ads budget as a part of your strategy – “Pay to play” - The Top 5 Reasons You STILL NEED a Facebook Page for Your Business in 2018 Social Video with Steve Dotto Bonus Workshop was held from 10 AM to 1 PM on March 23rd Sales Made Simple with Caterina Alberti Caterina Alberti has trained hundreds of individuals and teams over a 30 year period, with an 8 Step Sales Process that builds confidence and puts you in a position of leadership. She knows first hand that SALES is “The Most Important Skill You Can Learn” and simplifies the process. Discover Hidden Revenue Streams with Charmaine Hammond There are BILLIONS of dollars in funding that are earmarked to go to projects just like yours every year, the trick is knowing who has the grants, donations and sponsorship funds, how to engage them and then what you need to do in order to close the deal. Learn how to have every imaginable part of your project paid for (and even some things you never would have thought possible) through collaboration, partnership and sponsorship. Guests brought their most pressing business challenge and we brainstormed ideas and solutions to “bust that challenge”. No video taken. October 26th, 2017 Find Your Truth, with Alison Forster and Lanne Rice Have you ever set your mind on a goal with genuine willpower and grit determination—only to find that your mind appears to have a mind of its own? Then you’re in the right place! Let’s be honest, chances are you’ve tried just about everything else out there. You’ve gotten really clear on what needs to change and have awareness coming out of the wazoo. And yet here you are, still or again, staring at Groundhog Day down both barrels. Scientific research now reveals that 97% of all cognitive activity—how we live our lives, behave in relationships and conduct business—is in fact (sub)conscious. Therefore, in order to successfully achieve your goals, it is vitally important to know how to identify and transform limiting beliefs held at the (sub)conscious level of mind. When the stakes are high and you have a lot riding on the outcome, sentiments of lofty inspiration or shouty tough love designed to propel you forward aren’t what you need, no matter how well intentioned. What you need are concrete answers. You’re not lacking the ability, motivation or tenacity to take action—you just need help mastering your mindset so you can move your needle of success from stuck to stupendous. Your mindset isn’t personal; it’s just programming—and you can change it in just minutes! - Why willpower & determination doesn’t work - What drives beliefs and behaviour - How to change your limiting beliefs at fibre-optic speed October 11th, 2017 Behind the Lens: Self Love & Acceptance with Roxanne Low Join Roxanne from Roxanne Low Photography and ROXYFOTO as she shares how she overcame her fear of being on the other side of the lens and her quest for self acceptance. Be prepared to be inspired as she talks about women’s experiences along their journey. As a bonus, she will teach us a few tips and tricks for getting photographed. Business Excellence Awards Nominee and Sooke Women In Business Co-Founder, Roxanne Low, is a professional portrait photographer specializing in women’s boudoir and headshots. As an advocate for showcasing authenticity at its finest, she passionately encourages women to step in front of the camera. Her gifts are putting clients at ease by connecting with them through humor and capturing their essence. September 28th, 2017 Copy Writing Secrets to Attract Clients, with Bonnie Chomica Discover why people click away from your website, ignore your social posts, or throw away your brochure. If you’re in business you have to be a writer. Effective marketing is about using the right words to attract attention, make a connection, and entice people to take action. This presentation is for you if you write emails and social media posts, brochures and ads, or website content and bios. Learn the lingo you need to attract more prospects by creating credibility-building content. You’ll discover practical tips you can start using today! August 24th, 2017 Learn the 7 Magic Marketing Questions to Attract the Right Clients and Make More Money, with Deb Alcadinho. Imagine your business if your target market could easily find you, understand the value you offer and were EXCITED to do business with you! Do you feel like you are not connecting with the “right” customer? Or that people don’t really “get” what you are selling? In this workshop-style keynote Deb will share her 7 Magic Marketing Questions to help identify your Target Market and Ideal Client, all with the goal to help you make more money. You’ll work along and delve into how to identify your target market and ideal client and apply the framework to your own business. And we’ll look at the marketing language you use and how you can improve it to speak directly to your new found market and clients. Your marketing and messaging needs to be clear, targeted and relevant, so you save your two most precious resources – time and money. August 8th, Evening Event. Living into your Essence with Liz Stone We are often trained to talk about what we do instead of who we are. We’re taught to value our minds over our hearts…to summarize our skills into our pitch. Do you ever feel like that’s not working for you? Like there’s something missing? Do you feel like you would be more successful just being your true self? You’re not wrong, and you’re not alone. Join like-minded peers in this interactive, intimate mini-workshop to experience your world from the inside out. Discover your essential nature and how to utilize your inherent traits to have more fulfillment in your career and your life. We left this workshop with: - · A glimpse of a new view of yourself - · An experience beyond confidence - · New possibilities emerging - · Understanding your inner power About: Liz Stone is an Ontological Life Coach with 7+ years of coaching individuals and mentoring new coaches in training. She is a business woman with 30+ years of experience in entrepreneurship and business development, having recently co-founded a successful $4m growing startup. With a lifelong passion for human potential, she brings a unique combination of inspired thinking, powerful conversation, and hands-on practical experience to support her clients in creating powerful results in their lives and businesses. She is skilled at supporting clients to access deep wisdom and pathways to creativity they didn’t know they had, to create lives they didn’t know were possible. www.lizstone.com July 27, 2017 How to Set Boundaries, Say No, and Still Feel Good About It, with Erin Acton When was the last time you said “yes” when you really wanted to say “no”? Erin will share with you how you can express yourself clearly so that others respect your decision. Isn’t it time you started saying “no” to others so you can start saying “yes” to you? You will discover: • How to create clear boundaries so it’s easier to say no. • How to say no in a way that people respect, and leaves you feeling good about it • How to deal with people who won’t take no for an answer About: Erin Acton is an international speaker and certified life and business coach. Before that, she doused so many fires while leading the communications for a $50M company that she burned out. From the ashes of her 20-year communications and broadcasting careers, she started her own business and created powerful tools and strategies so no one else needs to struggle like she did. Now Erin helps leaders and entrepreneurs go from burnout to balance. But most of her clients aren’t burned out! They just have big goals and dreams and want to avoid burnout while making their magic happen. Her step-by-step formulas, practical tools, and high-impact techniques can help you create balance, live with purpose, and love your life. www.erinacton.com June 24, 2017 10 Marketing Tips to Increase Branding & Visibility for Your Business, with Deb Alcadinho Marketing your small business can be challenging. It is the key element to all successful businesses. Let’s face it, as a small business owner, you have an array of options when it comes to marketing. Essentially, EVERY thing you do is, in some form, “Marketing” your business. How you communicate your product or service may depend on what you offer, but there are common principles you can adopt. Sometimes learning one new thing can make all the difference in your marketing strategy and the way you communicate with your clients (existing and new). Join Deb Alcadinho as she shares her top 10 Marketing Tips that will help you Increase Your Branding and Visibility for Your Business. You’re guaranteed to have at least one aha moment! About: Deb Alcadinho is a branding & marketing maven and business advisor to female entrepreneurs who are serious about growing their business and turning their passionate business into a remarkable business. As a sought after speaker and workshop presenter, she educates women on how to build a business that rocks, how to create a business that truly matters, how to brand, market & communicate the business, and how to network for success. June 5, 2017 Learn the 7 Magic Marketing Questions to Attract the Right Clients and Make More Money, with Deb Alcadinho. Imagine your business if your target market could easily find you, understand the value you offer and were EXCITED to do business with you! Do you feel like you are not connecting with the “right” customer? Or that people don’t really “get” what you are selling? Or that you have difficulty articulating what you are selling? Often it’s because your target market and ideal client have not been clearly identified. Deb says, “If you are marketing to everyone, you are speaking to no one. So get clear and focused!”. In this talk Deb Alcadinho shared her 7 Magic Marketing Questions to help identify your Target Market and Ideal Client, all with the goal to help you make more money. Deb’s keynotes are workshop-style, so you’ll work along and delve into how to identify your target market and ideal client and apply the framework to your own business. And we’ll look at the marketing language you use and how you can improve it to speak directly to your new found market and clients. Your marketing and messaging needs to be clear, targeted and relevant, so you save your two most precious resources – time and money. About: Deb Alcadinho is a branding & marketing maven and business advisor to female entrepreneurs who are serious about growing their business and turning their passionate business into a remarkable business.As a sought after speaker and workshop presenter, she educates women on how to build a business that rocks, how to create a business that truly matters, how to brand, market & communicate the business, and how to network for success. Deb is the CEO and founder of Westshore Women’s Business Network in Victoria. And a business advisor at Your Brand Power. May 25, 2017 Why Instagram is the HOT Social Network for Business and Why You Need to Be There! with JUHLi Selby Instagram has officially gone mainstream! All the big brands are here – as well as people of all ages. And it’s growing fast! They gained 100 million new users in the 2nd half of 2016 – finishing the year with 600 million. By early May 2017 they had reached 700 million! More than 40% of the online population in Canada is on Instagram and growing. Are you wondering if you should finally jump on the Instagram bandwagon? Do you have an Instagram account – but you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing? Would you like to learn more about how this platform works & how to use it effectively for business? In this talk JUHLi covered: - What is Instagram, who’s using it and why? - What to share on your Instagram account – especially if you don’t have a business that lends itself to nice visuals - How you can take baby steps to get started on Instagram, and then how you can ramp up your efforts later as you get more comfortable - How to get exposure for your business locally and/or globally with the strategic use of hashtags & location tagging - Common mistakes to avoid on Instagram - Some intermediate tips & apps to take your Instagram account to the next level! April 27, 2017 How to Fly Your Plane While Still Building It! with Angela Cote Are you ready for take-off? Have you hit turbulence? Or are you flying high? Angela will inspire you with her flight path from Kelly Kabob to being the only female Franchise Growth Catalyst in Western Canada. About: Angela grew up in the world of business growth and franchising. Her father, Mac Voisin, is the founder of the successful iconic Canadian franchise M&M Food Market. The family started the business in 1980 and successfully grew the company to over 450 franchised locations across Canada by 2008. Angela was involved in many areas of the business over the years (from “Kelly Kabob” at early Grand Openings, to working in various roles in the corporate head office, then out in the field doing store visits ensuring compliance, training franchisees, creating and delivering workshops for franchisees and employees, and supporting franchisees as a field consultant). In the late ’90’s, She moved to Vancouver to help develop the chain in Western Canada after attaining her honors degree in Business (Wilfrid Laurier University). In 2000, Angela moved to Victoria to bring the chain to the island as a multi-unit franchisee, opening 3 stores in a year and a half, all exceeding sales projections within their first year. The past 17 years as a franchisee have given her an alternate, invaluable perspective that inspired her to launch a business to help franchisors with growth. Using her franchisor experience and invaluable franchisee perspective, Angela helps early and established franchisors by providing and helping implement the framework for exponential growth. www.angelacote.com March 23, 2017 GPS to Create Your Business Success with Barbara Edie. “It’s always seems Impossible until it’s done.” That quote, from Nelson Mandela, sits on Barbara Edie’s desk and is the essence of her latest book, “Creating the Impossible,” What It Takes to Bring Your Vision to Life, as well as what she teaches in her workshops and mentoring. In her book and trainings, Barbara offers a set of principles that when applied provide an inner guidance system and path to creating your desired results without getting caught up in the FEAR and the HOW. She likes to call it “GPS for your success,” because it moves you in the direction of your vision in a simple, easy, and effective way, often with surprisingly fast results. While “Creating the Impossible” contains a set of eight principles, Barbara will discuss three keys to succeeding in business with ease and power, including: - Your focus creates your reality; - How to embrace the mystery rather than the fear and move forward; - Tapping into your intuition to get the simplest and best action to take next. Want to know more? Check out www.creatingtheimpossiblebook.com About Barbara: “Creating the Impossible” contains the message Barbara believes she came to the planet to not only deliver but also to live and role model. By applying the practical wisdom gained from her own transformational experiences, as well as her interviews with visionary change-makers around the globe, Barbara has been able to “connect the dots” to create seemingly impossible results and bring her visions into reality, often quickly. For example, last March she decided to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro; she was standing on its 19,000-foot summit in September. Earlier in 2016, after rewriting the entire manuscript of what is now “Creating the Impossible,” she launched the book in November; it became an Amazon bestseller 2 days before it was officially released. Now through her writing, speaking, and transformational workshops, Barbara’s vision is to inspire, teach, and empower others to create their ‘impossible’ dreams—in business and in life. And that vision is already unfolding. The principles in “Creating the Impossible” are being considered as part of a new curriculum for a school in Kenya to teach children a mindset that will empower them to consciously create their dreams from a young age. March 13, 2017 PITCH PERFECT: The Art of the Elevator Pitch with Rosemarie Barnes What makes people like you and want to do business with you? Is it your name? Is it the name of your company? Is it what you do and how you do it? No. It’s not. What draws people to get to know who we are, what we do, and where we do it, is that somewhere in the introductory meeting and elevator pitches we offer, they get an inkling that we may be able to steer them into solving their top of mind problem, help them address a burning issue, or somehow be of value to them. Until that impression has been made, your name, rank, and serial number hold no interest for them. Yet, how do we begin this most important introduction of ourselves to others? With our name, our company, and what we do there. And why? Initially it’s because of habit, and continually because we don’t know how else to do it. An elevator pitch is nothing more than an invitation to begin a conversation: done well, others are drawn to you; done poorly, they can be repelled or at the very least, bored. Join Rosemarie Barnes as she provides insight into the powerful opportunities that can be unleashed through your Elevator Pitch. Learn the most powerful words to include, the ones to leave out, and the best ways to connect what you do, with what they need. About Rosemarie Barnes: To Spark, Speak and Hear your Brilliance is Rosemarie Barnes’ purpose. She sparks brilliance in others by offering understanding of the generation gaps so prevalent in today’s world of business and leads them to bridging that great abyss. She ignites confidence when personal, professional, or corporate reinvention is necessary, and she shares hope among the families and friends of individuals suffering the indignities of addiction. She coaches individuals to speak and share their brilliance in the most powerful ways with their listeners. From compelling content creation and organization to presentation and delivery skills, to vocal control and care, Rosemarie creates speakers who are eloquent, charismatic, and powerful. She uses her own extensive vocal and theatre training to apply her skills as a book narrator, so that authors may extend their reach by providing their words and thoughts via auditory means. Authors’ meanings can be made clearer and more impactful with appropriate vocal tone and emphasis, and can be heard while other more mundane tasks are accomplished. Multi-tasking at its finest! And finally, Rosemarie shares compassion and kindness with others, and steers them toward realizing their value, so they may live their lives with confidence. Learn more at: www,confidentstages.com New Year Resolutions often promise so much, but deliver so little! Whether it’s fitness, weight loss, quality family time or higher income, people usually start off strong, enthusiastic and motivated. But then they get busy and sidetracked, and before long that high energy and focus dwindles away. Grace Gerry has learned in her counselling practice that resolutions can be a powerful tool, as long as you have the right supports to stay on track. Grace has helped hundreds of people to make the life changes they didn’t think were possible, whether with relationships, career or health. At WWBN, Grace will talk about the key steps to harness the power of resolutions to reach your goals, and how to overcome common roadblocks. Find out what is most important to you, what calls to you in 2017, and how to get there. Learn Grace’s best tips and strategies to stay focused, energized and successful. About: Grace Gerry is a registered counsellor with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association, and has a private practice in Victoria for the past 12 years. She offer counselling to individuals, couples and for weight loss. Connect with Grace at 1.250.370-2254 or www.gracefulsolutions.ca or [email protected] Christmas Event: We forgo a speaker this month to come and celebrate the season with good friends, new friends, games, prizes, raffles, wine and a delicious festive buffet. You’ll be welcomed with a glass of wine, donated by Rosemarie Colterman, Homeward Bound Real Estate Team. - Play games * Win prizes. Games organized by Rosemarie Colterman. - Centrepieces sponsored by Millie Vandale, Cabi Fashions - Network with amazing business women! - Bring your decorated and filled Shoe Box to support: www.shoeboxproject.com - This is the last and major fundraiser of the year for our chosen charities which were supported by raffle tickets and wine pull purchases. November 24, 2016 Keynote Speaker: Nicole Smith, Flytographer Meet Nicole Smith… she’s a successful business owner & entrepreneur and mom to 2 boys. She’s a smart, savvy and inspirational business woman. Nicole is the founder and CEO of Flytographer, an online marketplace that connects travellers with local photographers in cities around the world for fun, candid vacation photo shoots in about an hour. She will share her journey and lessons along the way. In just three years, Nicole has grown the Flytographer to over 200 destinations and is on track to do over $2 million in annual revenue. She has forged official partnerships with global travel brands Expedia, Fairmont and Virtuoso. Press around the world has featured Flytographer, such as Conde Nast Traveler: “The Future of Travel Photography”; Forbes: “The #1 Gift for Travelers”; and Oprah.com: “An Ingenious Track Hack”. Mashable has named Nicole “One of 8 Women Shattering the Travel Industry’s Glass Ceiling” and she was recognized byPROFIT Magazine and Canadian Business in 2016 as a W100 Rising Star: “5 Women to Watch”. Flytographer was also selected for both the Metabridge and 40 Hours in the Valley cohorts in 2016. Nicole is also a board member of VIATeC. Prior to Flytographer, Nicole worked for 13 years as a consultant and marketing manager for Microsoft. October 27, 2017 Keynote Speaker: Jessica Cruise, Vibes Fitness Meet Jessica Cruise… successful business owner & entrepreneur, wife and mom to two beautiful babes. She’s a smart, savvy and inspirational business woman. Just a few short years ago, armed with a diploma in Golf Course Management, she happened upon a fitness studio offering a revolutionary type of training. She was hooked. But she saw a hole in the market that this studio wasn’t offering. Fast forward to present day, she’s the CEO of Vibes Fitness, with four franchises, and sights on growth and expansion. She’s learned some valuable lessons along the way. Jessica will inspire you to take action in your own business and sprinkled with some life lessons, you’ll feel empowered and enriched. Come and learn one woman’s journey of success. She’s been recognized in the business community with accolades as a Douglas Magazine Top 10 to Watch winner; Victoria Chamber of Commerce finalist for Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and the prestigious Top 20 Under 40. www.vibesfitness.ca September 22, 2016 – Video Marketing Marketing has changed dramatically over the past few years. Thanks to Facebook, YouTube and your iPhone, it’s now simple and inexpensive to take your business, your knowledge and your offer to a much wider audience using video. Video has been shown time and again to be the most powerful way to increase your reach, your influence and have people come to know, like and trust you. Today over 75% of all web content is video and rising steadily. Yet only 9% of small businesses in the US are using video, which means 91% of businesses are ignoring the most powerful marketing tool. Are you in the 9% or the 91%? There’s an old Chinese Proverb – “When The Winds Of Change Blow, Some People Build Walls, Others Build Windmills”. Today, The Winds of Change are blowing hard in many areas of our lives. Wisdom To Wealth Mastery shows you – simply and easily – how to build your windmill and move your business forward into the exciting Brave New World. Want to know more? Check out Wisdom To Wealth Mastery Orientation for more information. About Sue: A few years ago, if anyone had told Sue Ferreira, then in her fourth decade as an anesthesiologist, she would soon be an entrepreneur, a speaker and creator of Wisdom To Wealth Mastery, she would have keeled over in fits of laughter. Sue’s transformation and shift began at the age of 60, following her divorce and the financial crash of 2008. From her decades as a physician, she had witnessed our increasing longevity and knew the financial crash would affect the future of millions for years to come. Yet, we also live in a fascinating time of Rapid Change and Disruptive Technologies, which offer great opportunities, but we all know, change can be scary and overwhelming. To eliminate the scary overwhelm, Sue created Wisdom To Wealth Mastery showing you, simply and easily, how to use the new marketing, to craft your Wisdom to create long lasting Wealth, using all the tools of the New Marketing, with a focus on video. If you have missed the recent rapid revolution, which has up-ended the way business is done, Sue’s Wisdom To Wealth Mastery is for you, as she walks you, simply and easily, into the Brave New World of business and video. August 25, 2016 – Perfectly Imperfect – 4 Steps to Let Go of Perfection Keynote Speaker: Julie Atkinson, RN and Mentor Do you have a message to share but are scared to be visible? Is it your time to become you and live your true potential? Are you ready to realize the powerful beauty that lies deep within you? Julie’s talk will inspire you to become Perfectly Imperfect by letting go of the perfection that is holding you back from living your dreams and desires. Julie will share her four steps to let go of perfection - Awareness of your story that keeps you hidden - Bust your limiting beliefs to live your true potential - Commit to change by letting go and letting in - Design your personal transformational template About Julie: Julie now dedicates her life to encouraging the power of transformation. She has embraced her role as a catalyst for change, in her own life and in the lives of others. New Look New Life is more than just a retreat centre for advanced skin care techniques. It is Julie’s sanctuary from which she helps others to heal: through compassionate conversation, skin treatments, motivational speaking, writing, educating, and mentoring. Learn more about Julie – visit her website: www.newlooknewlifeconsulting.com and to read her story visit: http://newlooknewlifeconsulting.com/about/julies-story/ July 28, 2016 – Connecting Your Financial Dots … Live Your Dreams! Keynote Speaker: Shari Molchan Life is short. Stop settling by using money as an excuse to not develop yourself, your business, or your dreams. Instead, be inspired and fired up to take action. Shari Molchan challenges and inspires excellence in yourself to; - clarify what motivates you - align your realities with the opportunities around you - simplify your finances - develop your confidence in life and in business For over 19 years, Shari Molchan has helped hundreds of women, men and couples change their lives. Her super-power is getting you right with money in a feel-good kind of way. She’s all about results – not mediocre results – kick-ass results. www.molchanfinancial.com or www.sharimolchan.com June, 2016 – No meeting. Deb had a death in the family so we did not have a meeting this month. May 26, 2016 – Happiness Infusion! Get a fresh taste of personal well being in this inspirational and fascinating introduction to the science of positive psychology. Learn the research results that prove happiness leads to greater success. Come away with simple, applicable skills that will fuel your personal happiness and create positive contagion amongst the people you influence. The field of positive psychology research has massively expanded our understanding of human potential—most of this discovery has happened in the last 15 years. We now know that happiness is not a lucky outcome resulting from a fortunate upbringing. Rather happiness generally results from skills that some people naturally pick up. This presentation makes clear that we can all learn to be happy. Neuropsychology, through the wonder of modern science, shows that brains actually re-wire to make happiness more accessible on a day-to-day basis. Everyone can build a happy brain. The mechanisms to do so are now relatively well understood. Learn how happiness can be brought into your life and the lives of the people you work with, play with, and love. About Paul Krismer; Paul is the Chief Happiness Officer and founder of The Happiness Experts Company. Paul is a noted public speaker and trainer. His authentic and passionate commitment to his subject matter shines through his work. Playful and captivating storytelling complements his intelligent and accessible presentation of the science of happiness. His teaching is powerful, authoritative, and convincing. At the same time, Paul is exceptionally practical. He makes real his conviction that happiness is for everyone. And indeed, everyone leaves his courses inspired to put their learning into practice. Paul Krismer has a proven track record as an inspirational leader. For twenty years, he has served in senior management roles—overseeing hundreds of staff, multi-million dollar projects, and cheerfully growing future leaders. As a Certified Executive Coach, Paul is appreciated for his kind-hearted, yet relentless pursuit of the client’s best life. Helping people to reach greater happiness and success is his trademark promise. His forthcoming book, “Whole Person Happiness” aims to give everyone access to his expertise. As a teacher of cutting edge positive psychology, he is truly a “Happiness Expert”. Paul is a proud member of the International Positive Psychology Association and the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers. www.happinessexperts.ca April 28, 2016 – Understanding the Generational Divide Keynote Speaker: Rosemary Barnes, Confident Stages Being a business owner, employer or leader in today’s business world requires an awareness of the needs of Generation X, Y, and Z. We interact with people of all ages in our business, personal and social lives. Whether engaging with staff, clients or your children, understanding the difference in values and what motivates them will help make you a better communicator, employer, parent and business owner. Savvy employers are aware that Generation X prefers carefully funneled information, Generation Y feeds on mentorship and praise, and the upcoming Generation Z needs to understand how their tasks fit in with the whole. “Business leaders are becoming increasingly frustrated by the changing attitudes of today’s employees. Not only do leaders and managers need to keep on top of rapid technological advances, but today’s job seekers are changing the very face of how business is conducted. Using gross generalities only to make a point, the Millennials are seen as entitled with no internal motivation, and Generation Z, the latest to begin to hit the job market, will not abide the pyramidal corporate structures so common today. The old version of decision-making and leadership, rightly or wrongly, is being threatened, and leaders and managers are reeling without knowing how to cope.” Join Rosemarie Barnes as she provides insight into the generational divide, how to cope, how to strengthen relationships and how to make the workplace more united. About Rosemarie Barnes: Rosemarie is all about voice – your voice. She is a speaking & presentation coach, client workshop facilitation, instructing speakers and singers about healthy vocals production. Additionally she uses her voice for voiceovers for your audio books/audio work, she delivers keynote presentations and workshops… and so much more. In her role as a presentation coach, Rosemarie is uniquely qualified to help others because of her own training and experience as a speaker, because of her understanding of stage spaces, because she’s a really, really good teacher, and because of her deep seated objection to the overuse and abuse of slides in the speaking arena. As a speaking coach, Rosemarie helps clients to create strong presentations out of solid ideas all the way from conception to final presentation, including speech development and formatting, presentation skills, and how to use the voice as a powerful tool for greatest impact. She has presented in, and assisted others with, their own presentations for: theatres, lecture halls, boardrooms, classrooms, at conferences, and the bathroom shower. Her spirit of optimism and curiosity continue to lead her a journey of learning and discovery, with her ultimate goal being to leave the world just a tiny bit better than she found it. www.confidentstages.com March 24, 2016 – Be a Sales Hero: Attract and Help More Customers by Being Less “Salesy” and Weird. If any part of your business success requires you or your team to speak to potential customers, you know how important the sales conversation is. However, something crazy happens when we switch to sales mode, and we often can become someone we’re not. We know what it feels like to be sold to and we don’t want our customers to feel that way. Sound familiar? Learn the repeatable process of crafting sales conversations that not only work, but make you feel good doing them. You will understand some of the key aspects of human behavior, influence, and resistance that may be holding back your best sales conversations. A few small tweaks to the way you sell can allow you to take complete control of your results. Joe Girard is a sales coach who helps his clients around the world get results and enjoy the process, from start-ups to large multinationals. He’s an authority on empowering people to sell more, have fun, and win consistently. Joe combines a mix of sales expertise, education, and leadership development to enable more professionals to become “Sales Heroes.” They’re the ones who are willing to do the hard work to serve those around them. He works with individuals, teams, and organizations to create systems, have deeper understanding of how their customers make decisions, and build their bulletproof mindset to succeed. Learn more about him at joegirard.ca, changegrowachieve.com, and at salesheroacademy.com February 25, 2016 – Branding 101 for Your Website Let’s face it, if you have business today, you need to have an online presence. And if you’re going to have that presence, you have got to make sure that it represents you well. This is called Branding. Kim & Niki will dig into the true essence of branding, specifically when it comes to creating an impactful website that allows your customers to see your unique value. We will ask you to step away from the frenzied landscape of recycled tips and tricks, “must-dos”, and guaranteed solutions that have become synonymous with this world of branding. In the current zeal to keep up with the next big thing, businesses are forgetting to simply build a consistent and meaningful relationship with their customers, the ones who are wanting to connect with your message. In this session we will not “tip-and-trick” you, but rather deliver insights into honing your authentic message to truly resonate with your customers. We will look at how to deliver that message consistently online, and we’ll focus on keeping that message simplified so that you are not distracting your customers away from why they should want to work with you. You are the expert in your business and you have a unique story to tell. Defining that story and being strategic in its delivery is the very nature of branding. About Kim and Niki: In their business Brand Brilliant Kim and Niki have packaged up their decades of branding & web design experience, and offer it to you through easy and affordable website workshops. You can join their Website Bootcamp, where they’ll guide you through the process of building your own impact website, or join one of their smaller workshops focused on specific branding & website topics that you are dying to just conquer! This duo is passionate about empowering you to push past obstacles, find clarity, and reconnect with the reason you began your business in the first place. www.brandbrilliant.ca January 28, 2016 – Building Your Business With YouTube. How to use YouTube as a social network, building brand, authority and community. Steve Dotto, spent the better part of 2 decades on TV educating Canadians on how technology fits in their lives. In 2012 he shifted his focus to YouTube, and over the past 4 years has built a significant following online. More significantly he has converted that following into a community and that community into a business. Steve will share the lessons he has learned in this short journey, with a focus on how you can use video to build your brand and business. In March of 2013 he had less than 3,000 subscribers, one year later he had 20,000 subscribers, and now he has over 70,000 and growing by 4,000 per month. Not to impress you, but rather impress upon you that it can be done. Spending 15 years teaching Canadians how to use and embrace technology has given Steve a unique perspective on the changing world; a perspective that he shares with energy and passion. A background in comedy, including stints in theatre and with Second City, contribute to make Steve an engaging, relevant, often irreverent, and highly entertaining speaker. www.dottotech.com Dec 10, 2015 – Christmas Party - No guest speaker - No literature sharing tables will be utilized - Bring an item you’d like to donate to the raffle prizes - Purchase your raffle tickets at $10 each (at time of registration or at the door) to win prizes. All money collected will benefit our chosen charities. - Help make a woman in a shelter at Christmas feel special by contributing a decorated and filled Shoe Box for the www.shoeboxproject.com Linda Ferguson is heading this up and will collecting filled shoe boxes. For ideas on what to put in your shoe box, please visit the website. Let’s help make Christmas special for Victoria women in transition houses. November 26th, 2015 – Create & Deliver a Compelling Elevator Pitch! Keynote Speaker: Anna Coleshaw-Echols, Good To Great Public Speaking How eloquent are you when someone asks, “What do you do?” In the proverbial moment when you have 1 minute to tell a stranger who you are, what you do, and what makes you different, can you pull it off? Learn how to craft and deliver a compelling elevator pitch. It’s often not WHAT you say, it’s HOW you say it, that sets you apart and makes you memorable at networking events and during presentations. Anna Coleshaw-Echols of Good to Great Public Speaking Training, will provide strategies and solutions to help you be a memorable, confident and polished speaker, no matter what the occasion. Join us at Westshore Women’s Business Network on November 26th and Get Your Pitch On! About Anna Coleshaw-Echols: Anna has a passion for public speaking and is on a mission to cure the world of the fear of public speaking. For over 15 years, Anna has helped hundreds of clients master the art of public speaking. With her compassionate, confidence-boosting and interactive teaching style, she coaches her clients to conquer their fears of public speaking and develops confident, polished speakers. She is an accomplished author, speaker, trainer, and speech coach. Give her an hour on a stage, a week of workshops, or just one day, and she will EDU-tain you while initiating a life-changing journey. www.goodtogreatps.com October 22, 2015 – 3 Keys to Unveiling the Hidden Power of Your Decisions Keynote Speaker: Anna Harvey, Boost Potential Life’s full of them. Tough Choices. Tough Decisions about career, business, education and partnerships are only a few of the ones we’ve all faced. Knowing 3 key things can help you unveil the hidden power of your decision, and bring with it the peace of Living Aligned. Join us on October 22, 2015 when our keynote speak Anna Harvey of Boost Potential shares her knowledge gained from her years of study and working with women on their life and career transitions. Anna is a speaker and a facilitator who inspires people to journey into the heart of their uniqueness in order to create a fulfilling, deeply satisfying life. In her entertaining presentations, her enthusiasm, humour and genuine desire to share insights and inspiration shines through. You’re sure to get a boost! Anna works with clients privately or in workshops, and is Certified as a Retirement Coach, Passion Test facilitator, and Lumina Spark practitioner. September 24, 2015 – Take Charge of Your Time & Thrive in Your Business Kick off the Fall season with excellent time management strategies in place. With more than 10 years experience coaching mid-career professionals through positive career transformations, Julia James can attest that effective time management is a key ingredient to achieving success. She is excited to share her tried and true time management tools to help you achieve success in your business or career. Guaranteed to not ‘waste your time,’ Julia will share 3 tangible time-management tools: - – Eliminate your daily time wasters, once and for all. - – Get and stay organized in 5 minutes daily. - – Break large projects into small action steps and get them done. You will leave inspired to take charge of your time, so you can thrive in business and increase your productivity. About Julia: Having transformed her career from a struggling scientist to a thriving career clarity coach, Julia is passionate about helping people connect with their true calling. With over ten years of experience of coaching people through positive career transformations, Julia knows that when you are happy at work, your happiness fills all aspects of your life. Julia is a seasoned certified life coach (CPCC, PCC) and award-winning author of The Mini-Retreat Solution. Her calm, centered, positive energy infuses everything she does. For more information, visit www.juliajames.ca August 28, 2015 – Facebook Business Pages, Maximize Your Results Keynote Presentation: JUHLi SELBy Is using Facebook for business still a mystery to you? Do you find you waste a lot of time without getting any business results? Do you wonder if you even need a Facebook business page? If you already have a business page, is it painfully slow going – slow fan growth & no engagement?Everyone seems to love Facebook…Do you wonder what you’re doing wrong? Attend this session to learn: - How Facebook business pages work - How to set up your page to maximize likes & drive traffic to your website - Tactics to maximize views and engagement to increase free exposure – what’s working right now - How to avoid negative feedback – which reduces your free reach - Tactics for using Facebook ads effectively About: JUHLi is an award winning marketing and technology instructor who has educated hundreds of professionals and small business owners on how to use social media tools effectively to build relationships online that will lead to sales. She’s the founder of JUHLi SELBy Social Media, a training company based in Victoria BC, that offers private lessons, public workshops and online training. She’s also a social media marketing instructor at Camosun College and a proud member of the Freebird Collective – an independent alliance of branding & marketing professionals in Victoria BC. JUHLi helps clients evaluate their existing online presence by looking at their business goals, resources and the ideal audience they want to attract, to help determine social media strategy.She’s an enthusiastic and patient trainer who shares creative ideas, and helps her clients and students get comfortable with online marketing technologies so they can find, connect with and expand their audiences. www.juhliselby.com July 23, 2015 – Give Yourself Permission: Self-Care for Business Women Keynote Speaker: Sue Maitland Women business owners juggle many responsibilities, from taking care of children, running a home, caring for elderly parents, not to mention managing and running their business. Often taking care of ourselves takes a back seat to everything else we’re responsible for. Without our health we cannot build wealth in our business or support our family. It’s time to take care of YOU and realize self care is NOT selfish. Join Sue Maitland, Life & Career Transitions Coach in this hands-on keynote presentation to learn how to Give Yourself Permission for self care. * Learn why self-care is important for ourselves and everyone else in our lives. * Take time in a mini self-care workshop to appreciate yourself. * Leave with 3 concrete actions you can take to integrate more self-care into your life. www.suemaitland.com June 25, 2015 – Stop Wasting Time & Money – Market to the Right Audience As an entrepreneur or small business owner, your hard earned revenues are stretched by the myriad of advertising and marketing options. Stop wasting time and money by marketing to the wrong audience. If you are marketing to everyone and have not defined your ideal client or your target market you are wasting time and money. Join Deb Alcadinho, Business Strategist and founder of Westshore Women’s Business Network to learn what it means to define your target market, ideal client and why it can be breaking point for your business. In this valuable keynote, you’ll learn: - What is a target market and ideal client - How to create an ideal client persona or avatar - Why focusing on the best customer for your business, will increase sales. - How to develop messages with greater precision, focusing on what’s important to your audience in a language they understand. Avoid the The #1 Mistake Business Owners Make: Thinking that targeting limits your opportunities. www.yourbrandpower.com May 28, 2015 – The Art of Business Strategy Keynote Speaker: Lisa Trotter, Driven Business Consulting Successful businesses require a strategy, a roadmap to the destination. Position your business for success and growth. Learn the value of strategic planning and the need for a solid business plan. Don’t cower with fear with the thought of a boring business plan that collects dust. Lisa will provide a basic business plan template and guide you through the steps to writing a business plan for YOU – not your bank. Through the framework of Sun Tzu’s ‘Art of War’, she will explain how to minimize risk to any business by recognizing weakness. Lisa Trotter of Driven Consulting will show you the value of having a strategic plan and how incorporating a business plan, one that you will use, will position you for success. “Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail” – Alan Lakein Lisa Trotter has over 20 years experience in management and operations of small and large scale companies. She is a member of the Royal Roads Alumni, with a bachelor of commerce in entrepreneurial management. www.drivenconsulting.ca April 23, 2015 – Raise Your Fascination Quotient! You’ve seen it in action, stopped and stared when you came across it and perhaps even use it yourself. Fascination, has long been revered as that something elusive, special and almost ethereal in nature. We move towards those who carry high points of fascination. We also purchase products and experiences that hold this quality. Wouldn’t you love to learn to cultivate this winning trait? What is it exactly that binds us to fascination and more importantly, how can we raise our own fascination levels that ensure success in both our personal and business lives? Pamela will share 12 POWER points to start you on the road to a more fascinating existence. Don’t miss it! About Pamela: Pamela Sylvan is the Editor-in-Chief for Downtown and Around Lifestyle magazine, and a PR maven also known as the Mojo Maker. Pamela creates and holds a unique space in order for her audience, clients and tribe to power up their knowledge, internal strength and fortitude which easily converts into authentic, powerful results in any area they choose to direct it. Using methods that are both creative and engaging, she proves to be someone that breathes new life and forward movement into those that are ready to experience themselves and business lives in a new way. www.downtowandaround.com March 26, 2015 – Frock-off! How much money are your Frocks costing you? Hey you, yes you, it’s time to Frock Off! Stop conforming, procrastination, expecting and driving someone else’s bus. It’s time you reclaim and proclaim your place in business and life! Sure we’ve all had imposter syndrome from time to time, such is life and business. How many times have you heard- fake it till you make it? Although at times faking it – donning a frock may seem the only way; make no mistake, frocks impede who we really are. Frocks, like lies, start to pile up and soon they take on a life of their own. Wild success awaits you – but are you willing to take the steps? At this highly interactive session you will learn: - How to recognize the frocks that are holding you back. - Remove the ill-serving frocks and disguises that keep you hidden and inhibit you from wild success - Start seeing wild success in your business – by dropping your frocks - Live the life you imagined- starting today About: Jo Dibblee, consistently recognized as a top performer, always seemed to make it look easy. She seemed to be able to spin cotton into gold. Recognized internationally on several occasions for helping entrepreneurs women exceed their goals and launch their business she seemed to have the perfect life! That was until the weight of the many stories, relocations and many variations of names finally became too much to bare anymore. Jo had been in hiding for 35 years – she was a key witness in a murder investigation. Out of necessity she wore frocks/disguises of protection, she lived in disguise and not even those closest to her knew the real story. Jo is described as a fighter for justice and the people she serves and is ever the optimist. She has been featured on Canadian media nationwide.CTV, Canada AM, Global News, the Journal the Sun and numerous others. Jo is an award winning bronze medalist, international bestselling author and, international speaker. She is driven to give women the tools they need to see wild success! www.frock-off.com Feb 26, 2015 – Pay Yourself What You Are Worth Charge What You Are Worth: Break Free of the Beliefs That Limit Your Potential Are you putting a self imposed glass ceiling on your income? Is fear, guilt, imposter syndrome etc, driving your pricing strategy? If so you are not alone. Discover how to give yourself permission to build a thriving business and start charging what you are worth, not what you think people will pay. At this powerful talk you will learn - Learn Key Areas You May Be Giving Away Your Power With Money - Why Undercharging Is a Disservice to Your Clients - Price is Rarely The Deciding Factor - What your clients really care about About: Nafissa Shireen is an award winning Master Coach, International Speaker and Business Mentor She has a gift for empowering women to reach their highest potential.. With 25 years’ experience leading 6-figure to 9-figure companies, eventually taking on the role of VP of an international mining company, she stepped down from her corporate role and brought her expertise to entrepreneurs to help them focus on sustainable & scalable business growth, so they can create a highly profitable and luxurious business and life. Passionate about helping women earn what they are worth and build their wealth, so that they can realize all of their dreams and desires. She brings together her vast business knowledge with the deep inner work needed to help entrepreneurs identify blocks, step out of fear and overwhelm, raise their wealth consciousness, and move forward towards their goals with measurable, tangible results. www.nafissashireen.com She is a featured Expert and regular contributing author for Today’s Innovative Woman Magazine, and is profiled in Canada’s 2014/2015 Distinctive Women Magazine Jan 22, 2015 – Everything You Need to Know About Goal Setting in 2015! Keynote Speaker: Inga Michaelson Goal setting is one of the most powerful things you can do to chart the course of your future and increase your success. However, most people don’t set goals or don’t effectively work with goals. The reasons for avoidance are numerous: Fear of failure with setting a goal and not accomplishing it. On the flip side is the fear of success. What will happen if you do succeed and get what you want? Sometimes there is the fear of setting our goals too high or too low and what if we don’t know what we really want – and get it wrong? For all of these reasons above and more, people avoid setting goals or don’t focus on them consistently enough to achieve them. During this talk, Business Coach Inga Michaelsen will share with you the most common mistakes made when goal setting and how to avoid these potential pitfalls. Inga will also speak to the importance of setting the “right” goals – the ones that are in alignment with your deepest values and most authentic desires. Once you are clear on these, working with goals will bring more focus, fun, inspiration, momentum and success to your business and life! About Inga Michaelsen Inga beliefs that we are all called forth to bring positive change into this world and that using entrepreneurial principles can be a great vehicle for doing just that. Inga supports her clients to do the inner and outer work required to create a passion infused, purpose driven and profitable livelihood and offers high-end, high-impact one-on-one and group coaching programs. Inga facilitates experiential leadership retreats and speaks on the topics of business development and personal growth. She is interested in the movement from the ME to the WE and is actively engaged in creating cultures in which we all show up as leaders and co-create a future that is anchored in possibility, creativity and love. www.freebird-coaching.com GOLD MEMBER MEETING SPONSOR: Dr. Diana Galbraith, 1st Get Healthy Dec 11, 2014 – Christmas Party Strictly a social event, this is always a great event and not to be missed! Entertainment, games, prizes, fantastic food and meeting other amazing women – what could be better?! Your need to knows: - No literature sharing tables will be utilized - Bring a prize you’d like to donate to the raffle prizes - Purchase your raffle tickets at $10 each (at time of registration or at the door) to win prizes. All money collected will benefit the Victoria Women’s Transition House. - Help make a woman in a shelter at Christmas feel special by contributing a decorated and filled Shoe Box for the www.shoeboxproject.com Linda Ferguson is heading this up and will collecting filled shoe boxes. For ideas on what to put in your shoe box, please visit the website. Let’s help make Christmas special for Victoria women in transition houses. - Bring a shoe box and receive an extra raffle ticket!! Nov 27, 2014 – Keynote: How to Bust Stress & Boost Your Confidence with Mini-Retreats As busy, entrepreneurial-minded women we often find ourselves stretched too thin and overwhelmed by responsibilities. Julia James believes that sustainable success is founded on positive daily practices that profoundly shift the way we perceive challenges and make decisions. She calls these daily practices “Mini-Retreats.” In this fun, interactive keynote presentation you will learn how to: - relax, even when you don’t have a moment to spare - face challenges with calm and confidence - let go of nagging feelings of guilt we so often associate with self-care Walk away empowered and inspired to enjoy daily Mini-Retreats that will have you soar in business and in life. About Julia: Having transformed her career from that of a struggling scientist to that of a thriving life and career coach, Julia James is passionate about helping people connect with their true calling. After ten years of coaching people through career transitions, she is even more enthusiastic about her path as a life and career coach. Julia knows from personal experience and from witnessing her clients’ transformations, that when you are happy at work, your happiness fills all aspects of your life. Julia James is a certified life coach (CPCC, PCC) and award-winning author of the book, The Mini-Retreat Solution. Her calm, centred positive energy infuses everything she does. Visit Julia’s website at www.juliajames.ca to learn more. GOLD MEMBER MEETING SPONSOR: Vanessa Backlund, Lyoness Cash Back Program. Oct 23, 2014 – Keynote: Why Saying Thank You Doesn’t Always Work Have you ever wondered why the people around you say they don’t feel appreciated but you feel like you are always saying thank you and trying to recognize them for their efforts? Join Denise Lloyd, Engaged HR Inc. Based on The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace by Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Paul White, this short, entertaining and perspective-building presentation is all about understanding the different appreciation languages and how speaking the right language can have a huge impact on your relationships. Learn the difference between recognition and appreciation and have your co-workers, employees, clients and volunteers feel like they are worth a million dollars to you! Denise Lloyd is the Founder and Chief Engagement Office (CEO) of Engaged HR Inc. and has been in the Human Resources field for over 20 years. Denise is known for bringing new ideas and innovation to the way people work together and for creating forward thinking workplaces. She is a sought-after consultant, speaker, and facilitator on a variety of HR topics and creates workplaces where everyone has opportunity to gain meaning from their work, and where business owners are proud of the kind of employers they are. www.engagedHR.com Sept 25, 2014 Challenge The Hard Way Mentors At the August meeting, our attendees presented some business challenges for brainstorming. We have brought 4 juicy challenges to the September meeting and they will be explored by the Business Experts and Mentors from The Hard Way TV show. You will learn so much with hearing about how others problems are solved. Meet our Panelists: About Sybil: Sybil has a passion for empowering women to take control of their finances and to help other people succeed. Read More Dawn McCooey, Training & Development Mentor | Manager, Skills Development Manager at Women’s Enterprise Centre About Dawn: Dawn is a certified management consultant and worked in adult training & development for 20+ years. Read more Lindalee Brougham, Accounting Mentor | LL Brougham Inc Chartered Accountant About Lindalee: Lindalee is an accountant, a financial planner, a business advisor, a change agent and a team leader. Read more Tracy McAllister, Marketing Mentor | Owner & Director of Marketing at McAllister Marketing About Tracy: Tracy’s clients benefit from her expertise with understanding their consumer markets and direction on how to increase their sales. Read more Here’s a trailer to watch for the TV show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdliAdjr7Ds GOLD MEMBER MEETING SPONSORS: Thank you to our Gold Members who in addition to sponsoring the meeting will have 5 minutes of shameless promotion. Lisa Tinney: Royal Bank, Senior Account Manager, Business & Personal Banking Easy Job Quote, Business Development Manager August 28, 2014 – Got a Challenge? Bring It! Given the easy breezy summer spirit, we’re going to keep things lighter for this month’s networking event. In place of the keynote speaker, we’ll have a “Bring Your Business Challenge” brainstorming event. We did this a few years ago and it was widely received and you’ve asked for it again! We will forgo the networking time at the beginning of the event from 11:30 – 11:50 – so if you’d like to network come early and network from 11-11:30. We’ll grab our lunch soon after 11:30, take our seats, eat and then dig right in! In this format of “Bring Your Business Challenge”, each person at the table will have two minutes to clearly state their challenge or something they need feedback on. Then the table members will weigh in and provide their insight. This is a great opportunity to gain some fresh insight from a different perspective. Not everyone will have feedback on everyone’s challenge and that’s okay. But you may gain some nuggets that you can really use. It will also provide you with some connections that you may want to follow up on and explore the challenge further with some of the participants. Keep your challenge succinct and clear (not as vague as “I want more customers”). Don’t be offended if some people’s challenges get more feedback than yours does – that’s just the way it may roll. So what’s the hot thing for you right now? What’s the thing that you could really use some feedback on? What’s got you stuck right now? Bring it and just maybe you’ll gain some insight to break through and help you move forward. Shelley Rogers from Staples Advantage will also be joining us to speak about the Staples Advantage program with WWBN and how it can save you hundreds & thousands of dollars on your office supplies. July 24, 3014 Keynote Speakers: JUHLi SELBy, JUHLi SELBy Social Media and Sean Charles, Social Media Sean Get Smart(er) with your Smart Phone Join Social Media Sean and JUHLi SELBy as they get you up to speed on productivity & efficiency tools for social media using apps on your smartphone (iPhone and android). Make the best use of those 10 minutes you have between appointments during the day, so you don’t have ‘one more thing’ to do at night on social media – they will show you the best apps to use and how to fit social media into your business day! Topics covered will be: - Gathering content – content curation is key, but how do you do that during your already crammed day? JUHLi and Sean will show you how. - Scheduling content – time management can be challenging and adding social media into the mix can put some people over the edge, but JUHLi and Sean will show you the best apps to use to save your sanity. - Photo creation and enhancing – creating great photos on the go. Attending a conference or seminar and want to share some content with your audience? They’ll show you how to share those awesome photos. Social Media Sean manages dozens of community social media sites all from his smartphone. With over 20 years experience in business and social media, his boyish charm and good looks are no match for his social media savvy. He assists fledgling and established businesses to understand social media, and utilize it to its maximal potential. www.socialmediasean.com JUHLi SELBy, JUHLi SELBy Social Media, is an award winning instructor and resource for professionals and small business owners who are new to social media. She helps streamline the social media marketing information they need, to connect with their audience effectively and build relationships, to meet their business goals. JUHLi’s infectious personality, incredible social media knowledge, 13 years as a sales and marketing professional and her business degree from UVIC all add up to a whopping toolkit of social media super ninja savvy. www.juhliselby.com June 26, 2014 Keynote Speaker: Deb Alcadinho, Your Brand Power 5 Things You Need in Your Personal Branding Toolkit and the 5 Biggest Mistakes of Personal Branding AND You’ll leave with a framework for creating your own Personal Brand! Are YOU Branded? If you want people to flock to your business and share your message – you need a personal brand that’s meaningful. If you want to charge a premium for your time, knowledge and expertise – you need a personal brand that’s relevant. If you want to become the #1 authority in your field – you need a personal brand that’s memorable. Personal Branding and Personal Marketing are two critical components that every business owner, professional and student … okay everyone… need to have nailed down. Your branding toolkit is essential to your personal brand. What is a Personal Brand? - It’s the consistent impression you make day after day - It’s taking the best parts of yourself and moving them forward into the spotlight. - It’s in every email you write, every conversation you have and it appears the moment you turn on the camera. - It’s about working out who you are and what makes you different in a way that resonates with people. - Making the best first impression when you walk into a room AND what people say about you when you leave. - Going beyond content and leveraging your personality and background to engage your audience Are you ready to create a Personal Brand that rocks? Join Deb Alcadinho, owner of Your Brand Power and founder of Westshore Women’s Business Network to learn the 5 Things You Need in Your Personal Branding Toolkit and the 5 Biggest Mistakes of Personal Branding AND You’ll leave with a framework for creating your own Personal Brand! www.yourbrandpower.com About Deb: After more than a decade in the media industry, Deb established herself as an award winning branding specialist in establishing and promoting the brands of her clients and helping them to stand out in unique ways to increase their brand recognition and revenues. Deb naturally sought out opportunities to connect her business clients to one another. She identified a common need: her female clients were seeking ways to make connections, learn new skills, be inspired, grow their businesses and succeed together as a community. Working with such a large group of female entrepreneurs and business owners enabled her to see that many women were not familiar with, or even uncomfortable with, marketing themselves, putting themselves out there and networking in general. Deb is the founder of Westshore Women’s Business Network and Your Brand Power. Three years after launching, a large scale women’s networking organization, Deb found herself eager to be of more service to women who are ready to thrive in their careers or businesses and ready to manifest a personal brand that exudes their confidence, professionalism and expertise. Your Brand Power focuses on two areas of Personal Marketing – Personal Branding and Networking Skills. We provide training to business owners and professional women who want to gain a competitive edge in their industry, organization or company; who want to target the right audience and who want to build a long term business based on customer loyalty. www.yourbrandpower.com May 22, 2014: Keynote Speaker: Stacey Mitchell, Directis Consulting 5 Things Entrepreneurs Can Do to Step Out of their Own Way, and Step Onto the Path to True Success, with Stacey Mitchell Being an entrepreneur isn’t just about the business you own. It’s also about the energy, focus and drive you bring into your business every day. Experience has shown us that many times entrepreneurs aren’t achieving the success they desire because they are unconsciously standing in their own way. This month’s presentation offers a variety of nuggets to take away for both the established and aspiring entrepreneur. With some life lessons thrown in that apply to everyone, you will be introduced to the top 5 ways that entrepreneurs self-sabotage, and tools to identify if you have adopted these habits. Your awareness will be sparked as Stacey provides practical prompts for exploring your old habits and offers challenges for ways to get out of your own way. About Stacey: Stacey’s passion is in helping entrepreneurs become more strategic in the way they do their work. As an entrepreneur herself, she knows how interwoven an entrepreneur’s personal life and work life can be, and looks at all areas when working with her clients. She helps her clients understand the unique talents that they bring to the table, and explores with them how they are holding themselves back from success, and what actions they need to take in order to really achieve their dreams. Stacey is a certified Martha Beck Life Coach, a business maven, a blogger, graphic facilitator, photographer, business owner, and a mom. She brings a rich mixture of experiences to the table, which guide the work that she now does with her clients. April 24, 2014 Keynote Speaker: Wynter Langston, Wynter’s Wellness ‘Energy for Health and Wealth…How Energy can Help You to Create Your Own Success Story in Business and in Life’ You will learn the importance of being aware of energy for the success of your business and how nurturing your personal energy will impact your health and business. You will feel energized as you discover new empowering habits to replace ineffective habits in your life. You will gain awareness, clarity, and focus and a new positive healthy outlook for your future. A bit about Wynter: Wynter’s main focus in life is to empower, inspire and uplift individuals. She knows that energy has a huge impact on our lives, including our business life. She helps clients get back in balance, be their best, do their best and have what they life! Departing from a career in Social Work, she pursued further education and is now highly skilled and educated in many holistic modalities, a certified speaker, trainer, educator, entrepreneur and business owner She created and facilitated her own seminars and coaching programs “Wise women, Wise Choices’, ‘Life by Design’ and an employee program called “How to Turn Stress into Success”. Wynter Langston, Wynter’s Wellness. Wellness Consultant | Professional Speaker | Empowerment Coach www.WynterLangston.com March 27, 2014 Keynote Speaker: Chelsea Potter, Moon Under Water Brewery & Pub This month’s topic: Thinking Outside the Box – diversification in your products, branding and marketing! Chelsea, together with Clay Potter, Brewmaster and husband, travelled Europe studying craft beer. In 2012 they seized an opportunity to purchase a local failing brewery and haven’t looked back. They’ve since turned the brew pub into a thriving business, producing Westcoast influenced German style craft beers. This pair is not one to sit idle! While creating interesting craft beer for the local market, they started looking at alternate markets to grow their business. They’ve taken the canine world by storm, producing a healthy beer for canines (oh and cats love it too!). The Beef and Barley Dunkel and the Chicken and Peanut Pilsner – both non-alcoholic drinks are low carb, alcohol and hop free beverages with added healthy ingredients (salmon oil and glucosamine). The beverages aren’t Moon Under Water’s first foray into animal treats. The brewpub already made dog biscuits from leftover grains, but was looking to appeal to a larger part of the animal market. Through grit, tenacity, innovation and thinking outside the box, they have emerged into an alternate market. Smart! Talk about diversification. Every entrepreneur needs to think outside their box and be innovative. You don’t want to miss this meeting as Chelsea shares her personal story, business story and their drive for innovation. … and we might be partaking in beer sample too! (the people kind). Maybe this will get your creative juices flowing on how you can diversify. www.moonunderwater.ca Facebook “How Organized is Your Shoebox?” Get ready for the 2014 tax season with ease! Accounting might not be sexy, but it’s essential to your business running smoothly. Colleen will give you the tools you need to ensure you have what you need to get the most deductions, have the best accounting practices in place and alleviate the stress of tax season. She will cover: - how to stay compliant with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) regarding receipts and records - organizing your receipts - software systems available to assist with tracking income and expenses - mileage log – what is required for deductible vehicle expenses - meals – what is deductible - other allowable expenses for small business owners As a small business owner, we know first-hand the importance of a business having timely and accurate information to enable you to meet your financial obligations and monitor performance. At Security House Accounting Services we take pride in delivering a range of services such as bookkeeping, accounting, and tax preparation to help small and medium-sized businesses work smarter and to help individuals release themselves from the burden of annual tax reporting. We free up your time and give you peace of mind so you can concentrate on what you do best. Colleen has over 25 years in accounting and management roles and in 2012 purchased Security House Accounting when they transitioned from Ontario to BC. www.securityhouseaccounting.com Colleen has excellent blog content on her site as well, with relevant articles and information. http://securityhouseaccounting.com/blog/ Gold Member Event Sponsors: Lucie Zettel, doTERRA Essential Oils, www.mydoterra.com/lucie | Deb Alcadinho, Westshore Women’s Business Network December 12, 2013 Christmas Celebration We have a fun filled Christmas Party for you and we’d love you to join us! What with the festive drink, spectacular food, entertainment and of course the wonderful women you’ve come to know, you won’t want to miss this event. Lunch: cost is $20 members | $30 non-members & guests. Menu is spectacular! and includes a festive drink compliments of Dana LeComte, Tugwell Creek Honey Farm and Meadery Raffle: Purchase a ticket for $10 with all proceeds going to Charity. Will you donate a gift? Please email to let us know. [email protected] or you can donate a gift for our other draws throughout the event! Shoe Box Project: Linda Ferguson (Linda Ferguson Designs) is organizing the Shoe Box Project in Victoria. Decorate and fill a shoe box (we all have one!) with items a woman in need would not otherwise spend on herself. Maybe do one with a girlfriend, sister, your family or a co-worker. up to a $50 value. Boxes will be delivered to shelters just before Christmas. For more info and what to include please click here for an info sheet. Provide a shoe box and get a free raffle ticket! Vocal talents by: Melissima Games organized by Celeste Jacobson, Vibes Fitness Westshore.. November 28th, 2013 Keynote Speaker: Suzanne Heron, Blue Heron Art Enterprises “How to hitch your business to a bigger wagon” Small businesses need very high margins to offset lower volumes, so they need to offer BIG VALUE to their customers. Where does it come from? How to hitch your business to a much bigger wagon will show you how to find the big idea that will elevate what you offer to a higher level of value and price. Suzanne will show you: - How to find your big idea - Being the future - Sharing a major belief with your customers Meeting sponsored by: Daria Bunting, I Dare-ya Designs October 24, 2013 Keynote Speaker: Anna Harvey, BOOST Communications “Speed Reading Others for Business Success – How to make the first 150 milliseconds count!” How accurately are others speed reading you? How accurately are you speed reading others? When it’s important to make a good first impression – initiate a sale, do a job interview, interact with a customer – you’ll have an excellent head start IF you can get a quick and accurate read of his/her personality type. This ability is equally important if you want to continue to grow a good relationship. Our keynote speaker on October 24 is Anna Harvey of BOOST. She’ll give you the clues to watch for in body language, linguistic style – even work space! You’ll also learn specific tips on how to initiate positive rapport.Anna is an experienced speaker and facilitator who inspires people to journey into the heart of their uniqueness in order to create a fulfilling, deeply satisfying life. In her entertaining presentations, her enthusiasm, humour and genuine desire to share insights and inspiration shines through. Anna works with clients privately or in workshops using two powerful self-awareness tools – The Passion Test and Lumina Spark. Her C.L.E.A.R. Program helps people discover their passion and potential. She volunteers as the President of Soroptimists International Victoria Westshore, a mentor with Community Micro Lending, and an in-school facilitator with Junior Achievement. August 22, 2013 Keynote Speaker: Sarah Daviau, Piece of Cake Communications “Do you have an Elevator Speech for your business?” An Elevator Speech makes you look and feel more confident and professional. It leaves a lasting impression of you and the business you represent. Find out the number one thing people want to know about your business – and the number one mistake most people make when crafting an Elevator Speech. Learn what to put in, what to leave out, and how to say it in a memorable way.Sarah grew up in the family business where she learned many valuable lessons. Now the proud owner of her own business, Piece of Cake Communications, Sarah is devoted to showing others how to communicate with ease. Her motto is: Be confident. Communicate effectively. Sarah believes that when people are given a bit of knowledge and a lot of encouragement, all of their business and personal goals can come true. http://www.pieceofcakecommunications.net/ July 25, 2013 Keynote Speaker: Linda Ferguson, Linda Ferguson Designs “Anyone can be well dressed with a little organization and a few simple strategies.” Designing beautiful clothing for women is a deep passion that runs like a river through her veins. Linda believes that all women are beautiful, regardless of their age or dress size. Women just need to understand that ‘Looking Good’ is all about Line, Proportion and Balance. Once you know what your Body Type is – then you will only INVEST in clothing pieces that enhance your appearance. Linda Ferguson Designs | Designer Clothing with ATTITUDE! www.lindafergusondesigns.com June 27, 2013 Keynote Speaker: Kristy Martin, Farley Martin Notary Public - You’ll learn when to consider a Corporate Power of Attorney or a Personal Power of Attorney, what they are and how to get them done. - Wills – what clauses you should have in them to ensure your executor can deal with your business on your behalf - Tips and tricks to get organized and ensure your family and business partners aren’t scrambling if they need to take over. Spotlight Speaker: Deb Alcadinho. Get over yourself! Get out there and network. 5 Tips to help you succeed. May 23, 2013 Keynote Speaker: Jill Doucette, Owner of Synergy Enterprises in Victoria “Sustainability & Your Business: How to turn this new imperative into a successful business strategy” We have seen companies grow and prosper through a successful sustainability program. It isn’t just a tack -on, it’s a new norm and those who get on the bandwagon now are realizing the benefits”.Jill Doucette is the owner and founder of Synergy, a progressive environmental firm working to catalyze the green economy in BC. The company, founded in 2008, has worked with dozens of local companies to help achieve sustainability solutions that positively impact the bottom line and the brand. “It is absolutely key to ingrain sustainability into the company in order to maximize the benefits to both the business and the environment. Jill works within the community to help bridge the economy and the environment as a member of the CRD Roundtable for the environment, new Co-chair of the VIATeC sustainability roundtable, Director of the Synergy Sustainability Institute, and Board member of the Lifecycles Project Society. A passion for start-ups and business planning, Jill has received the National Nicol Entrepreneurship Award and the VanCity leadership award for her endeavors in business that bridge the link between sustainability and commerce. www.synergyenterprises.ca/ Spotlight Speaker: Annette Quan, Manulife Securities “Matching your money to your values” Specializing in Ethical/Sustainable Investments and Values-based Financial Planning www.stephenwhipp.com/ Charity Spotlight: Andrea Carey, Victoria Goddess Run. The 2nd Annual Goddess Run on June 3rd, supports 3 women’s charities and this month, we will hear from Andrea about the Goddess Run and the third of the three charities: Tracy Lubick, Victoria Women’s Transition House. www.victoriagoddess.com April 25, 2013 Keynote Speaker: Andrea Ting-Letts, SCRIBE Professional Writing “Crafting a Killer News Release” As small business owners, we have tough choices to make when it comes to spending our hard-earned income. Deciding where to spend our advertising and marketing dollars is perhaps the hardest – not to mention the most expensive – decision of all. But what if you could access FREE ADVERTISING? Advertising that tells your customers what you are all about, what you stand for, and how you are contributing to your community? Quite simply, media exposure is possibly one of the most effective forms of endorsement for your business. An article about your business in the paper or magazine, or a TV or radio spot is the best WORD-of-MOUTH advertising you will ever get. And the only way to secure media exposure is by submitting: a KILLER NEWS RELEASE. But do you know how to craft a news release that INSPIRES, INTRIGUES, or ENTICES? Andrea Ting-Letts, owner of SCRIBE Professional Writing, will lead you through a simple 11-step process to craft a killer news release that will get the buzz going for your organization or business. Andrea Ting-Letts is a professional writer whose passion is to uncover the authentic voice of each business or organization she works with, and to transform dry technical writing into engaging storytelling. Learn more about her business at www.scribeprofessionalwriting.ca Spotlight Speaker: Anna Harvey and Anney Ardiel The Soroptomist International, Westshore Chapter, has started “Anney’s Closet”. The project collects household goods from seniors who are downsizing and gives the goods to young at-risk teens and young moms. Many are aging out of the care system yet still trying to set up their new apartments for themselves, often with their new babies. The girls come to Anney’s Closet to ‘shop’ for free household goods, and we hope a rocking chair to help with mother/child bonding. Charity Spotlight: Andrea Carey, Victoria Goddess Run. The 2nd Annual Goddess Run on June 3rd, supports 3 women’s charities and this month, we will hear from Andrea about the Goddess Run and the second of the three charities: Joan Wharf Higgins, ProMotion Plus. The remaining charity, Victoria Women’s Transition House will be speaking to us next month. www.victoriagoddess.com March 28, 2013 Keynote Speaker JUHLi Selby, JUHLi SELBy Social Media Did you know 76% of small businesses don’t have a social media plan? Do you have a social media plan for your small business? Have you already spent time “doing social media” but haven’t seen any results? Are you wondering if you’re wasting your time? If you don’t have a plan for your social media marketing yet – this session is for you! We will cover: - The importance of being clear on your marketing message & your ideal target market BEFORE you start building your community online - How to assess your current online presence & how you compare with your competition - How to know which social networks are a fit for your ideal audience - How to create a plan of action which will include: Goals, how you will measure success, which social platforms you will use, tactics for each platform AND a plan for content creation, curation & sharing - Time management: How to set yourself up for success – some effort now will save you much time later! SPOTLIGHT SPEAKER: Andrea Carey, Victoria Goddess Run. The 2nd Annual Goddess Run on June 3rd, supports 3 women’s charities and this month, we will hear from Andrea about the Goddess Run and one of the three charities: Victoria Women’s Sexual Assault Centre – Lenore Kennedy, Resource Development Manager. The two remaining charities, Victoria Women’s Transition House and ProMotion Plus will be speaking to us over the next few months. www.victoriagoddess.com | www.vwsac.com Event Sponsor: Loreli Urquhart, Alter Ego Fitness February 28, 2013 Keynote Speaker: Anna Harvey, Boost Communications “4 Steps to Creating Your Competitive Edge” Looking for ways to find ‘the edge’ in your business that will make you stand out in the crowd? It’s much closer than you may think! Keynote speaker Anna Harvey of BOOST shares a 4-part process to help you create your ‘edge.’Anna is a speaker and a facilitator who inspires people to journey into the heart of their uniqueness in order to create a fulfilling, deeply satisfying life. In her entertaining presentations, her enthusiasm, humour and genuine desire to share insights and inspiration shines through. You’re sure to get a boost! Anna works with clients privately or in workshops using two powerful self-awareness tools – The Passion Test and Lumina Spark – to explore and discover the potential within. She volunteers as the President of Soroptimists International Victoria Westshore, a mentor with Community Micro Lending, and a facilitator with Junior Achievement. January 24, 2013 Patricia Wade, Patricia Wade Design Graphic Design and Branding, Do’s and Don’ts. What Every Business Owner Needs to Know! Branding is one of the most important aspects you can do for your business. A strong brand is invaluable as the battle for customers intensifies day by day. It’s important to spend time investing in researching, defining, and building your brand. After all, your brand is the source of a promise to your consumer. It’s a foundational piece in your marketing communication and one you do not want to be without.Patricia Wade is the owner of Patricia Wade Design Inc. offering complete graphic design services. Patricia has been a graphic designer since 1984 and has owned her own business since 2002. Patricia studied art and graphic design at the Ontario College of Art and Design. Patricia Wade has a diverse clientele, from corporations to government and scores of small and medium-sized businesses. She is passionate about helping small businesses succeed and is one of the founding members of the BNI Bear Mountain Chapter and is now a BNI Director. She also believes in giving great customer service and in 2012 won the Westshore Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year in the Individual/Home-based business category. In addition, being a finalist for the 2012 Vancouver Island Business Excellence Award. www.patriciawadedesign.com December 13, 2012 You’re invited to the networking event of the holidays. We will come together to appreciate the lovely women we have come to know this year, and connect with new ladies! In place of our typical meeting, we will be enjoying a festive event filled with entertainment, prizes, great food, fun and networking! Entertainment: Enjoy the beautiful singing voices of April Reidie of Lovenotes and the vocal trio of Mellissima with Lisa Tinney, Melaney Black and Melanie Wittur. Event sponsored by: RBC Royal Bank – Christine Campbell & Lisa Tinney. - Gwen Nowlan, Sweet Art Supplies is helping 2 families for Christmas again this year, as she has done for the past 8 years. We’d like to support the food banks and these two familiesDonations of non-perishable food, money, gift cards for food or gas, gift certificates for malls. The two families we are helping are a single mom with two boys (8 & 10) & the other is a single disabled father with three kids but only one lives with him who is 17 and in grade 12. - If you wish to bestow a gift on another as a prize, please bring it with you for our fun draws. - Don’t forget your business cards and any promotional literature you may want to share for the sharing tables. - Click on the link below to register. Payment at the door with cash or cheque. Cost is $20. November 22, 2012 Keynote Speaker: Lisa Edwards, Ideography Presentations can be powerful tools of persuasion when well crafted and supported by meaningful images. Though many people fear and avoid them, presentations can be an effective way to position yourself as an expert in your field and, in turn, expand your business. You will leave this presentation with: - More confidence to use presentations to build your business - Ideas for designing your next presentation with visuals to captivate your audience - Tips for using Prezi, Powerpoint, and other visual tools to make your presentation memorable Spotlight Speaker & Event Sponsor: Frederique Philip, co-owner & Innkeeper at the award winning and prestigious Sooke Harbour House in Sooke.[fb_button] October 25, 2012 Keynote Speaker: Karen Knight, Toastmasters International Karen Knight’s presentation is essential for any business woman who needs the confidence to speak clearly & concisely to her peers, colleagues, clients whether in an informal meeting or formal presentation. You will come away with solid information and tips on: - How strong communication skills can help in business and life - Communication – what it is and what it isn’t - Quick tips to handle nerves - Suggestions to ensure that your message is clear and focused - Places to find more information and/or training For Karen’s handout, click hereKaren went from being too shy to say her name to giving dramatic, entertaining speeches to large audiences. She has facilitated workshops on public speaking, creativity, speech writing and goal setting, as well as conducting officer training for local Toastmaster clubs. Drawing on a wide range of knowledge and experience, Karen is able to make even complicated, abstract concepts easy to understand, as well as having a superb ability to pass that knowledge on to others. Karen Knight, Immediate Past Lieutenant Governor Marketing for Toastmasters International in BC, has been an enthusiastic member of Toastmasters since 1996. She has served successfully in several executive roles, from club President to, most recently, Lt. Gov. Marketing. She is currently a member of two clubs, including an advanced club. Spotlight Speaker: Dr. Marianne Trevorrow, Naturopathic Physician, spoke about ‘taking care of the girls’. In this special presentation, in this month of Cancer Awareness and the personal fight with breast cancer of one of our WWBN members, Marianne provided sound information. She spoke of things we can do to help ourselves and thermography imaging available to detect breast cancer that might not be clear on traditional imaging.[fb_button] September 25, 2012 Guest Speaker: 3 Dynamic Women from RBC Financial Advice for Women in Business – Borrowing, Banking & Retirement – for the Entrepreneur As a woman in business, solopreneur, entrepreneur or small business owner, you need to know how the financial institutions look at your financial picture. Let the experts from RBC Royal Bank®give you some insightful tips and advice. - So how does a bank look at a business? - What financing option is best for me – Term Financing vs. Operating line - A quick overview on Payroll Structures - Things to consider when ‘shopping’ for a mortgage - Mortgage advise for buying or refinancing your home - What to expect if you are self employed; what documents will be required by the lender. - Are you building a business that will support your retirement or are you relying on other resources? - Have you set aside funds in retirement vehicles? What are your options? - What are the succession plans for your business? - How much do you need in retirement? When and what does retirement look like for you? Spotlight Speaker: Caroline Herbert and business partner Robin Holden combined their years of fundraising talents to form EventsCan.. Their mission: to create a unique fundraising event to bring together corporate sponsors and the public in support of a specific charitable cause. Theyhave managed corporate functions for 10 people to the NHL Awards Gala for 1500. Producing events behind the scenes, while the client (you!) receive the rewards and recognition. EventsCan… will showcase two of their upcoming events: Inspiring Sales Success Saturday Oct.20 at the Victoria Marriott. Redirect Rethink Refocus a one day seminar on how you can achieve increased sales in the current economy. With Start Ellis-Myers and Clemens Rettich. For more information contact Caroline @ [email protected] 250-383-4380 Friday October 19th at the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour. “The Evening to Inspire” 2012 is a Celebration of Inspiration, in it’s 4th year, will support of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. It is a gala event aimed at motivating you to pursue your dreams. This year’s motto is “change your thoughts, change your life”. The keynote speaker will be Stuart Ellis-Myers, aka Twitchy, an internationally known and respected speaker on communication leadership. When he speaks of improving lives, he speaks from personal experience—since the age of nine, Stuart has “suffered” from Tourette’s Syndrome. Stuart overcame his hardship by studying the universal laws of the mind; he learned how to test and immediately apply usable life principles to his own growth and also how to share them with others for their benefit. He is one of North America’s most uniquely inspirational and in-demand motivational speakers. Music will be provided by Skyla J & The Vibes and Stephanie Greaves. This is going to be an exciting event that you will not want to miss![fb_button] August 23, 2012 Keynote Speaker: Susan Low, CEO & Founder, Directis Consulting Group “5 Ways to Be Strategic Every Day” Success in life is 5% inspiration and 95% hard work and perseverance. Even with the best planning in the world, you will only achieve business and personal success if you develop and practice the habits to be strategic every day. Learn about five ways you can easily incorporate strategic planning into your daily life so that your goals become reality.Susan Low is the CEO and founder of Directis Consulting Group. She is co-author of StratPad Non-Profit, an iPad app for strategic planning that will be in the App Store later this fall. Going into her tenth year of business in September, Susan has successfully translated strategic planning concepts from the Fortune 500 boardroom into the lunchrooms and back storerooms of small businesses, where the action really happens. www.directis.ca Spotlight Speaker & Event Sponsor: Karen C. Mason, Karen Mason CFP, CLU, CHS, Mason Financial.is a Certified Financial Planner, a Chartered Life Underwriter and a Certified Health Insurance Specialist. She has been involved in Financial Services since 1983. Her background includes management roles such as trainer of financial advisors and development manager. She has worked extensively in the fields of tax and estate planning, retirement planning, business succession planning, farm transfer planning, charitable giving, life, disability, critical illness and long term care insurance. Karen will be discussing the Chamber of Commerce extended healthcare and dental benefits which are affordable and comprehensive and are designed specifically for the small business owner. www.masonfinancial.net July 26, 2012 Keynote Speaker: JUHLi SELBy, JUHLi SELBy Social Media - Defining your business goals and knowing how to incorporate them into your social strategy - The importance of having your own piece of online real estate (your website) set up to help meet your business goals – BEFORE you start doing any social media networking - Why it’s important to have clear calls to action, a way to capture visitor information and the opportunity for 2-way interaction on your site - Why you should be doing email marketing (unless your target market is age 25 & under) - Why you should consider blogging (if you’re not already doing it), and why it’s important to set up a private content plan to help give you direction & keep you on track - How to know which social channels could be a fit for your business - What is social media ROI and how to measure it? … and so much more! Spotlight Speaker: Cindy Moyer – Do you ? the ARTS? The City of Colwood does, and is championing the development of a community arts centre for Royal Bay. Cindy Moyer, community relations consultant working with the City, will talk about the community’s vision to build a performing arts and cultural centre where Emily Carr painted one of her most famous works, “Above the Gravel Pit”. You can learn more at www.emilycarrwestshore.ca Event Sponsor: Forbes Pharmacy Group & Casino Royale Rentals[fb_button] June 28, 2012 Keynote Speaker: Lowell Ann Fuglsang, Workstyle-Lifestyle Consulting - You’ll hear about Daniel Pink’s New Conceptual Age; - You’ll discover that the feminine/right brain skills are a leading edge asset to business development; - You’ll discover a feminine model for receiving the support and encouragement that is often missing in the business world. - You’ll hear about applying the feminine way to the social media world May 24, 2012 Guest Speaker: Mandy Farmer, President & CEO of Accent Inns Mandy has joined an elite group of Canada’s Top Women Entrepreneurs, as recognized by PROFIT magazine’s annual W100 list. In a few short years, under Mandy’s leadership, Accent has expanded its markets, greened more of its business process and retained staff far beyond industry standards. Accent had a profitable year while holding true to the company vision of investing back into the community, in light of a poor global economy Recognition is based on ranking Canada’s top women entrepreneurs on a composite score based on the size, growth rate, and profitability of their businesses. Mandy’s successes rank her 40th on the list of 100. During the evolution of Accent Inns, under Mandy’s direction, one of her goals has been to “grow the brand” of the organization. Mandy’s presentation today will be “Growing Your Brand”. Spotlight Speaker & Event Sponsor: Tracey Hansen, Sun Life’s Sales Manager and Recruiting Officer will provide you with an overview of Sun Life Financial. Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of protection and wealth accumulation products and services to individuals and corporate customers. Chartered in 1865, Sun Life and its partners, today have operations in key markets worldwide. Sun Life Financial Advisors share a proud 140 year history of providing financial security solutions to millions of Canadians. April 26, 2012 Keynote Speaker: Shirley Johnson, Johnson Management & Consulting. “What every business woman needs to know about finances – like it or not!” No one said financials were FUN, but Shirley will help demystify! Building on Lori Voyer’s presentation last month, Shirley will discuss: - Identifying income needs – income wants – target profit - Identifying fixed costs & flexible costs - Creating a budget - Analysis of income and expenses on a regular basis – compare to targets - How to keep track of purchases and income efficiently and easily - WHY do all this? Shirley Johnson is the owner of Johnson Consulting and Management. She raised 7 children while managing a family owned business. She has an extensive background in financial and administrative management. Her passion now is helping others create an environment that facilitates business success. Spotlight Speaker: Carolyn Thomas, My Heart Sisters, The Heart & Stroke Foundation. What every woman needs to know about heart health! Come and hear about Carolyn’s inspiring life, heart attack survival and experience as the first Canadian woman at the Mayo Clinic symposium on Women’s Heart Science and Leadership. Event Sponsor: Loreli Urquhart, Alter Ego Fitness Special Presentation: Judy Fanstein, Executive Director and Founder, YesBC. Youth Climate Action Summit and the Off-the-Grid Music and Art Festival – May 25th March 22, 2012 Keynote Speaker: Lori Yoyer, The Business Connection. Lori Voyér and her team at The Business Connection solve business operational headaches and help business people become more successful! Lori works with small businesses to streamline and setup business work flow processes and efficient technology tools. By helping women operate their business more smoothly and effectively, business women become more successful and prosperous. At the March WWBN luncheon Lori will present the Top 3 Ways to Make Your Business More Successful by examining business tools every business woman should know how to use: - Identify start-up and ongoing expenses - Determine your break-even point - Track revenue and income expenses. Spotlight Speaker: Mellissima Vocal Trio is an a capella vocal trio dedicated to enhancing special occasions with harmonious live performances. With a repertoire of music from madrigals to jazz, sacred to bawdy, soothing to uplifting, old classics to new pop tunes, join Lisa Tinney, Melaney Black and Melanie Wittur for this special performance ‘spotlight’. Special Presentations by: Jennifer Harrison and Kathryn Mullis, Vagina Monologue. This international play is being featured on the Westshore in March 31 at Isabelle Reader Theatre, along with a silent auction. The author has set up an amazing organization (vday.org) where those who present the play donate back 10% to the Global Campaign and the other 90% is donated locally to an organization in support of Women Affected by Violence. We have chosen the Pacific Centre Family Services Association (Stopping the Violence against Women Program) Philanthropic Component: Wear2Start – Presented by Adele Deegan. Wear2Start works with unemployed women who are living in poverty; who are seeking to enter the workforce and need the help to regain their confidence through a professional appearance. They assist women by selecting suitable job interview items such as clothing, shoes, accessories. Each woman receives individual, personal attention to her needs. We also co-ordinate other necessary services such as haircuts, make up consultations, dry cleaning, and alterations. Wear 2 Start is a Non-Profit Society and Registered Federal Charity. Wear 2 Start seeks no government assistance and has no paid employees. It is operated entirely by volunteers together with community partnerships and private donations. Event Sponsor: Barbara Scott & Associates, Coldwell Banker, Slegg Realty[fb_button] February 23, 2012 Keynote Speaker: Anna Harvey, Boost Communications. If you’ve looked around and noticed that the passion is missing from your business or your life, then you won’t want to miss this talk by Anna Harvey. Anna is a Passion Test Facilitator and specializes in helping people connect to their passion or, in her words, “what makes your heart sing.” She’ll be drawing on her experiences as a Passion Coach, an entrepreneur, a mother and life enthusiast to present a serious, yet entertaining talk entitled “ONE SIZE FITS ALL: How to size up the passion in your life and business. Spotlight Speaker & Event Sponsor: Dawn McCooey is a business advisor with Women’s Enterprise Center. How to Stay In Love With Your Business. Dawn holds a master of arts degree in leadership and training and will soon be moving to the Acting Training Manager position. Dawn ran her own employment consulting business for 18 years and is an avid off-shore sailor. January 26, 2012 Keynote Speaker: Amelia Warren, CEO, Epicure Selections in Victoria BC Epicure Selections is a 100% Canadian, family-owned, women-led company. Epicure was started in 1991 by Sylvie Rochette, who, dissatisfied with what the market had to offer her family in terms of nutritious meals that were quick and easy to prepare, created her own spice blends, quickly developing a passion for this ancient art. Sylvie started out with a small manufacturing facility (her basement) and then moved to James Bay. In 2003 Sylvie bought 80 acres of agricultural land on the Saanich Peninsula, its current production facility, distribution centre, home office and vineyard. Today, Victorian Epicure Inc./Epicure Selections has grown into Canada’s largest direct seller with over 10,000 consultants across Canada. Amelia will share the strategies and successes of her family’s business and the importance of ‘growing your culture’, as you grow your company. www.epicureselections.com Spotlight Speaker: Gail Cole, of All Things Balanced is Victoria’s Feng Shui specialist. Gail provides consultations for homes, offices and businesses. Her budget friendly workshops teach people how to get started themselves. The results speak for themselves, check out the many testimonials on her website. Gail also does corporate speaking engagements for companies such as Gardenworks, Heirloom Linens, Capital Iron and Baja Rosi’s Consignment. www.allthingsbalanced.com Event Sponsor: Darlene Oudot, Investors Group, Westshore. www.investorsgroup.com/consult/darlene.oudot/ENGLISH/[fb_button] December, 2011 – Christmas Celebration Spotlight Speaker: Dana LeCompte, owner of Tugwell Creek Meadery & Winery. Tugwell Creek Honey Farm and Meadery was licensed as British Columbia’s first Meadery in 2003. The combination of Bob Liptrot’s 43 years of beekeeping experience and over 25 years of mead making experience bring a unique and educational culinary experience to each visitor to the tasting room. Their award winning Meads (honey wines) reflect harmony and balance by blending varietal honeys and berries from our local region. Mead (Honey Wine) is the oldest art of fermentation. Consumed by all, from kings to peasants, mead has gained a reputation as a giver of life, wisdom, courage and strength down through the ages. Event Sponsor: Jacqueline Ellis, Bikram Yoga, Westshore[fb_button] November, 2011 – Spotlight Speaker Lynn Longmuir owner of Healing Scents Aromatherapy Clinic. Lynn is an Essential Oil Therapist and Registered Aromatherapist. Lynn is an accomplished business owner of Healing Scents for the past 14 years which comprised her own practise AND vocational training for Aromatherapists AND as a Board member for the British Columbia Association for Practicing Aromatherapists, she set standards and core curriculum for aromatherapists in BC. November, 2011 – Guest Speaker Tracy McMicking is a Certified Professional Wellness Coach, Speaker, Facilitator and Writer who works with busy professionals to help them bring balance and wellness to everyday living. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in psychology and earned her certification in coaching through the Coaches Training Institute. She is a member of the International Coach Federation and is a volunteer at the Family Medical Clinic providing coaching for women in need. Tracy combines over 10 years of experience working as a parent educator, supporting healthy family relationships with her passion for coaching professionals and entrepreneurs to create successful, balanced and fulfilling lives. Event Sponsor: Jen McCarthy from Newera Wellness an Esperenza Bermudez of Esperenza Esthetics, in Oak Bay, co-sponsored. OCTOBER, 2011 – Spotlight Speaker: Bridges for Women is a non-profit agency with over 20 years of experience in empowering women with a background of abuse and trauma. Carrie Everett, Mentoring and Volunteer Coordinator; Jan Bate, Executive Director and Julie Atkinson, Ambassador for the Mentoring Program will give us a well rounded picture of what Bridges offers women and the great work they do in our communities. OCTOBER, 2011 – Guest Speakers & Event Sponsor: WestShore Chamber of Commerce, Charlotte Wallis, Manager of Membership Services, will be discussing ‘Women Entrepreneurs in Business’, and an outline of what the Chamber’s role is in the business community. September 2011 – Spotlight Speaker Janet Young, All Organized Storage, is an accomplished business woman. Janet provides organizing services, designs, supplies, and installs custom closets and shelving

Book - The Bee Friendly Garden - Doug Purdie A beautifully book written for Australian conditions by a well know Aussie Beekeeper - Doug Purdie. The Bee Friendly Garden is great guide for all gardeners and beekeepers to encourage bees and other good bugs to your garden. Known as the grower's handbook to attracting bees and other beneficial insects. Beautiful pictures with lots of information. The Bee Friendly Garden is a guide for all gardeners great and small to encouraging bees and other good bugs to your green space. Includes: - How bees forage and why your garden needs them - A comprehensive plant guide to bee friendly plants - Simple changes anybody can make - Ideas for gardens of all sizes - Natural pest control and companion planting advice Doug Purdie is the co-founder of The Urban Beehive, which manages over 100 hives around Sydney. He teaches beginner beekeeping courses and is the author of Backyard Bees.

Burning Sugar Cane Field in El Salvador. Still from This Changes Everything. 21 Nov 2015 5:30 - 8:15pm Corner Swanston + Flinders Street Melbourne, Victoria, 3000 Show on map Enjoy a curated program of talks and screen-based works including feature film, This Changes Everything, at Federation Square ahead of the 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP21). In December, the world’s powers will meet in Paris to discuss climate change and decide on the future of our planet. To help prepare for these talks, Fed Square’s Creative Program is presenting three screen works that respond to the problem of climate change in innovative and beautiful ways. In between the films you will hear from four guest speakers who are advocates and community leaders in environmental sustainability. Pull up a deck chair and enjoy this moving and thought-provoking program. Welcome To Country: Aunty Di Kerr – Wurundjeri Elder Screening: Nhawul Bultjubul Ma – To See with Both Eyes To See with Both Eyes discusses the Indigenous experience of climate change and efforts to adapt. Filmed at the Yorta Yorta Climate Change Adaptation Workshop 14 – 15 Nov 2012, Yorta Yorta Country, Echuca. Screening: Counting One to Four – Nature Morte by Debbie Symons With live score performed by D.A.Calf This film visualises the projected affects of the Earth’s predicted future warming upon species and remaining wild environments. Cr Cathy Oke | City of Melbourne Councillor City of Melbourne Councillor Cathy Oke is a sustainability advocate with over twenty years’ experience in the sector and is travelling to Paris for COP21. She is Chair of the Future Melbourne (Transport) Committee and Deputy Chair of the Future Melbourne (Environment) Committee. Sharon Pollard | Fed Square General Manager Operations Sharon Pollard manages Fed Square’s Operations team and oversees Fed Square’s sustainability management plan, which includes a number of successful initiatives and technologies that have enabled Fed Square to become a carbon neutral city precinct. Vanessa Kwiatkowski | Melbourne City Rooftop Honey Beekeeper Vanessa Kwiatkowski is one of the founders of Melbourne City Rooftop Honey, a unique project that aims to bring bees back to our cities. This project seeks to address issues of sustainability by raising awareness of the importance of bee population health and urban beekeeping. Screening: This Changes Everything Watch a provocative and compelling film inspired by Naomi Klein’s international non-fiction bestseller. Directed by Avi Lewis and filmed in nine countries and five continents over four years, This Changes Everything is an epic attempt to re-imagine the vast challenge of climate change. Presented by Fed Square’s Creative Program.

It was an oddly warm New Year’s Eve in Metuchen, New Jersey for Kat Facchini in 2014. The high school senior was visiting her grandmother, just hours before the regular decision deadline to apply to NYU. The Facchini Matriarch’s house was notorious for its spotty WiFi and Kat grew more and more weary of missing the midnight submission time. She thought to herself, “I guess I just won’t apply then. I probably won’t go anyway.” Four years later, the Gallatin senior is more grateful than ever for the sudden surge in connection that night so she could attend the school that would shape her in countless ways. In a few short semesters, Facchini would rise to the top of student life at NYU to become the chair of Welcome Week and experience director for the New York Dance Marathon, executive board member for Alpha Sigma Tau and the Gallatin Student Council, producer for the Gallatin Mental Health Arts Festival and an employee at NYU’s Office of Sustainability. Facchini may not cry out about her love for event planning, but every Welcome Week gives her the chance to personalize every first-year’s experience, which is where her true passion lies. It may only take up a small percentage of her 365-day calendar — her schedule is more overwhelming than her resume — but it’s truly her time to shine. While the yearly campus-wide engagement of over 500 activities and programs for the thousands of firstyears is her happy place, her own Welcome Week in 2015 was quite the opposite. “I moved into NYU on my 19th birthday and I was actually pretty pissed about it,” Facchini told WSN. “All of my friends were across the country and I was very nervous about starting college. I was shy and I didn’t put myself out there right away. I decided to work within Welcome Week because I felt like I missed out on so much from holding back.” Facchini used this regret to make sure no first-year ever had to miss out like her and went from skipping her own Welcome Week Ball for Chipotle, to planning the 2018 Ball. She spearheaded more individual programming, like a Bob Ross paint night and astrology meetup, since first-years aren’t as likely to meet their best friend at the Barclays Center Presidential Welcome. Facchini worked with her co-chair, Joey Santore, a senior in Global Public Health, to curate larger scale events, too, like the Brooklyn Bash for commuters, a silent rave and a comedy show with comedian Gina Yashere. “I was actually nervous to work with her at first because I didn’t know if I could match her level of work,” Santore told WSN. “I don’t think I ever did. All of [her] best traits are impressive even when taken individually, but when they come together, they really paint the whole picture of who she is: a steadfast leader who never has to say how much a project might mean to her, because she shows it. You can see it precisely in the way she executes it.” Witnessing the excitement that came with students enjoying the fruits of her labor, Facchini sought out additional leadership positions. The senior is never not working, with Welcome Week only catalyzing the coming busy year of outside projects. From sorority socials and student council meetings to annual responsibilities like the Gallatin Mental Health Arts Festival, she dedicates herself to a plethora of commitments: most recently, NYDM, a philanthropic event which raised over $600,000 this past weekend. While the 12-hour dance marathon takes place only once a year, NYDM is a year-long crowdfunding campaign that goes straight into the pockets of the families with children battling pediatric cancer. NYDM is a collaborative effort with the university’s Greek life, with most of its participants taking to the dance floor through affiliation with their sorority or fraternity. In fact, it was this event that inspired Facchini to join her sorority, Alpha Sigma Tau. Through the charity, she can honor the life and legacy of a Metuchen High School friend who lost their battle to cancer in 2014. She currently serves as the charity’s experience director, and coordinates all of the day-of logistics for the 2,000-person dance party. “Kat is definitely someone you can go to with any and all [questions] and she has an answer every time,” Jen Leonard, a CAS junior and the NYDM morale chair, told WSN. “She’s a reliable person and on top of her game 24/7. All of us at NYDM see Kat putting her entire self into the event, plus she takes on a huge workload for the fall semester.” More so than organizing sponsorship deals with Redbull or speaking to a packed house at Barclays Center, Facchini is most passionate in her relationship to the environment and the efforts she makes to educate those around her. “For me, it’s all about showing how easy it can be,” Facchini said. “I feel lucky to talk about these matters in class and at my job every day so now it’s really about showing those around me the resources we already have to make it easier on them and the planet.” Environmentalism is a small part of most people’s lives, but for Facchini, it is her academic concentration and desired future source of income. Not only is her concentration — Environmental Science and History — steeped in environmental policy and sustainable practices, but she spends her free time working in the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, and this past summer, at the nonprofit Service for the Underserved, known as S:US. As her graduation date nears, potential places of employment loom over Facchini but she says she can envision herself at a company like S:US. S:US works with individuals in society who experience poverty, homelessness or disabilities and through therapy intersecting with agriculture, the company can make a change. This summer, Facchini worked one of the S:US farms in Bushwick, Brooklyn to help these underprivileged populations regain strength through urban practices like beekeeping and sustainable farming. By intersecting therapy with the environment and art with activism, Facchini hopes to make a difference in the lives of both the individual and society at large. “I’m learning I want to cater to populations that don’t get to learn about environmental protection every day,” Facchini said. “It can sometimes become a very privileged conversation and I wish it wasn’t. The people who need sustainable development and infrastructure the most are underprivileged populations so helping them rather than just white areas is something I strive to do.” This is the final New Year’s Eve that Facchini will be spending at NYU. Reflecting on this same period of time before college, Facchini is overjoyed to be among the students and faculty that she is today. In this robust institution of future Nobel Prize recipients and Academy Award-winners, she stands out for her selflessness. It’s clear there’s never been a Welcome Week warrior or egoless environmentalist like her before. A version of this article appeared in the Thursday, Dec. 6 print edition. Read more from Washington Square News’ “Influential 2018” special issue.

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Type of publication: Peer-reviewed published grey literature Mechanism by which biodiversity affects poverty: Biodiversity component details: Harvesting of the crops, tourism based on the uniqueness of the indigenous varieties. Intervention employed other: The conservation of rare indigenous crop varieties in order to facilitate poverty reduction. Measure of poverty impact used: Income generated from tourism, from selling the local varieties at market and from beekeeping. Assessment of impact on poverty: Evidence assesses the scale of impact: Scale of impact details: The micro-entrepreneurial initiatives have greatly improved household incomes: those engaged in tourism receive approximately US$ 120 per month, those in the agribusiness US$316 per month, and those in beekeeping US$195 per month. By far the most valuable aspect of this activity [tourism] has proven to be the process of improving the self-esteem of family members (particularly women) and supporting a revaluation of cultural identity and of the elements associated with it, including native crops. Sustainability of biodiversity use: Attribute of biodiversity affecting poverty: Does the evidence relate to a specific intervention?: How does the mechanism affect poverty?: It supports immediate subsistence needs It generates income/tradeable surplus Mechanism affects poverty precisely how: The harvested indigenous crops can be sold to generate a cash income, due to other aims of the project being to create better markets this has resulted in a increase in the cash income generated. Additionally the indigenous crops can be harvested to meet immediate subsistence needs. The uniqueness crop varieties has been used to start a agro-tourism venture in the area which has created a number of jobs directly and brought income to area. In addition to a strengthening of cultural identity and pride. Evidence provides measure of poverty impact: Evidence is site-specific: Unit of analysis and sample size: Does the evidence mention the general biodiversity status of the country/region?: General biodiversity status described: Cash income has often been prioritised at the expense of biodiversity, water quality, carbon fixation capacity, and land resources in general. Over time, over exploitation of natural resources.... Does the evidence describe the biodiversity status of the site?: Does the evidence mention the general poverty status of the country/region?: Site poverty status described: Difficult for the rural producers to meet even basic food security needs.....poverty is rife. Malnutrition affects approximately 40% of the population. Farmers in the region have received limited technological and economic support from formal institutions. Does the evidence discuss the governance regime at the site?: Does the evidence describe the poverty/socioeconomic status of the site?: Private property, therefore determined by the landowner (and who they chose to ask for assistance). What is the resource rights regime?: Resource rights regime details: What is the land tenure regime?: Land tenure regime details: Does the evidence mention the power relations?: Does the evidence consider possible trade-offs/costs as well as benefits?: Measure of poverty impact tag: Distribution impacts considered: Duration of impact considered: Outcome replicable elsewhere considered: Thresholds/boundary limits/tipping points of achieving the outcome considered: How costs and benefits/impacts might vary across different spatial scales considered: Presence of possible confounding factors acknowledged:

The benefits of eating locally grown food People the world over are beginning to realise the planet-saving benefits that eating local can bring, in a big way. Huge issues like climate breakdown, food miles and animal welfare are now firmly on the political and societal agenda. Globalised convenience is being rejected in favour of eating locally grown, seasonal produce. It may cost a little more, but the satisfaction lies in knowing that your money is going to smaller, independent producers, that your food hasn’t racked up a carbon footprint to reach your plate and that it’s probably better for you too. Let’s look at some statistics – even way back in 2011, a study concluded that at least two thirds of people consider buying British produce important and nearly three quarters look to buy British fruit and vegetables. Fast forward to 2017, and a combined total of 75% either ‘very frequently’ or ‘occasionally’ buy locally sourced food. The movement is growing, and it shows no signs of slowing. But what are the benefits of eating locally grown food? Why is it important? And how does this relate to our honey? Saving the environment Take a cursory stroll through the fruit and veg aisles at your local supermarket and you’ll be presented with blueberries from Argentina, rocket from Italy and sweet potatoes from Morocco. That’s a lot of miles right there – plus the food will often have been flown into the UK. Eating locally grown food helps to reduce the amount of fuel-intensive transportation required to simply feed you. Our British produced, pure honey is made by bees that pollinate the flowers and crops of these fair isles. Every jar sold helps to provide a fertile ground for British crops to flourish. It also saves our precious honeybees, an essential part of not only the environment but also the very food chain itself. So ditch that New Zealand Manuka honey that’s had to travel across the planet to reach you and add local honey to your local food shop. Investing in your local community Surely it’s better to give your hard earned cash to an independent, local producer, providing jobs for the local community with high standards of ethics and welfare, than to a somewhat faceless conglomerate that values efficiency over quality? Buying local helps to keep money in the local economy, creating more jobs, helping businesses to invest more in quality and most importantly, to continue to flourish in the face of stiff globalised competition. Helping to keep local food businesses going in this way is so important. It’s an investment in ours and our children’s future, as climate-protecting legislation means we must reduce our reliance on fossil fuels to produce, package and transport our food. Local farmers can only grow what’s in season. Luckily, the British growing season aligns nicely with our health and wellbeing. Leafy greens including kale, spinach and sorrel that are abundant in the Spring help our bodies detox after those heavy, carb-laden foods of the Winter. In Summer, berries, watermelons and cucumbers keep us hydrated. Food that has had to travel thousands of miles to reach you will not be at its freshest. It will most likely have been frozen or refrigerated to extreme temperatures, negatively impacting the flavour of the food. Other afflictions such as moisture and nutrient loss, not to mention excessive use of preserving chemicals, are issues over the travelling period too. Local food that you find at a farmer’s market or local farm shop will have been picked a matter of days earlier. Smaller producers tend to rely less on artificial pesticides and promote organic farming methods, which is better for both you and the environment. Being under less pressure to mass produce food, instead focusing on feeding the surrounding area, producers are driven by quality over profit. And most importantly, all of this means that local food simply tastes better! Helping local farmers invest in training and education It’s in local producers’ interest to invest back into their businesses from an education and training perspective. Not only does it help to build interest in the local food scene, but it also provides the skills and enthusiasm required for people to start their own food business, thus safeguarding local food now and in the future. Here at Local Honey Man it’s massively important to us that we preserve the art of beekeeping for future generations, so we run regular beekeeping experiences to arm people with the knowledge to do it themselves. Every jar of honey sold, or training course undertaken, helps us to promote the importance of honeybee conservation as well as continue to support British beekeepers and crops. It’s a win-win situation, whichever way you look at it. Ready to get started on your local food journey for life? Head on over to the links in the menu at the top of this page to explore how we are helping safeguard the local British food community.

A swarm of bees is a wonderful sight … if it’s arriving in your bait hive. It’s still dramatic, but perhaps slightly less wonderful, if it’s disappearing over the fence from your apiary 😉 Although some will disagree, I think beekeepers have a responsibility to both control swarming of their own stock, and capture – or attract – swarms lost by others. Although perhaps incomprehensible to us, some don’t share our passion for bees. Many are frightened and a large swarm is an intimidating sight for the melissophobic. Aside from frightening people, if they move into the church tower or an old hollow tree, they’re likely to develop high levels of Varroa and the pathogenic viruses the mite transmits. As a consequence, they can act as a source of disease to bees in local apiaries, until they’re killed off in the winter. Which they almost certainly will be. I therefore always put out bait hives in late Spring, well ahead of the expected start of the swarming season (which often coincides with the oil seed rape finishing). I’ve described the basics of bait hives previously – a National-sized, bee-smelling box containing one frame of old, dark comb and half a dozen foundationless frames. I often use stacked supers from the, otherwise-awful, Paradise poly hives for this purpose. Dyb dyb dyb† One of the greats sights of the swarming season is the appearance of the first scout bees at the bait hive. First one or two, then a dozen and, within hours or days, hundreds. They check out the entrance and the inside the bait hive. They fly all around the perimeter. They’re unaggressive and you can get up close to watch them at work. If you listen carefully you can hear them pinging into the sidewalls and floor of the bait hive as they move about inside. They actually probably measure the volume by a combination of walking around the inner walls and determining the mean free path length – the average length of all straight lines from wall-to-wall in the hive – in short flights. For an interesting and easily readable discussion of the physics behind this I recommend the short paper by Nigel Franks and Anna Dornhaus (PDF) How might individual honeybees measure massive volumes? In my view, this alone is a good reason to use foundationless frames in a bait hive. Scouts often arrive early at the bait hive and leave late. Their numbers will fluctuate with weather and temperature – they’ll disappear altogether in the rain, but reappear in force once a shower has passed. This short video was taken about 9am, two or three days before a large prime swarm occupied the bait hive. The first scout bees I’d seen had been almost two weeks previously. By midday there were hundreds of bees checking the hive. However, if you look closely, their behaviour is distinctively different from a colony ‘in residence’. They’re much more hesitant in entering the hive and they tend to check the immediate environment much more closely. In contrast, foragers returning to a colony don’t bother doing a couple of laps of the hive … they approach directly and enter with minimal delay. The definitive guide to how scout bees choose suitable locations and then ‘persuade’ the swarm to relocate is Honeybee Democracy by Tom Seeley. This is an outstanding book, beautifully written and illustrated. Swarming is a two-stage process. The queen and flying bees leave the hive and settle nearby – on a branch, a fence post or (irritatingly) the top of a nearby conifer – creating the classic ‘beard-shaped’ cluster of bees. If you’re lucky with your timing and their location you can knock these into a box and, voila, you have a new colony. Tom Seeley describes his own studies (based on the equally elegant work of Martin Lindauer in the 1950’s) that determine how scout bees convince the swarm to move from this temporary staging post to a new nesting location – a tree cavity, the church tower or your bait hive. The scout bees use a variation of the classic waggle dance – on the surface of the swarm hanging in the tree – to ‘persuade’ other scouts to check out the location they’ve found. Through repeated cycles of recruitment and reinforcement a consensus is reached and the scouts then lead the swarm to their new home. That’s the abridged version. Read the book. There are subtleties and anecdotes throughout Honeybee Democracy that mean it’s the sort of book you can go back to time and time again, learning something new each time. I was puzzled by the swarm that arrived in my bait hive. The first scouts appeared early in the first week of May. I was abroad from the 7th to the 14th and confidently expected the swarm to be waiting for me when I got back. However, it wasn’t until at least another week had elapsed – during which scout bee interest continued unabated – that the swarm arrived. I went back to Honeybee Democracy and re-read the second chapter (‘Life in a honeybee colony’) and learnt – or was reminded – that there are early scout bees that are able to judge both nest site quality and the state of the colony preparing to swarm. These scouts are at work before the colony swarms. Uniquely these bees are judging both the availability and suitability of new homes and the readiness of the colony to swarm. They can also tell whether it’s a nice day. The coincidence of these factors – good weather, readiness of the colony to swarm (i.e. sealed queen cells) and potential nest sites – initiate a behavioural change in these scouts that leads to the colony swarming. Are these scouts the earliest sign of swarm preparation? What Seeley doesn’t say is just how early in the swarming cycle these scout bees start their initial explorations. Queens take 16 days to develop from new-laid eggs to eclosion, and just nine days to the sealing of the queen cell. If we assume that the first scouts I saw were from the same hive that subsequently swarmed (and delivered itself to my bait hive) then these scouts were out and about well-before queen cells were even started. Of course, I have no way of telling whether the first scouts I saw were from the same colony that finally swarmed and arrived. Nevertheless, it’s an interesting thought. Perhaps scout bee interest in a bait hive pre-dates the first definitive swarm preparation signs beekeepers can usually recognise – the appearance of charged queen cells? Considering the density of beekeepers (by which I mean apiaries 😉 ) in the UK it’s not easy to see how this would be useful … unless you’re the only beekeeper on an isolated island. However, if you see do scout bee activity at your bait hives it might be worth being more assiduous than usual when checking your own colonies in the neighbourhood. † Dyb dyb dyb is an abbreviation for ‘do your best‘. This was part of a cub (not scout) ceremony and was followed by Dob dob dob (‘do our best‘). It was abandoned in the late sixties, but lives on in tricky questions on Qi. The title of this post is a play on ‘Scouting for Boys‘, the book on Boy Scout training, written and illustrated (originally) by Robert Baden-Powell and published in 1908. The book contains sections on scoutcraft, woodcraft, tracking, camp life, endurance, chivalry, life saving and patriotism. It was the inspiration for the scout movement and Baden-Powell was the founder and first Chief Scout of the Boy Scouts Association (and the founder of the Girl Guides). It is estimated that 4 million copies sold in the UK alone, with global sales in the 20th Century exceeding 100 million. The book even contains reference to honey bees with the statement that bees form a ‘model community, for they respect their Queen and kill their unemployed’. The Boy Scouts of America used to offer merit badges in Beefarming (1915-1955) and Beekeeping (from 1955). The Beekeeping merit badge was discontinued in 1995. Scouting for Girls is an English pop rock band. They have recently announced their 10th Anniversary Tour (Oct/Nov 2017) which means they’re much too new for me to know any of their music 😉

I’ve been pondering this question thanks to an excellent conference my husband and I attended in Stamford in the middle of November: New Networks for Nature. This is the third year my husband (a teaching associate in the biology department at the University of Reading) has participated, and the second year in a row I’ve chosen one day to go. Last year I had the privilege of seeing some truly phenomenal nature writers. Dave Goulson spoke about his efforts to protect bumblebees; Helen Macdonald gave a reading from H is for Hawk; and Paul Evans and Mark Cocker were on a panel about being Guardian country diarists. This year one of the conference highlights was a debate between Guardian journalist and rewilding proponent George Monbiot (Feral) and Tony Juniper (What Has Nature Ever Done for Us?), former head of Friends of the Earth. The topic: Is nature an economic resource or a thing of intrinsic value? Both gentlemen came out swinging and were at their most convincing. Unless we make an economic case for preserving nature (pollinators, hydroelectric power, ecotourism), Juniper believes, we will lose it. If we reframe our approach to play on bastard politicians’ turf, Monbiot counters, we’ve already lost our integrity. Nature is worth saving for its own sake; the problem is not our arguments but our lack of power. I tended to agree with Juniper: we aren’t winning the conservation debate in any other way, so why not introduce financial incentives? This doesn’t stop us from appreciating nature for aesthetic and spiritual reasons; it’s just another strategy. I amused myself by imagining the opponents as a solitary noble knight waving the flag of idealism (Monbiot) and a new Noah packing nature into a money-papered Trojan horse to trick the pesky government (Juniper). If these two, in a roundabout way, pondered what nature is for, the previous session had asked more specifically what nature poetry is for. Led by Ruth Padel, one of my favorite poets, the roster also included Jo Shapcott and Pascale Petit. Each read from her work for 15 minutes and then together they answered audience questions as a panel. I’d never heard of Petit but ended up loving her poems – they were the highlight of my day. One was about the piece of land her mother left her in France; she asked herself in what sense she could possess the place, and soon realized that it was really a pair of resident kingfishers who owned it. She writes around her difficult childhood, imagining a father who could never be cruel to birds – but then picturing him polishing off an ortolan bunting as his last meal, as Mitterrand was said to do. Along with birds, big cats provide many of the metaphors in her work, including Aramis, a black jaguar in the Paris Zoo, and the jaguar corridor in Belize. Padel read “The Alligator’s Great Need and Great Desire,” followed by several poems from The Mara Crossing that she had written for members of the conference steering committee, such as one about storm petrels off the Skelligs and a snippet of biographical verse about Audubon. The lovely “Nocturne” commemorates nightly jellyfish migration, a “ghostly flotilla.” She also read one that she said was the closest she gets to an angry poem: “The Forest, the Corrupt Official and a Bowl of Penis Soup” (from 2004’s The Soho Leopard), on the absurdity of killing rare animals – in this case the tiger – so their parts can be used in medicine or cuisine. Her final reading, from memory, was “Tiger Drinking at Forest Pool”; I nearly teared up when she spoke of “Sadness healed. Haven, in the mind, // To anyone hurt by littleness.” Shapcott read two series of wildlife-themed poems. The first set, commissioned by Padel for the Zoological Society of London, was about the slender loris, which is also suffering from its use in traditional medicine as well as habitat loss. The second was a sequence about beekeeping, from the perspective of a woman who has just been left by a beekeeper. “Telling the Bees” reflects the folk belief that you have to inform bees of major events or they will leave; it ends “he’s gone, honeys; now you’re mine.” As the poem cycle continues, the hive becomes incorporated into her body until she can’t be separated from the bees. Padel prefaced the discussion by asking how poetry should be in the face of extinctions and the destruction of the planet. She believes a sophistication of voice and expression is required; it’s not a matter of grabbing people by the lapels and saying “LOOK AT THIS,” but of putting the details together and being a witness. Shapcott echoed her with Heidegger’s query – what is the poet for in a desperate time? She reiterated that the poet should hold up key questions and let them resonate in people’s imaginations, not force-feed answers. Petit added that in her poetry birds are metaphors for the exploitation for the weak. All three agreed poetry is about embodiment, sensory response to the world – essential since we live least in our bodies of any species, Shapcott observed. The theme of this year’s conference was “Place and Belonging,” and it struck me that all three poets were responding to the idea that nature belongs to us and can be used like any other possession. Instead, they reply, we should think about the places we belong to, and how we can serve rather than exploit nature. But the key is not to spell that out in polemic verse, but rather to speak of life’s particulars and hope that we manage to point to the universal. I’ll end with part of a stanza from Padel’s “The Watcher” that seems to reinforce the personal, spiritual value of nature that so much of the conference suggested: Quest for the sacred. And if I could track that one stork down on its winter ground, maybe I’d know what has become of life and me and where to go. I’d pour libations, follow the omen, set up sacrifice to the god of wayfarers, even pay a call on the seer who decodes the flight of birds. I’d prophesy. One of my goals with this blog is to have one convenient place where I can gather together all my writing that has appeared in disparate online locations. To that end, once a month I’ll provide links to all the book reviews I’ve published elsewhere, with a rating (below each description) and a short taster so you can decide whether to click to read more. A couple of exceptions: I won’t point out my Kirkus Indie or BlueInk reviews since I don’t get a byline. Dandelion Angel by C.B. Calico (& interview): This was inspired by a non-fiction work, Understanding the Borderline Mother by Christine Ann Lawson. The four mother/daughter relationships in this Germany-set novel – all marked to some extent by dysfunction, physical and/or verbal abuse, and borderline personality disorder – are based on Lawson’s metaphorical classifications: the hermit, the queen, the waif, and the witch. Looping back through her four storylines in three complete cycles, Calico shows how mental illness is rooted in childhood experiences and can go on to affect a whole family. The Last Pilot by Benjamin Johncock: Cinematic descriptions of the California desert setting plus excellent characters and dialogue enliven this debut novel about a fictional test pilot and his family troubles during America’s Space Race. Johncock is British, but you can tell he’s taken inspiration from stories about the dawn of the astronaut age. If I allowed myself small points of criticism, I would say that it’s a challenge to accept the passage of time in the final 50 pages, and that a keen interest in astronauts is probably a boon to keep readers going through the test flight portions, which to me were less compelling than the domestic drama of Jim, Grace and Florence. Home Is Burning by Dan Marshall: At age 25, Dan Marshall went home to Salt Lake City to care for a father with ALS and a mother with leukemia. He and his four hapless siblings (a Sedaris-like clan) approached caregiving with sarcasm and dirty humor. Gleefully foul-mouthed, his memoir lacks introspective depth. He hardly ventures deeper than initial descriptions like “My gay brother, Greg” and “My adopted Native American sister, Michelle.” And even when his sentiments about his father are sincere, they are conveyed via what sound like clichés: “I wanted my poor dad to get better, not worse.” But to my surprise, Marshall made me cry in the end. Of Orcas and Men by David Neiwert: Inspired by personal sightings near his home in Seattle, Neiwert set out to learn everything he could about orcas. The result is a thorough study of whales’ behavior and interactions with humanity from native mythology through modern-day aquarium shows. Some specialist interest would probably be helpful to those attempting this book, although there are plenty of black-and-white photographs to keep even casual readers interested. “Recovering our humanity may be the real gift of the orcas, what they can teach us. It’s our choice whether to listen.” This Is Your Life, Harriet Chance! by Jonathan Evison [a subscription service, but an excerpt is available for free]: A widow in her seventies relives the ups and downs of her life while on an Alaskan cruise to scatter her husband’s ashes. Chapters alternate between a third-person account of the cruise and a second-person survey of Harriet’s past, delivered in the format of TV’s This Is Your Life. The narration is fresh and effective because the gradual revelations undermine Harriet’s elderly persona in such surprising ways. She is an out-of-the-ordinary but believable protagonist who, like all of us, has a mixture of victories and disappointments behind her. This is a charming novel about learning to reckon with the past. Speak by Louisa Hall [subscription service, but the full text of my review will be available for free during the week starting September 25th as part of Editor’s Choice]: Hall interweaves disparate time periods and voices to track the development of artificial intelligence. The fact that all six narratives are in different documentary formats – memoirs, letters, the transcript of a dialogue, a diary, and so on – means they are easy to distinguish. One might argue that two of them (Alan Turing’s letters and Mary’s shipboard diary) are unnecessary, and yet these are by far the most enjoyable. They prove Hall has an aptitude for historical fiction, a genre she might choose to pursue in the future. A remarkable book interrogating how the languages we converse in and the stories we tell make us human. You Too Can Have a Body Like Mine by Alexandra Kleeman: Think of Alexandra Kleeman as an heir to Dave Eggers and Douglas Coupland, with a hefty dollop of Margaret Atwood thrown in. Her first novel is a full-on postmodern satire bursting with biting commentary on consumerism and conformity. Television and shopping are the twin symbolic pillars of a book about the commodification of the body. In a culture of self-alienation where we buy things we don’t need, have no idea where food comes from and desperately keep up the façade of normalcy, Kleeman’s is a fresh voice advocating the true sanity of individuality. Don’t miss her incredible debut. Conflict Communication by Rory Miller: Based on “ConCom,” the police verbal de-escalation program Miller developed with Marc MacYoung, this book aims to introduce readers to more conscious methods of verbal communication that will sidestep instinctive reactions and promote peaceful solutions. The advice is practical and intuitive, yet picks up on tiny details that most people would not notice. Concise, helpful, and well-organized, this is strongly recommended for readers interested in the psychology of violence and improving communication skills. Detained by Brian Rees: Rees intersperses witty e-mail updates from his tours of Iraq and Afghanistan with clued-in commentary about war tactics, terrorism, Islam, and the benefits of transcendental meditation (TM) for soldiers with PTSD. The mixture of formats and topics generally works well, though the spiritual material deserves its own book. There’s no denying Rees’s expertise, and his fluid writing keeps the pages turning. This could make a fascinating companion volume for fans of recent war fiction such as The Yellow Birds, Redeployment, and War of the Encyclopaedists. Talk to Me of Love by Julia Anne Bernhardt: The poems in Bernhardt’s first collection range from erotic to spiritual as they investigate love in all its forms. Repetition, rhyme, and mantras produce hypnotic sonic effects and support the central message of the epigraph: “God is in the detail.” The everyday and the eternal mix here. This well-structured collection celebrates different types of love through meditative verse. The themes’ strength is enough to recommend it to readers of Jo Shapcott and Julia Copus. The Hidden Treasure of Dutch Buffalo Creek by Jackson Badgenoone: Otherworldly ghost writers (the “Neverborn”) compose biographies for ordinary people in this playfully metafictional novel. James is a strong central character whose memories from the 1950s through the present give a sense of history’s sweep, while vivid descriptive language enlivens the settings. Although well written, the book as a whole is an unusual amalgam of spiritualism, historical nostalgia, and technology. James’s story might have been better told as a simple coming-of-age novel with flashbacks. Common Ground by Rob Cowen: An unassuming patch of edge-land outside Harrogate is Cowen’s nature paradise, providing him with wildlife encounters and imaginative scenarios. Essentially, what Cowen does is give profiles of the edge-land’s inhabitants: animal and human, himself included. For instance, he creates an account of the life and death of a fox; elsewhere, he crafts a first-person narrative by a deer being hunted in medieval times. These fictions emulating Watership Down or Tarka the Otter, though well written, are out of place. When the book avoids melodramatic anthropomorphizing, it is very beautiful indeed. We Love This Book Where My Heart Used to Beat by Sebastian Faulks: In Faulks’s thirteenth novel, his trademark themes of war, love and memory coalesce through the story of a middle-aged psychiatrist discovering the truth about his father’s death. Reminiscent of Birdsong as well as John Fowles’s The Magus and Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms, this does not have the power of Faulks’s previous work but is a capable study of how war stories and love stories translate into personal history. [A few extra thoughts at Goodreads.] I also post reviews of most of my casual reading and skimming on Goodreads. How to Write a Novel by Melanie Sumner: Our would-be novelist is Aris (short for Aristotle) Thibodeau, 12.5 years old and as precocious as Flavia de Luce. Diane is her single mother, and Max her downright weird younger brother. Using Write a Novel in 30 Days!, Aris is turning her family’s life story into fiction. In some ways they are very out of place here in Kanuga, Georgia. The child’s wry look at family dysfunction reminded me of Sue Townsend’s The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 ¾. I would probably read something else from Sumner, so long as it wasn’t quite as silly and YA geared as this. The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr: I would recommend this to anyone who reads and/or secretly wants to write memoirs; for the latter group, there is a wealth of practical advice here, on topics such as choosing the right carnal details (not sexual – or not only sexual – but physicality generally), correcting your facts and misconceptions, figuring out a structure, and settling on your voice. Along the way Karr discusses a number of favorite memoirs in detail, sometimes even line by line: Wild by Cheryl Strayed, Stop-Time by Pat Conroy, A Childhood by Harry Crews, Maya Angelou’s books, Speak, Memory by Nabokov, and so on. Emblems of the Passing World: Poems after Photographs by August Sander by Adam Kirsch: A charming mix of historical photographs (1910s–1950s Germany) and poems. Kirsch uses his poetry to bring these one-dimensional figures to life, imagining the stories behind their generic titles (“Office Worker” or “Farming Family”) and sometimes slyly questioning the political and status connotations of such designations. One of my favorites was “Student of Philosophy.” This book could draw people whose interests usually run more to nonfiction – especially social history – into giving poetry a try. Releases November 17th. Browsings by Michael Dirda: Dirda wrote this pleasant set of bibliophilic essays for the American Scholar website in 2012–13. He’s the American equivalent of the UK’s John Sutherland: an extremely well-read doyen of the classics with a special love for Victorian and Edwardian genre fiction, often as revived by small presses and specialist societies. At times Dirda’s interests can be a bit obscure for the average reader, and some of the essays feel redundant. Still, it’s easy to relate to his addictive book purchasing and hoarding. The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels: I read this on the train to Manchester, appropriate reading when approaching one of the UK’s biggest centers of Victorian industry and the place where Marx and Engels met to discuss ideas in the mid-1840s. Like Darwin’s Origin of Species, another seminal Victorian text, this has so many familiar lines and wonderful metaphors that have entered into common discourse that I simply assumed it was composed in English. My eyes glaze over at politics or economics, so I valued this more for its language than for its ideas. Part II, “Proletarians and Communists,” is the most focused part if you want to sample it. Number 11 by Jonathan Coe: This is a funny and mildly disturbing state-of-England and coming-of-age novel. I’d only read one previous book by Coe, Expo 58; this is a better example of his usual pattern: multiple, loosely linked storylines. Here the theme is the absurdity of modern culture, encompassing many aspects: unjust wars, the excesses of the uber-rich, the obsession with celebrity, and suspicion and exclusion of those who are different from us. The number 11 keeps popping up, too. My favorite parts were a Survivor-type reality television show and a laughably over-the-top prize ceremony banquet. Releases November 11th. My Family and Other Superheroes by Jonathan Edwards: Edwards displays his proud Welsh heritage with poems reflecting on his family tree and the country’s landscape. One of my favorites was “View of Valleys Village from a Hill,” in which the narrator, with a God’s-eye view of his family, envisions messing around with them. The witty “In John F. Kennedy International Airport” imagines that Wales has been abolished and recreated in miniature in a small Kansas museum (a bit like Julian Barnes’s England, England). The Whole & Rain-domed Universe by Colette Bryce: Many of these poems are about the author’s Irish family inheritance, both literal and figurative, as in “Heritance”: “From her? Resilience. Generosity. / A teacher’s gravitas. / Irish stew. A sense / of the ridiculous. High ceilings.” I loved the first line of “Signature” – “When I finally gave up and became my mother.” It’s particularly nice how enjambment often makes the thought go just that one line beyond what you expect. I’d read more from Bryce.

Hi friends! Today I want to tell you about how I and my wife walked a pilgrimage with a group of pilgrims to a monastery near Lviv. I have never participated in such events before, but my wife has already had this experience. She had previously participated in the same kind of pilgrimage , but a few years ago, and now she wanted to do it again. I decided to support my wife and walk more than 50 km with her on two days, considering that I love hiking. All participants of the meeting gathered in Lviv, near the church of St. Michael the Archangel, located near the Powder Tower. At first, we were all divided into groups and each group got its own leader and number. The groups started leaving the gathering place in a growing order, from first to larger. We were on the road, so we were escorted by the police and temporarily stopped the traffic until all the people passed. We passed Lysenko Street, turned to Lychakivska Street and walked along it to the turn to the Glynyanskyj Tract. On the street Glynyanskyj Tract we reached the exit from Lviv and reached the village Miklashev, where in front of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary we made the first halt. I forgot to say that we went with a minimal set of things in our backpacks, we only had water, sandwiches and outerwear. And our sleeping bags, sleeping mats and other heavy things went in a special truck that went to the destination on the highway. When we left the Lviv borders, we walked mostly on dirt roads. The dry and sunny weather made it easy to walk the dirt road. In case of rain it would be a real swamp, but this time we were lucky. For the first day of the hike, we walked 36 km and reached the village of Glinyany, where we stayed overnight at a local school building. We had dinner there, which was cooked in a mobile kitchen and went to bed in one of the school's classes. We used our sleeping bags and sleeping mats, we picked them up on a truck that was already waiting for us in the schoolyard. In the morning, after breakfast and morning mass in the local church, we went on. Today we walked much less than yesterday - 15.5km, so by the evening we were in the monastery, Univsky Lavra. The Holy Assumption Unique Lavra of the Studio Charter is one of the oldest monastery complexes of Ukraine, the central monastery of the Halych Diocese during the XIV-XVIII centuries, the center of the monastic life of the monks of the Studio Charter. The monastery was founded at the end of XIV century Prince Fedor Lubartovich, who was also his patron. Nowadays the monks of Univ Lavra take care of orphans of school age, teach catechism of children in the local school, are engaged in plant growing, animal husbandry, horticulture, beekeeping. The monastery's workshop produces church articles (candles, offices and coal for incense). Every year there is a pilgrimage to the monastery, with thousands of pilgrims arriving there. The pilgrimage that my wife and I were part of was an anniversary, twenty-fifth. It is especially beautiful there in the evening when pilgrims bypass the territory of the monastery with candles in their hands. Unfortunately, my photos cannot convey this beauty. After spending the night in the monastery, we had a lot of free time in the morning. After visiting all the local shrines, we were just sitting on a bench in the monastery courtyard when the cat approached us first and then the dogs we took turns stroking. We got back to Lviv by bus, there was no need to walk back on foot.

This article is part of the A New Beekeeper’s Journal column, which documents the story of Keith Stiles as he builds a keen interest in beekeeping – and sets out to become a beekeeper. Let me introduce myself…. My name is Keith Stiles. I live in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina, near the city of Asheville. For those that know a little about our area, it is rich with natural flora and fauna, rich in diversity. Of course, I love it because it is home but I especially love it for all the natural beauty that surrounds me. A few years ago, I purchased my first home in the Lake Junaluska area of western North Carolina. The house had a beautiful front yard with a river birch in front of it and a large backyard with a neighbor’s pond which may be viewed from the back deck. In all of this property there was no landscaping other than a dilapidated shrub infested with bugs and hostas planted in full sun. So began my quest to give my new home some “curb appeal”. In so doing, I discovered a natural love of gardening (no not vegetable gardening but flowers and hostas, oh so many hostas, and other varieties). The bee’s life is like a magic well: the more you draw from it, the more it fills with water Karl Von Frisch Bees: Their Vision, Chemical Senses and Language Since I work as a software consultant, the garden became my place to escape the computer (and my clients!) and indulge in digging in the dirt and creating my own “plant canvas.” As part of my awakening to things “outdoors,” I also began to awaken to threatened species due to human behavior and choices. So, to assist the monarch butterflies, I planted milkweed (I started with one variety and now I have three and am on the lookout for more). Honeybees were a natural visit to our yard which I loved because I found their coloration beautiful and their industriousness incredible to say the least. As a youngster I became fascinated by ants and honeybees especially and read lots of books about both. Never did I think I would end up keeping bees. Of course, I never thought I would become an outdoorsy gardener either. From bookstore to beehive So how did I arrive at the interest in beekeeping? It was really quite a lark in many respects. I was in a Barnes and Noble in Bristol, Rhode Island, after a day of consulting with clients. I was browsing the bookstore in the gardening section and came across a book on bees and beekeeping. My natural curiosity and interest in social insects caused me to go sit down and start perusing the book on beekeeping. The more I looked, the more enthralled I became and started to think, “Hey, I could do this! It would be a great addition to my backyard and contribute positively to the environment.” So as soon as I got back home, I started talking to our local extension officer who happens to be both a church friend and a beekeeper as well. I decided after a few conversations that I really wanted to take this route and said “I’ll just do my research this year and then get bees next year.” A dive into courses So, one thing you will learn faithful readers is that when this guy gets engaged in something he jumps in completely. Before I knew it, I had joined the local beekeepers club, joined the North Carolina Beekeepers Association, and subscribed to the American Bee Journal. I missed the local beekeepers school for new beekeepers and lucked up on PerfectBee’s quite exceptional online class. Subsequently, I found a class that was being taught at a local beekeepers shop in Weaverville, North Carolina and attended it as well. The teacher of the class and owner of the shop turned out to be an expert beekeeper with tons of experience and an enchanting storyteller. However, that particular part of the story didn’t turn out so well – see below for that sad end. What I am finding as I meet more local beekeepers in western North Carolina is that a good number are excellent story tellers and storytelling is an old mountain tradition that is certainly in my own blood as a native mountain boy. Between interactions with Mark at PerfectBee. the course I attended and the local club’s President, I was hooked! In each case, I found people willing to share their interest, and I would say passion, for beekeeping. After completing the online course (I suggest you take it if you haven’t because it is a great way to get started) and my in-person course, I was excited by the prospect of getting started. In fact, it was at class surrounded by supplies that I decided to not only do one hive but go for a second and not wait a year to start. I had the proverbial bee in my bonnet, or maybe I was stung by the thought of having to wait a whole year to get started! The result: I bought supplies which I’ll outline in future posts as well as my philosophy and thoughts about why I chose which supplies. Of course, I also experienced the natural sticker shock of any new beekeeper as I tallied the cost of what I was putting together. I’m naturally frugal as are most Americans that aren’t independently wealthy! But the purchases have been worth it. My two nucleus hives were supposed to arrive last week but the weather in western North Carolina was terribly rainy and unsettled. And the word came yesterday, that my two nucs will be ready for pickup on Saturday (April 29). My bee yard is ready, my hives are in place, all I need is the happy buzzing of 20,000 worker bees as they go about their business. Even my nearby neighbors are excited by the upcoming new arrivals and my best friend will be recording my bee installation for a memento of when it all started. Hopefully, my blogging will assist my fellow new beekeepers as they start their journey into beekeeping. And, if you’re experiencing what I am, I can’t get people to stop asking me for honey! Which means I already get to start educating them about giving the new colonies time to build up and survive their first winter. I’m looking forward to educating my neighbors about how they can be good stewards of their working friends nearby. When things turn south (a brief tale of poor customer service)… I have heard great things about the beekeeping community – wonderful people, with an eager desire to help each other, sharing a common fascination with bees. But in the oh-so-short time since I have started down this path, I have already come up against my first major frustration. Beekeepers are said to go out of their way to help, no matter the circumstances. For example, last week I heard from Mark Williams, the founder of PerfectBee, who had an unfortunate situation with a nuc he had purchased, which turned out to be queenless. Mark called his supplier. They immediately offered to provide another mated queen. But they also offered to deliver it to his home. That’s a 50 mile round trip! Now THAT is customer service. I had decided to order the two nucs. Unfortunately, after ordering, the suppler called and told me the nucs would be arriving a week later than planned. I was somewhat crestfallen, not just because this created some complications with an unavoidable business trip, but also because I was so excited! But stuff happens and I quickly came to peace with this! Then things went bad. The day before I was due to pick up my nucs, my return flight for a business trip was cancelled. I called the supplier to ask to hold them for just one day. THEY SAID NO! Having told me, at late notice, that they would delay my nucs by a week because of an issue they had, they refused to hold them for one single day, in my time of need. They went so far as to say that the extra day would likely result in my nucs swarming. Oh really?! Anyway, long story short…. After much calling around, I finally found someone who very kindly picked up the nucs for me. I got there a day later. They didn’t swarm. It’s a sad way to start out but, truth be told, I don’t believe this sort of poor customer service and lack of empathy is common. I hope…. When the owner found out how upset I was and what had happened, she spoke with my friend who picked up my two new nucs. She had one nuc with a marked queen which she gave him for me and then another nuc literally brimming with bees. She told him that she was upset that this had happened and at least an attempt to make amends was made. I will return the wooden nuc boxes and pick up the nuc box I purchased for my own work with splits (eventually). Maybe there is yet hope for a long relationship between me and this shop. I would rather hope so but I remain guarded. The plan for this column I would like to whet your appetite for future installments of The New Beekeeper’s Journal. Future musings will include: - Planning for Two Hives: Two Colonies of Bees and How I Approached Preparations - Making Choices: How I Made Key Decisions About My Setup - Setting Things Up: Of Bee Yards, Deeps, and Frames - Installing My Bees: What It was Like Installing to Nucs in My - Much more to follow… As I share my adventures in beekeeping, I hope you will respond to the posts, ask me questions, and share your experiences. I would like this to be a great forum for all the “newbees” among us who are beginning to experience the joys of being a beekeeper.

Turkey is the world’s second largest beekeeping country after China, an official said, as the country marks World Bee Day on Monday. "Turkey is one of few self-sufficient countries in beekeeping,” Selcuk Solmaz, head of Ankara Beekeepers Association (ABA), said in an interview with Anadolu Agency. Founded in 2003, ABA aims to train beekeepers, discuss difficulties of the profession and find solutions to produce various bee products in more fertile and high quality way, Solmaz explained. Solmaz said Turkey is also one of few countries with varied honey plants and premium quality honey production. “Turkish honey is becoming sought after in the world cuisine,” he said, added: “The variation also covers the chestnut, thyme, citrus, pine, lavender, acacia, highland plant and wildflower honey. “Recently, beekeepers in Turkey started producing royal jelly, pollen, propolis and bee venom,” he added. Solmaz said there are about 118,000 beehives in Turkey’s capital Ankara, compared to around 50,000 in 2003. “This shows that the beekeeping sector is developing day by day,” he said. Contribution to economy According to the Turkey’s statistical authority TurkStat, the country produced 107,920.097 tons of honey in 2018 and exported 5,912 tons in the same period. He stressed Turkey is not a fully industrialized country, saying: “It’s also beneficial for organic and clean agriculture.” Solmaz said bees are directly related to food safety, sustainable agriculture and bio-diversity. “According to a research carried out by Science And Policy For People And Nature [IPBES] in 2016, food production by means of pollination and insemination costs around $235-$577 billion annually,” he noted. “If the bees vanish, many living creature will also vanish,” he said, adding: “If we want to live, if we want our children and grandchildren live, we have to show greatest effort to keep the bees alive.” He said beekeeping should be done not only to preserve the ecosystem, but also for a better use of plants with short lifespan. The United Nations designated 20 May as World Bee Day to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development.

Equally important is the link between forests and people. An estimated 1.3 billion individuals – about one-fifth of the global population – derive direct and indirect benefits from forests in the form of employment, forest products, and contributions to livelihoods and incomes. Some 300–350 million people, about half of whom are indigenous, who live within or close to dense forests depend almost entirely on forests for subsistence. Hundreds of millions more, including people in cities, depend on forest resources for food, construction materials, and energy sources. Furthermore,. With a growing demand for forest products, this contribution is expected to increase in the coming decades. , produces more than 5,000 types of wood-based products, and generates a gross value added of just over $600 billion—nearly 1 percent of global GDP—each year. Three examples of recent or ongoing projects that benefit from World Bank support help demonstrate why finance for the sustainable use of forest resources and efforts to support low carbon development are more important than ever to the future of forests, and to build resilience to climate change and improve livelihoods. The Oromia Forested Landscape Program is helping to improve land use and reduce deforestation trends in the regional state with a population of 30 million. Forests nationally, and in Oromia in particular, continue to shrink primarily from demand for cropland and firewood, and between 2000 and 2013, forest loss in the state totaled nearly 400,000 ha. The initiative in Oromia potentially totals US$68 million from the BioCarbon Fund’s Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes (supported by Norway, the United States and the United Kingdom). An emission reductions purchase agreement that could be up to US$50m covering 28 million hectares—a jurisdiction the size of Italy—will also combined with a US$18m upfront grant to strengthen the enabling environment and investments on the ground. Implementation activities like local land use planning, whereby communities would identify and agree to conserve forest areas (particularly in the frontier between cropland and forests) help lay the groundwork so that as the program progresses, sectors, stakeholders and financing can be mobilized for sustainable land use. Looking ahead, the program will be the regional state’s overarching umbrella and coordination platform for multi-partner work on all forested landscapes across Oromia. The long-term program will help transform how these landscapes are managed to reduce poverty, build resilient livelihoods, and mitigate climate change. In Vietnam - where some 25 million people depend on forests for subsistence – the World Bank Forest Sector Development Project (FSDP) is taking a unique approach to sustainability and biodiversity conservation by focusing on the efficient use of degraded land, as well as improved land tenure. Over 43,000 households received low-interest micro loans and technical support to set up their own plantation forests. Nearly 75% of these planted lands met international standards for sustainability, while households that completed the process for International Forestry Stewardship Certification saw 20-30 percent price premiums on their timber (compared to non-certified). This extra profit has helped families to repay their loans and invest in education and other needs. The FSDP also reinforced regulations and capacity for protecting biodiversity in Special Use Forests, including several areas that are internationally recognized for their ecological importance. Through a landscape-level emission reduction program developed in the North Central Coast Region, the Government of Vietnam also hopes to promote the approach developed in the FSDP project. That is, payments from the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility’s Carbon Fund for carbon sequestered by forest development activities would provide an incentive and a source of co-financing to scale-up such investments going forward. Another World Bank project aimed to address forest management challenges is in Kazakhstan, where forests are not only an important source of permanent and seasonal employment in many communities, but are also highly valued for fuel wood, livestock grazing areas, beekeeping, collecting berries and mushrooms, and recreation. However, community access to forests has been limited in certain areas in an effort to address illegal logging and forest fires – the latter pose a particular challenge in Kazakhstan’s dry climate. At the same time, the country needs greater national and local capacity in order to respond to fires and other risks. With $30m in World Bank funding and $5m from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Forest Protection and Reforestation Project is focused on participatory administrative methods to bring almost a million hectares under improved environmental management, including 46,000 hectares of re-planted Irtysh Pine Forest. Greater knowledge of modern growing techniques has significantly reduced how much the government spends on planting costs, and new trucks and state-of-the-art fire detection information systems have drastically improved the reach and response time for addressing forest fires. The project also has valuable implications for climate change: the value of mitigated GHG emissions comes to US$306 million over 20 years.

WASHINGTON, June 15, 2012- In a letter to Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Ranking Member Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), 20 agricultural stakeholder groups expressed their opposition to an amendment to the 2012 Farm Bill that would make federal research, promotion and marketing programs, “checkoffs,” voluntary. Sen. Jim DeMint’s (R-S.C.) amendment, SA 2276, repeals mandatory and compulsory checkoff programs. “The checkoff is not a tax. It is not something that is imposed upon us as farmers. Rather, it allows farmers to invest our own dollars to conduct research, build markets and create new uses for soy,” said American Soybean American (ASA) President Steve Wellman. “Our checkoff program has produced a strong return of $6.40 in increased profit for every dollar invested.” “With oversight provided by USDA, producers have taken it upon themselves to fund over $905 million of research, promotion and consumer education programs annually through checkoff activities at no cost to the federal government,” stated the groups in the letter. “In these austere budgetary times, our producers should be commended and certainly deserve the support of Congress. Our members see the checkoff programs as an investment in their families’ future which they and their fellow producers have voluntarily adopted.” “Recent distorted media attacks and ill-conceived legislative proposals ignore how these programs are established and approved in referenda by producers who fund the programs with their own money,” according to the letter. “Checkoff programs cost the government zero dollars. They are paid for and guided by the farmers they serve. Even USDA oversight of the soy checkoff is funded by soybean farmers. Furthermore, farmers already have the chance to vote via referendum every five years whether we continue such checkoff programs,” Wellman said, vowing to defeat any effort that would weaken checkoff programs. The following industry groups signed the letter: American Beekeeping Federation American Farm Bureau Federation American Mushroom Institute American Sheep Industry Association American Soybean Association National Cattlemen’s Beef Association National Corn Growers Association National Cotton Council National Council of Farmer Cooperatives National Farmers Union National Milk Producers Federation National Pork Producers Council National Potato Council National Sorghum Producers National Watermelon Association Produce Marketing Association United Dairymen of Arizona United Egg Producers United Fresh Produce Association Western Peanut Growers Association For a detailed list of recently submitted amendments to the 2012 Farm Bill go here. For the text of the groups’ letter go here. For more news, go to www.agri-pulse.com

Buy Zambia Natural Honey Directly From Exporters & Suppliers - Best of 2020 Market Prices |Varieties||Sourwood Honey, Leatherwood Honey, Tupelo Honey, Manuka Honey, acacia honey, Smoking Hot Honey, sage honey| |Packing||Packaged glass and plastic jars of 250g, 500g and 1kg| |Storage||Cool, dry conditions away from sunlight| |Transport Conditions||Transported in boxes in containers at room temperatures, 11-19 degrees celsius| Zambia is among the leading countries in the world in the production of honey. The farming of Zambia natural honey is dated back to the 1850s when it was an essential commodity for trade. The natural environment has dense forests covering 66% of its land and a favourable climate for beekeeping. Bee wax and honey trade provide income directly and indirectly for thousands of families. The country exports US$800,000 worth of natural honey annually. Two types of bees produce Zambia natural honey, the Apis mellifera species (the indigenous African honey bee and the stingless bees of the Meliponula Trigona and Meliplebeja species. The former provides the most amount of honey for export while the later produces honey for local consumption. Honey in Zambia is farmed through both modernized and traditional methods. A conventional bar hive produces 10kg of honey while modern ones produce up to 40kg. The Zambian honey is organic and highly marketable across the world. The product is produced in a natural environment and free from contamination. The major importers of Zambia natural honey include the United Kingdom at 55%, and Germany at 35%. Other countries who import Zambia honey include the United Arab Emirates and the United States. Honey is used in traditional and modern medicines, eaten naturally, as well as food preparation; it is used in the manufacture of cosmetics, animal feeds and veterinary medicine. The honeycombs are processed into wax used in the production of candles and floors. Natural honey is healthy as it contains over 300 components among them sucrose, dextrin, fructose and glucose. It also contains proteins, minerals, salts of organic acid, all known trace elements, metabolism accelerating elements. All B vitamins are also present in honey (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, H, K, C, E, PP), pro-vitamin A, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetes and hormones. Honey is stored by bees within structures called beeswax honeycomb. The harvesting of honey in Zambia takes place manually during late summer when the combs fill up. Some farmers prefer collection during the day while others do so at night. The bees are driven off by the use of fire and smoke. The framer then collects the hive and empties the combs. The combs are then split and placed stacked on an extractor centrifuge. The clear honey is collected, tested, graded and packaged in jars in kilograms. The different varieties of honey include Sourwood Honey, Leatherwood Honey, Tupelo Honey, Manuka Honey, acacia honey, Smoking Hot Honey, sage honey among others. The Sourwood Honey is the best and most expensive. The honey from different flowers has different tastes and aromas and is stored in plastic or glass jars in cool conditions away from direct sunlight. Honey oxidizes when stored in metallic containers. Place your order of Zambia natural honey on this platform, and we will deliver the best of quality. Our services are outstanding. Get Instant Quote

The MHBC Resources page contains links to the USDA bee laboratories, national, international and local beekeeping organizations plus many other resources. USDA Bee Research Facilities Beltsville Bee Lab – Beltsville, Maryland The Beltsville Bee Lab is located in Beltsville, Maryland and is the main USDA Research facility for Honey bees in the U.S. Its mission is to conduct research into the biology and control of honey bee parasites, diseases and pests to ensure an adequate and viable supply for pollination and honey production. Using biological, molecular chemical and non-chemical procedures, USDA scientists are developing new and cost-effective strategies for controlling parasitic mites (Varroa, Tracheal), bacterial diseases (American, European Foulbrood), fungal infections (Nosema apis, ceranae) and pests such as Small Hive Beetle and Wax Moths. Additionally, the Beltsville facility focuses on preservation of honey bee germplasm in order to maintain genetic diversity as well as ensuring the future viability of honey bee stock. The Beltsville research staff are also available to any beekeeper in the U.S. (and worldwide) as well as to State and Federal regulatory agencies to provide authoritative diagnosis and evaluation of all sorts of honey bee diseases and problems. Learn how to Send Samples to Beltsville Bee Lab. Carl Hayden Bee Research Center – Tucson, Arizona The Carl Hayden Bee Research Center performs many of the functions of the Beltsville Bee Research Facility, but focuses more on the study and control measures for Africanized bees and honey bee issues related more to the geographical regions of the American Southwest. The Carl Hayden Facility staff will perform diagnostic tests for beekeepers suspecting various disease problems. Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, Physiology Laboratory – Baton Rouge, Louisiana The Baton Rouge Bee Lab, as the title suggests, is concerned primarily with breeding and genetic issues regarding honey bees. The development of Suppressed Mite Reproduction (SMR) and Varroa Sensitive Hygiene (VSH) traits were all developed at the Baton Rouge lab. The introduction of the Buckfast strain into the U.S.was through the quarantine facilities there. Development and promotion of the so called Russian strain were also done through the Baton Rouge facility. The Biology and Systemics Lab in Logan focuses primarily on non-apis species of bees (bumble bees, alkali bees, etc.), mainly as indigenous, alternative pollinators to honey bees. Colorado State Resources and Associations Colorado State Apiary Inspection Colorado State Apiculturist, Mr. Mitchell Yergert, 700 Kipling St., Suite 4000, Lakewood, CO 80215 (303) 239-4142 [email protected] Colorado State Pesticide Management Colorado State Department of Agriculture Mr. John Scott, Pesticides Program Manager, 700 Kipling St., Suite 4000, Lakewood, Co 80215 (303) 239-4179 [email protected] Colorado Associations and Organizations Colorado Professional Beekeeping Association (CPBA) The Colorado Professional Beekeeping Association is a great resource for local Colorado beekeepers. The group is made up of those having a livelihood related interest in beekeeping including most of the commercial beekeepers in Colorado. The CPBA has a Wanted/For Sale page that will give recreational beekeepers a direct connection to those who can provide packages, nucs or used equipment from local sources. Western Colorado Beekeepers Association (WCBA) The Western Colorado Beekeepers Association is intended for beekeepers raising Honeybees in the numerous micro-climates of Western Colorado. The Club is made up of local Beekeepers who want to share and expand their beekeeping knowledge. Colorado State Beekeepers Association (CSBA) The Colorado State Beekeepers Association (not to be confused with the California State Beekeepers Association..which has the same acronym) is as an educational and referral service for primarily the recreational and side-line beekeepers in Colorado. CSBA was founded in 1880 and chartered in 1889. Boulder County Beekeepers Association (BCBA) The Boulder County Beekeepers Association was formed originally in the 1970’s as a way for area beekeepers to network and protect themselves from pesticide spraying. In more recent years its character has changed to reflect the many and often varied approaches and philosophies about beekeeping. Its membership is primarily that of hobby and backyard beekeepers. Some members have never actually kept bees. Some of MHBC members are also BCBA members as a way to network and communicate within the larger beekeeping community in Boulder County. Northern Colorado Beekeepers Association The Northern Colorado Beekeepers Association is the state’s second oldest beekeeping association established in 1890. It has long been associated with academic work being done at CSU Fort Collins, although the actual degree of academic influence has depended upon the amount of involvement by the CSU department of Entomology. Currently, the emphasis of NCBA seems to be directed more toward recreational and non-academic beekeeping concerns. Pikes Peak Beekeepers Association The Pikes Peak Beekeepers Association located in the Colorado Springs area, has been in existence for about 30 years, and has a very active and engaged membership. Together with the NCBA, the PPBA are perhaps the most active local organizations, and with the most members in the state. The PPBA generally strives to present regular and mainstream thinking regarding beekeeping practices. High Land Beekeeping Club The High Land Beekeeping Club has been one of the newer beekeeping organizations in Colorado, established several years ago and located in the Southwest Denver area. Its membership is made-up primarily of newer recreational beekeepers associated with the aerospace and military sectors within the greater Denver area. Its membership seems to be increasing along lines of alternative and non-military related interests in recent years. Highland Beekeeping has served as a spin-off organization for many of the new and alternatively-directed beekeeping clubs that have sprung-up in recent years. Denver Beekeepers Association Denver Beekeepers Association (DenverBee) is one of the newer organizations in Colorado which developed out of beekeepers passing ordinances to allow keeping bees in the Denver metropolitan area. It is one of the more active groups scheduling beekeeping speakers to speak to Colorado beekeepers. IPM Voice is a newer, independent nonprofit corporation working to increase IPM adoption, awareness and support. Their mission is to advocate for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) that is genuinely progressive and seeks continuous improvement of environmental, social and economic conditions through application of accepted scientific principles. Honeybee Research Links Scientific Beekeeping is the website of Mr. Randy Oliver which provides many useful, practical explanations and summaries of various scientific topics relating to honey bees (highly recommended for the inquisitive beekeeper).

LAWRENCE — Three students from the University of Kansas have advanced in the competition for prestigious scholarships for study in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Alex Murray is a finalist for the Mitchell Scholarship, Sam Steuart is a finalist for the Marshall Scholarship, and Steuart and Saif Bajwa are both finalists for the Rhodes Scholarship. The Mitchell Scholarship provides funding for one year of study in Ireland. Marshall Scholarships provide funding for graduate study at any university in the United Kingdom. The Rhodes Scholarship provides expenses for one to three years of study at the University of Oxford in England. The three finalists are scheduled to participate in interviews later this month, with final determinations on scholarship recipients to be determined following the completion of the interviews. KU students have previously won nine Marshall and 27 Rhodes Scholarships. Last year, Kathryn Ammon became the first KU student to be named a Mitchell Scholar. She is currently studying at University College Dublin. Saif Bajwa is the son of Abid Bajwa and Shazia Bajwa of Overland Park and a graduate of Blue Valley West High School. A major in political science with a minor in economics, Bajwa is also a member of the University Honors Program and was selected as a sophomore for the competitive University Scholars Program. Bajwa has served on a variety of political campaigns and worked in constituent services for Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly. He has been active on campus with Student Senate, the Student Legislative Awareness Board and the Dole Institute of Politics. A former member of the KU Debate squad, Bajwa has also worked as a debate coach and tutor. Last year he volunteered as an English instructor at the Government High School in Mohlanwal, Pakistan. Alex Murray is the son of Craig Murray and Sherrie Murray of Lawrence and is a graduate of Olathe Northwest High School. A double major in finance and environmental studies, Murray has been involved with a number of initiatives focused on interdisciplinary approaches to climate change. A member of the University Honors Program, Murray was selected as a sophomore for the competitive University Scholars Program. Murray has also been involved with the Business Leadership Program, Net Impact and the Student Environmental Advisory Board through Student Senate. He spent a summer studying abroad at Hong Kong University. He is the co-founder and president of the KU Beekeeping Club. He serves on the Student Advisory Board and as a discussion groups coordinator at the Dole Institute of Politics. Sam Steuart is the son of Renae and Jim Steuart of Topeka and a graduate of Shawnee Heights High School. A double major in American studies and biochemistry with a minor in Spanish, Steuart is a member of the University Honors Program, was selected as a sophomore for the competitive University Scholars Program and as a junior he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. In April he was named a Truman Scholar. Steuart is the executive director for the Center for Community Outreach, where he previously served as program coordinator and development director. He completed a medical internship in Spain and studied abroad on programs in Costa Rica and England. He has done research since 2017 in the lab of Cindy Berrie, KU associate professor of chemistry, and since 2018 with Vincent Francisco, Kansas Health Foundation Professor of Applied Behavioral Science. Over the summer he completed an internship on School Student Health Clinics at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

A family farm invested in soil conservation practices to increase its capacity to store water and its microbial biomass activity. Projects & Practice A young female farmer invested in the construction of greenhouses and an irrigation system to improve her farm’s profitability and mitigate production risks linked to climate change. An EIP-AGRI Operational Group was set up to develop new agronomic tools that will enable farmers to use pivot irrigation more efficiently. Modernisation of a rice farm in Portugal through the application of precision farming in its irrigation infrastructure. Expanding the range of tourist offer in a LAG area by supporting a small farm to diversify into horseback riding and therapeutic riding. A major exporting agricultural company in Portugal, used EAFRD support to develop a state-of-the-art innovative, greenhouse production unit. A subsistence farm used RDP support in order to become commercially viable by investing in organic production. A young farmer used RDP support to expand and diversify the range of products and services offered by her beekeeping holding. An ambitious entrepreneur used business start-up aid for young farmers in order to modernise his farm and create a series of innovative products. A dairy farm combined three RDP supported operations to increase and modernise milk production and secure one full-time job.

Today is World Bee Day - an international initiative to raise awareness of the importance of bees and to keep you informed of events around the world. Our resident bee expert Paula tells us more... In recent years, bees have become increasingly recognised as an essential factor for human survival. Not only because of their pollination services for at least one-third of the food we eat, but also as an indicator of larger threats to humans everywhere. By celebrating World bee Day, we have the opportunity to educate those who may be less aware of how our actions impact the lives of bees, and therefore ourselves. History of World Bee Day Celebrating World Bee Day was the initiative of Bostjan Noč, president of the Slovenian Beekeepers Association. He was inspired by the 18th-century Austrian Beekeeping teacher Anton Janša. Working in Vienna, Janša had brought 16 typical wooden Carniola-style beehives from his home in Breznica, Upper Carniola. Beekeepers in his region were the first to understand that queen bees mated in the air. He brought his knowledge to Vienna and shared it, becoming the first to start teaching beekeeping. Three hundred years later, Bostjan Noč is passionate about educating the world about the significance of bees and other pollinators, reminding us that we only have borrowed time on this planet. World Bee day was started by Bostjan Noč, president of the Slovenian Beekeepers association As May is the month of active development for bees in the Northern hemisphere, and the harvest time of bee products in the southern hemisphere, May 20th seemed like the most appropriate day for us all to celebrate world bee day. The day was declared official by the United Nations in 2017, although Slovenians have been celebrating their own Bee Day on May 20th since 2003. What you can do on World Bee Day Firstly, you can visit the website. Here you can see any events or get help on starting your own event. The site also has useful and informative articles about why bees are so important. This year the day falls on a Monday, so if you’re at work, perhaps you could arrange a ‘bee friendly’ lunch. What exactly does ‘bee friendly’ mean? We know that bees are affected by some of our agricultural practices, so to ensure that you’re eating a genuinely bee friendly meal. Organic and gm free food would be a start. You could look at aspects of your home and work life, and see just how bee friendly you are. - Do you have plants around you that feed the bees? - Do you or your neighbours spray ‘weeds’ like dandelions, which are an excellent food source for bees? - Does your local council cut back hedges and verges before or during the blossoming of blackthorn, cherry, hawthorn and brambles? - Do you have some bare land on which you could sow bee-friendly plants? - Organise a quiz to see how much of your weekly shop is dependent on pollinators - Think about what your life would look like without bees. Bees love plants like rosemary Sometimes it’s easy to push worrying facts to the back of our minds and carry on with our daily lives. Saving bees doesn’t have to be too painful. After all, by helping them, we are helping ourselves. What if the insecticides used on food and agriculture WAS harming your health or your children's? Would that make you think twice about what you ate? Small changes to your lifestyle can have a considerable impact on the world around us. Maybe think about living just one day as bee friendly as you can, and see how you feel. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all live a bee-friendly life every day of the year? Think of the impact that would have on the world as a whole!

Bee populations are on the decline, and the city of Detroit, Michigan has 90,000 vacant housing lots, a result of the local economy. Detroit Beekeepers Tim Paule and Nicole Lindsey are solving those two problems with their passion project, an urban bee farm non-profit called Detroit Hives. This film by Spruce Tone Films documents their mission to transform their community “one hive at a time by bringing diversity to the field of beekeeping and creating opportunities for the city’s youth.” They bought their first lot in 2017, started their first urban bee farm, and Detroit Hives was born. They’ve generated buzz with their work, expanding to other lots, multiplying their number of hives and continuing to build their colony ever since. Our founders created Detroit Hives with the purpose to bring diversity and cognizance to bee awareness and rebuilding inner-city communities introducing Detroit as the place to “BEE”. Read more about Paule and Lindsey’s work at Detroit Hives.

President of Scientific Commission, Beekeeping for Rural Development Dr. Nicola J. Bradbear The mission of the Apimondia Scientific Commission for Beekeeping for Rural Development is to provide a forum for sharing information on how apiculture contributes to the development of sustainable livelihoods, world-wide. Beekeeping is a unique form of agriculture that is beneficial to the environment and provides economic reasons for people to look after their local habitats. It provides people with valuable sources of income and nutrition, yet the input costs can be very low. The Commission is a network that provides unique opportunities for people to meet, share information and learn. We meet at Apimondia Congresses and Symposia, as well by e-mail communication between events. These events are attended by many beekeepers, and also by development professionals and academics who contribute to our knowledge of bees, beekeeping and development worldwide. At some Congresses we have organised a friendly and busy area within ApiExpo where beekeeping projects have the opportunity to arrange displays and make informal presentations about their work. This depends upon the good will of the Apimondia Congress Local Organising Committee to make space available. In addition to the large Apimondia Congresses, the Scientific Commission for Beekeeping for Rural Development also organises smaller, regional meetings (for example the Caribbean Congresses held in alternate years since 1998), and joins with other Commissions to organise meetings, for example the Beekeeping Development and Trade meeting held in Vietnam in October 2010, and the Africa Symposium held in Arusha Tanzania I 2014. News about the Commission events are presented regularly in Bees for Development Journal. Beekeeping for rural development is a cross cutting issue, and many topics covered by other Commissions are important for promoting beekeeping for development. The Commission gives attention to the role and value of beekeeping within rural development and best practise for promoting beekeeping, with special reference to the following aspects: - How best to encourage and support beekeeping for people with few financial resources - Extensive beekeeping and honey hunting practises, and issues of sustainability - Utilisation of indigenous species and/or local races of honey bees - Sustainable utilisation and conservation of honey and stingless bee populations - Organic and social certification of bee keeping enterprises, for example fair trade - Apiculture projects: their successful management and delivery - Organisation of producer groups and cooperatives - Trade and marketing issues, and trade criteria - Cultural aspects of apiculture - Beekeeping as part of non-timber forest production - Government and trade policies that have consequences for beekeeping within rural development - The role of beekeeping within issues of food security and poverty alleviation Chiel Versluijs (Netherlands), Dickson Biryomumaisho (Uganda), Gladstone Solomon (Trinidad & Tobago), Harriet Eels (Chile), Kwame Aidoo (Ghana), Liana Hassan (Tanzania), M S Reddy (India), Milan Wiercx van Rhijn (France), Mohammed S. Khodabaks (Suriname), Nasreen Muzaffar (Pakistan), Nguyen Quang Tan (Vietnam), Nguyen Thu Hang (Vietnam), Ole Hertz (Denmark), Pratim Roy (India), Snehlata Nath (India). The Scientific Commission for Beekeeping for Rural Development welcomes you to work with us. There is so much to do in promoting beekeeping as a sustainable way to help people make their own livelihood. - The Standing Commission has created two working groups - Working Group on honey trade in Africa – this Working Group, established at the Dublin Apimondia Congress in 2005, has now evolved into a new Network organisation, ApiTrade Africa, with its own events. - Working Group on cooperatives and beekeeping associations – this working group is run by Ms Harriet Eels of Chile, who has organised Symposia at some recent Congresses - The Standing Commission enjoys close working links with other networks - ApiTrade Africa (see above) - Asian Apiculture Association (AAA) - Association of Caribbean Beekeepers Organisations (ACBO) - Bees for Development

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Plantaholics, wildlife lovers and grow-your-own newbies are in for a treat this year as over 450 gardens open to the public for Scotland’s Gardens Scheme to help raise money for charity. Gardens of all sizes – in cities and villages, islands and lochs – will unlatch their gates to welcome visitors throughout the year. Fifty-seven outdoor spaces will be opening for the first time, and there will also be 122 walled gardens, 33 urban gardens, ten community gardens, five allotment societies and 61 gardens belonging to stately homes to see.# With 2018 celebrating the Year of Young People, Scotland’s Gardens Scheme will be teaming up with the Scottish International Story Telling Festival during May and October to offer interactive ‘Growing Stories’ events in six gardens including Fingask in Perthshire with its Alice in Wonderland-style topiary. Other children’s activities include a Gruffulo Trail at Ardkinglas Woodland Garden, poetry at Glen House in Peebleshire, duck races at Highwood in Renfrewshire, a woodland dell with fairies at Skye’s Balmeanach House, fairy doors at Culter Allers in Lanarkshire and Netherthird in Ayrshire, and willow crown making at Cambo near Fife. Entry is free for children at all privately-owned gardens opening for the Scheme. Gardens boasting red squirrels and orange tip butterflies will be popular with wildlife lovers, whilst visitors can pick up tips on deer-proof planting and composting, as well as organic and biodynamic gardening. Merchinston Cottage in Edinburgh will be buzzing with talks on beekeeping and visitors to Priorwood in Peebleshire can learn the traditional skill of flower drying. Gardening newbies can quiz owners on creating gardens from scratch or how to grow exotics in the Scottish climate, and plant connoisseurs can treat themselves to 18 national plant collections and 22 gardens with champion trees. And, importantly for many, 220 will offer plants for sale and 298 a welcome cup of tea. Many of the gardens opening under the Scotland’s Garden Scheme banner are private, so not normally open to visitors. Around 250 local and national charities are supported by the scheme with over £1 million raised for charity over the last five years. Other 2018 highlights include: - A NEW Fife Spring Trail with 12 gardens opening in April and May. - 24 openings for the Scottish Snowdrop Festival 27 January – 11 March. - Eight NEW groups and five NEW villages including the historic village of Coldstream in Berwickshire. - The Japanese Garden at Cowden in Stirling – see this restoration project in its early stages - New gardens include Dalbeattie allotments in Kirkcudbrightshire; Viewpark Allotments in Lanarkshire; Edinburgh – open gardens of the Lower New Town and Belgrave Crescent Gardens; Villages – Newburgh in Fife, Brechin in Angus, Kippen Village in Stirling and Kiltarlity Gardens in Inverness - 53 gardens with historic ‘designed landscapes’ including Temple Village, the headquarters of the Knights Templar 12th – 14th centuries or the stunning restoration of Cardinal Beaton’s home in Angus with a medieval themed walled garden. - 222 dog-friendly gardens and 125 accessible by public transport including Attadale with its own train station. Terrill Dobson, National Organiser for Scotland’s Gardens Scheme, said: “Scotland has some amazing gardens and I encourage as many people as possible to get out and explore them. You can pick up some growing tips, learn a new craft or simply spend a relaxing hour or two taking in the sights. You’ll also be raising money for worthwhile charities.”

Ask a random group of Americans about their favorite Italian cookies and their responses, though sincere and ardent, will likely begin to blend into one universal chorus of: “Rainbow cookies…those colored, layered cookies — You know, those cookies that look like an Italian flag…wait, do Zeppoles count?” (For the record, no, they do not count). Italy is made up of 20 distinctive regions. Within each region, there are countless provinces, smaller cities, and villages that are as I write this, producing some of the most delicious and authentically Italian cookies that often times rarely make it out of their province, never mind all the way across the Atlantic and onto the shelves of a bakery in Akron, Ohio. “A lot of the cookies you find in Italian bakeries actually have no Italian roots,” says chef and cookbook author Allison Robicelli. “Italian cookies can be very expensive to produce. Most of the traditional recipes I’ve discovered contain nuts and/or citrus, which was plentiful in the old country. Not so here. Most Italian bakeries don’t make their own cookies. They’re manufactured by giant factories, bought at wholesale, and resold. That’s what keeps the price down.” These 10 Italian cookies are the pride of their region — and some are such obscure treasures they are hardly known outside of the small towns and villages that gave them life. The main ingredient in Ortona’s citrusy, sultry-tasting Nevole is mosto cotto, unfiltered grape juice that locals make using Montepulciano grapes picked only in September and October (you can use other table grapes but the taste of your cookies will change dramatically). Adding to its exclusivity is the fact that the iron used to create le Nevole’s unique design is only manufactured in one place: a town 30 miles from Ortona called La Guarda Grele. The cookies are sold in shops all over Ortona, a municipality of Chieti, but travel a few miles in any direction and you may find locals who have never heard of them. And yet, these are arguably the most significant cookies in this part of Abruzzo. “After the war, there was so much poverty and hunger here and this was the only dessert that required just a few ingredients,” says Mariapia Zucaro, a baker from San Leonardo, Ortona. “The first time I made them I burned my fingers. After some time, they got easier to make — and they’re so good.” Photo by Tom Mancuso Leave it to the Italians to commemorate the dead on All Soul’s Day through culinary masterpieces like Ossi Dei Morti, which literally means “bones of the dead” and are shaped to resemble bones. The key ingredients in this seasonal recipe are sweet almond flour and ground dry almonds that are harvested in autumn. Although this particular recipe is from Piedmont, I risk having my death warrant signed for me if I neglect to mention that Ossi Dei Morti are made all over Italy and that ingredients vary according to region (in Veneto, for example, white wine or potato starch are sometimes used, while some Sicilians prefer coating their cookies in chocolate). No matter how they’re made, the result is usually a crunchy, airy cookie that pairs well with morning espresso and can be enjoyed all winter long. “These were made on November 1 (All Saint’s Day), but more so to honor our loved ones who had passed,” says Brooklyn baker Tom Mancuso. “These were also made again around Christmas to ensure that our loved ones were present.” Photo by Livia Iacolare/Flickr Naples actually has the Greeks to thank for Struffol, one of Italy’s most popular Christmas cookies and the one most likely to appear in your American bakery. The name comes from the Greek “strongulos,” which means “round” and refers to the painstaking, but worthwhile work involved in shaping each ball of flour and egg dough before frying them, coating them in clover or orange blossom honey, and dusting them with lemon and orange zest. “It was a family production to make these,” Mancuso says. “We had an assembly line going: my grandmother Helen would make the dough, my grandmother Anna would cut the dough, I would roll out the dough into long ropes and cut them into small cubes, and my mother would fry them. Once the frying was completed, we used my uncle’s honey, directly from the hives, to finish them off.” Photo by Liliana Fuchs/Flickr Zaletti are Venetian cornmeal raisin cookies that get their name from “zálo,” the Venetian dialect word for yellow. They are traditionally made without sugar and are often paired with dessert wine. Many American recipes, including this one by Mario Batali, include white sugar and eliminate grappa, which you have to assume has been done to appeal to an American palate. Do as they do in Rome (or Venice, in this case) and try the original recipe or adapt it to suit your needs. Photo by sea turtle/Flickr I Cuccidati are delightfully pretty Sicilian Christmas cookies that are made with a sweet fig and date filling, chopped hazelnuts and orange zest. Each town in Sicily has a variation on the recipe, and even a different name for it that suits their particular dialect (“vurciddatu” and “cucciddatu” are but a few alternate names for this cookie). Bakers may mold them into Christmas shapes, like wreaths or lambs, or keep things simply by cutting them into squares and embellishing them with colorful sprinkles. Calabrians will also recognize i cuccidati as one of their favorite Christmas cookies. Though similar, the Calabrian recipe generally omits dates and honey and adds chocolate chips and sometimes walnuts. Baking dilettantes will love the breezy simplicity of Occhio di Bue, which means “bull’s eye” in Italian and consists of a minimal number of easy-to-find ingredients like egg yolks, apricot jam, cane sugar, flour and butter. These mini cookie sandwiches have become ubiquitous in Italy, but are most prevalent in areas up north like Trentino-Alto Adige, where Occhi di Bue recipes often include almonds and specific brands of flour from the region. Photo by Dana McMahan/Flickr Bake a batch of Ancient Roman Honey-Sesame Cookies before the holidays and give guests the most delicious history lesson of their lives. These sweet and crunchy treats date back to the Egyptians and Greeks, but Romans get all the credit for realizing their potential as both a breakfast food and dessert. During the Second Punic War, the early Greeks and Phoenicians brought beekeeping to Rome. These cookies, which vary in shape and size depending on their baker’s whimsy (sometimes flat, but more often raised and circular), are just one of the happy results of Rome’s storied history with bees. Photo by Wei-Duan Woo/Flickr Ricciarelli, a soft macaroon cookie made with sugar, honey, almonds and egg whites, is traditionally served at Christmas time and paired with a dessert wine like Moscadello di Montalcino. These cookies originated in 14th century Siena, an area rich in almonds, and make for a particularly ornate and seasonal addition to your dessert table, thanks to a generous dusting of powdered sugar. More often than not, they include grated orange zest, but search and ye shall find modern versions of the recipe by chefs like Jamie Oliver, who adds chocolate to his Ricciarelli cookies. Photo: Daniele Tenisci Abruzzo is a magical region sandwiched between the Apennine Mountains and Adriatic Sea. Its proud residents make the most of every natural ingredient they grow, including the main four you’ll need to whip up Tarallucci Abruzzesi: wine, olive oil, flour and grape jam. Dust each half-moon cookie with powdered sugar and you have the perfect winter treat. You’ll find myriad deviations on the cookie in other regions (Calabria’s Bocconotti is quite common), but it’s the wholesome simplicity of Abruzzo’s Tarallucci that sets it apart. The only thing better than the fact that Baci di Dama means “lady’s kisses” in Italian is the fact that this cookie’s inside spread consists of the most heavenly of trifectas: hazelnuts, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate. Legend has it a pastry chef from the House of Savoy answered the request of Prince Vittorio Emanuele II in 1852 to create a brand new cookie — and these were born using just four ingredients: almonds, chocolate, sugar, and butter. The genius (and amorous) shape of these cookies, no doubt, sealed the deal for the prince.

An independent panel of judges has selected the finalists for the National Restaurant Association’s inaugural Operator Innovations Awards. Three finalists in each of five categories–Sustainability, Technology, Food Safety, Health & Nutrition, and Menu Development–will be brought to Chicago for the Association’s 2012 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show this May. The winners in each category, plus an Innovator of the Year selected from all finalists, will be announced live during Destination: Celebration on Saturday, May 5, as a part of NRA Show 2012 in Chicago. “The Operator Innovations Awards is designed to celebrate and encourage continued advancement in the restaurant industry, while shining a spotlight on industry-leading innovators who inspire other restaurant operators to new heights,” says Jack Crawford, convention chair for NRA Show 2012 and president and CEO of Ground Round Independent Owners Cooperative, LLC. “This first year’s operator finalists are driving innovation and excellence in execution, fueling customer satisfaction and profitability.” The 2012 Operator Innovations Awards finalists are: Evelyn Hill, Inc. (Liberty Island, New York) – Five million visitors and close to zero waste. While serving five million visitors to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, its operator, Evelyn Hill, Inc., has applied continuous innovations since 2000 that reduce waste and conserve water and energy. Almost all (94 percent) of waste is now recycled or composted, and the new 7,000-square-foot pavilion is LEED Platinum certified. Starbucks Coffee – Create end-markets for selected foodservice packaging. Starbucks is using its scale and brand presence to drive wholesale industry changes that benefit all restaurant and retail operators. Recycling of single-serve coated cups was extremely limited until Starbucks engaged all components of the value chain to begin making recycling practical and profitable. The company’s goal is that all of its cups, and all of the foodservice industry’s polycoated paper cups, will be recyclable by 2015. Uncommon Ground – Organic rooftop farming in an urban setting. Uncommon Ground installed the country’s first certified organic rooftop farm at its Edgewater location in 2008, and is preparing to add a second to the Wrigleyville location, where a sidewalk farm is already growing. Both four-star certified green restaurants offer urban agriculture internships focused on farming, beekeeping, and sustainable food systems. HMS Host (Airport Terminals) – Meal delivery at the departure gate. Travelers at airport terminals can now order and pay for meals from select locations using airport restaurateur HMSHost’s free mobile app, B4 YOU BOARD. Meals—everything from appetizers to entrees—are delivered directly to passengers within 20 minutes of departure. B4 YOU Board is currently available in the following airports: JFK, O’Hare, and Minneapolis/St.Paul, and expanding soon to Sacramento, Phoenix, and Los Angeles SMART Restaurant Group (Which Wich) – On-demand, real-time training. To address training/operational needs determined through guest surveys, SMART Restaurant Group created an integrated technology solution. Training videos can be accessed through QR codes at appropriate workstations for employees and managers in their Which Wich locations. Smart phones are used to connect through the QR codes and offer 30-60 second “refresher” videos to improve performance. Stacked Restaurants, LLC (California Casual) – Facilitating build-your-own ordering. Stacked Restaurants is a new, full-service concept that utilizes an iPad-based ordering system, enabling guests to control when they order and when they pay, and to customize their meal in a comfortable, uninhibited way. Guests can choose from hundreds of ingredients in customizing their burgers, pizzas, salads, and mac 'n' cheese, as they place and pay for orders via tabletop iPads. Colorado Springs School District 11 – Comprehensive management of food ingredients including allergens. This public-school system adapted and implemented the “Allerschool” system, designed to identify individual food ingredients, including all types of allergens in school menu items. This system reduces the likelihood of allergen exposure by minimizing manual ingredient checking, and it increases student safety and ingredient transparency among parents, administrators, students, and the kitchen staff. Sodexo North America – Food safety system that meets strict ISO standards. Sodexo is dedicated to ensuring safe, high quality products and services for all the people they serve. This onsite management firm achieved an industry milestone by obtaining ISO 22000:2005 Food Safety Management System certification for its operations in the U.S. and Canada. This ISO standard requires proof of an organizations ability to plan, implement, operate, maintain, and update a food safety management system aimed at providing food that is safe for the consumer. Waffle House – A public-private partnership to secure foodservice safety post-disasters. This restaurant chain, in partnership with state health departments, developed a comprehensive business continuity plan featuring tight food safety protocols to ensure speedy and safe reopening after natural disasters. In addition, Waffle House works closely with FEMA and state emergency management agencies as an active Private Sector Partner when responding to natural disasters. Health and Nutrition Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services – Making healthier eating cool on campus. Balance U is Chartwells’ nationwide program developed to educate and encourage students to eat healthier. Not only does Balance U include gluten-free recipes, menus, and labeling, but the program also includes a strong education component for students and employees alike, featuring nutritional labeling information, events, classes, and more. Sodexo School Services (Did You Know Café) – Cafeteria-as-classroom encourages healthier eating. Targeting the finicky tween demographic, Sodexo transforms dining areas into extensions of the classroom to educate students on healthier eating with the goal of instilling lifelong healthy eating habits. UCSF Medical Center – Clear and comprehensive communication around healthy options. This academic medical center takes an integrated approach to incorporating nutrition information, education, and marketing in its restaurant settings. UCSF offers complete nutrition info in multiple ways including on digital menu boards and the customer’s receipt. Sodexo School Services (Future Chefs) – Culinary competition engages students across the country. The annual Future Chefs National Competition challenges students to create and prepare healthy recipes in local competitions. Twelve recipes per year are chosen to be featured on school lunch menus around the country, and this “For Kids, By Kids” approach has proven to be a great way to increase participation and get kids to try new things. The Cheesecake Factory, Inc. – Stylized Small-Plates Menu. One of the early innovators in the space of smaller portions, Cheesecake Factory took the creative lead to develop a whole new array of stylized culinary creations that counter-balanced the large portions for which it is well known. Premium plates are available in a range of prices and featured distinctly in menus. UNC Healthcare (Chapel Hill), North Carolina – Restaurant-Retail Foods Delivered to Patients. UNC Healthcare’s distinctive approach to foodservice is centered around 13 self-branded dining “restaurants” modeled after popular commercial restaurants. Each day, UNC’s 800 patients can order from a 20-page menu with more than 80 entrée selections, and have the restaurant choices delivered to their room. Patients experience greater variety at a lower labor cost than that of traditional hospital food service. Held at Chicago’s Harris Theater Rooftop Terrace in Millennium Park, Destination: Celebration is this year’s must-attend NRA Show after-party. In addition to celebrities and industry thought leaders, guests will be treated to music by accomplished solo artist Kenny Loggins. Destination: Celebration will be held on Saturday, May 5, 7-10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online for $125 each, or packs of ten tickets for $1,000. Space is limited, and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. The judges’ panel for the Operator Innovations Awards represents the major segments of the foodservice industry. All nominations are reviewed by the panel of industry leaders consisting of: - Patricia Bando (Associate Vice President, Auxiliary Services, Boston College) - Scott Barton (President, Fine Dining Division, Lettuce Entertain You) - Jeff Broadhurst (President & CEO, Eat'n Park Hospitality Group) - Marc Buehler (President, O'Charleys) - Jean-Marie Clement (Director, Global Food & Beverage Line of Business, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Worldwide) - Douglas Davis (Director, Global Food Safety, Marriott International) - Chris Demery (Vice President, Applications, OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC) - James Houser (Vice President of Administration, Delaware North) - John Metz, Jr. (Executive Chef, President and Co-Founder, Sterling Hospitality) - Christopher Pappas (CEO, Pappas Restaurants, Inc.) - C.W. Craig Reed (Director of Food & Beverage, Broadmoor Hotel) - Ron Serluco (Senior Vice President of Operators, Guckenheimer). News and information presented in this release has not been corroborated by FSR, Food News Media, or Journalistic, Inc.

I-AID (Internet Abuse Identification and Personalised Withdrawal Strategies) is a two year project led by CIVIC, with partners based in Greece, Portugal, Poland, Cyprus and the UK. It aims to empower adults to deal with excessive internet use, equipping them with the skills and the tools to modify their behaviour. The project will be using specially tailored existing tools and approaches from the fields of psychology, pedagogy, and information technology to support adults in implementing personalised moderation plans and screen moderation strategies through a personalised learning approach.View I-AID Project site Plan Bee, led by CIVIC with partners in Ireland, Greece, Spain, Cyprus, and the UK, aims to design and implement an apiculture training game for low-skilled adults from rural areas supporting the development of the beekeeping field. The main objective of the project is to provide a serious game, serving as a single information point to guide a potential beekeeper on how to start a lucrative business based on their own needs and background by addressing the risks related to traditional beekeeping.View Plan Bee Project site CIVIC leads the rAn project, composed of a consortium of five partners from Greece, Spain, the UK, and Portugal, which aims to raise awareness about natural disasters among young students (6-12 years old) through the development of best practices and serious games. The project partners will design and develop a “natural disasters awareness kit” and a serious game to assist teachers and children at primary education to cope with these emergency situations.View rAn Project site GoDigital is a project led by the University of Zaragoza in Spain in which CIVIC is a partner along with organisations from Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Italy, and Bulgaria. It addresses the digital skill gaps in the EU workforce and aims at improving employability among young adults. During the project, CIVIC will design and develop the Digital Tools for Work ACCELERATOR, a training platform that will provide personalised training pathways for the users to motivate them to learn new digital skills or improve their existing ones. The Hyperclean4HORECA project is a consortium of partners based in the UK, Greece, Spain, Estonia, and Romania that plan to improve training and skills among cleaning staff in the HORECA (hotels, restaurants, and cafes) sector. The consortium plans to develop an online Hygiene & Cleaning Manager Tool that will follow a training path designed to equip staff in the HORECA sector with the necessary skills and knowledge to follow national and EU standards, guarantee public health and safety, and provide high quality services. This will be supported by a Hyperclean4HORECA game that will reinforce and assist with the retention of the skills and knowledge delivered through the Tool.View Project site The Play2Learn project, coordinated by CIVIC with support from partners in Greece, Italy, Ireland, Cyprus, and Portugal, aims to improve the uptake of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) subjects among young people. The project aims to achieve this through educational content and lesson plans that the consortium of partners will develop, supported by a DIY computer kit. Taken together, these deliverables will be able to teach both students and educators not just engaging STEM lessons, but also computational thinking and programming!View Play2Learn Project site

6 Ways to Tell If Your Beehive is Queenless You’ve followed all the beekeeping rules, and you’re looking forward to your next hive inspection. But when you open your hive, things don’t quite seem right. The bees appear agitated and maybe even aggressive, and there doesn’t seem to be as many as you remember. Upon further inspection, you can’t find any brood. Could your hive be queenless? What are the signs that your hive may be queenless? 1. A Drop in Population The average hive has between 50 to 60 thousand bees. Obviously, you can’t count them, but after spending some time with your hive, you begin to get a feel for what is normal. Bees die every day, but eggs are continually laid to replace those that die. When numbers drop significantly, the queen may not be present and doing her job of laying eggs to replace honeybees that die. 2. Missing Brood and Eggs During nectar flows, a queen will lay eggs every single day. If eggs are present, you know a queen laid them in the last three days. If bee larvae are present in uncapped cells, the queen laid the eggs within the last nine days. If the larvae are in a cocoon and cells are capped, the queen laid eggs within the last 20 days. If none of the above can be found in your hive, the hive has been queenless for more than 3 weeks. 3. Pollen and Honey Stores Where Brood Should Be The first job a worker bee has is that of a nurse bee. Without any eggs or larvae to tend, they quickly move to guard duty and then food hunter. This means more bees are out gathering pollen and nectar because they aren’t needed for nurse duty. The pollen and nectar these surplus bees gather must be stored somewhere, so the bees begin using the available comb that would have been used for brood. 4. Presence of Queen Cells When a queen is failing or absent, the colony will attempt to create a replacement queen. To accomplish this, they make queen cells. Note, however, just because you see a queen cell in your hive doesn’t necessarily mean your hive doesn’t have a queen. But, if a queen cell is present and brood is absent, there’s a good chance your hive is queenless. When you see a queen cell, try to determine what stage it’s in. Does it have an egg or larva in it? Is it or has it previously been capped? This will help you determine if your hive is raising a new queen or hopelessly queenless. 5. More Than One Egg in a Cell The queen is very proficient at laying eggs and is adept at egg placement. In a queenless hive, workers may begin laying eggs in an attempt to replace her. Workers don’t do the job nearly as well as the queen and will lay eggs randomly, often, more than one in a cell. If you see more than one egg in a cell or see an egg on pollen bread, you know your hive is queenless. When workers begin to lay eggs, you’re in real trouble. They become very hostile towards you and any queen you may introduce. A previously timid colony may even pour out of the hive to defend it when you open the hive to inspect it. At this point, most beekeepers get rid of the colony, shaking out the bees and begin with a new NUC. Aggression, along with lack of brood, often means the hive is queenless. 6. A Large Number of Drones A hive with a large number of drones is likely queenless or has a queen laying infertile eggs. Workers who are laying are also laying infertile eggs, causing drone populations to skyrocket. If you’ve discovered that your hive is queenless, one solution is to raise a queen yourself. We offer a Queen Rearing Kit with detailed instructions to make this task fun and easy.

Helping to get something worthwhile off the ground is a pretty amazing feeling. Back in 2009 Steven and I came home from the International Federation of Beekeeping Association – Apimondia Congress realising for the first time Australian beekeepers were the luckiest beekeepers in the world. You sometimes need to leave Australia to realise this! Our time at the congress was a pivotal moment in realising that we needed to do more to help honeybees and protect what Australia had. We realised there was a need for a not for profit foundation to help save honeybees. Upon returning to Australia we were thrilled to see that an incredible woman in beekeeping – Gretchen Wheen – then in the twilight years of her career was already in the process of setting up a foundation to help protect honeybees. The Wheen Bee Foundation was formed and I was invited to join the board. Setting up a Foundation from a living bequest has taken time and with only 5 volunteers initially there was so much to do. When Gretchen passed in 2012 and left her estate to the Foundation we essentially had a Foundation but with no foundations! We had a legacy to protect, a vision to build and it was our obligation to deliver it. Nine years on we’re still a passionate bunch of board directors backed up and lead by the very dedicated and amazing Fiona Chambers as CEO. Every Friday morning I start my day with a Wheen Bee Foundation check-in,where we catch up on the happenings of the Foundation and – awareness raising, general fundraising, research plans and projects. This month when the Wheen Bee Foundation Board met in Melbourne it was really exciting to see so many years of meetings, discussions and ideas coming together and creating incredible programs that will help protect honeybees. Fiona is about to deliver the first “Bee Ambassador Training” program to a group of bee advocates nominated to participate in the program by their respective bee clubs or communities to help support them and their passion for honey bees and also grow the work of the Foundation. Wheen Bee Foundation has been responsible for raising almost $3million from pollination dependent industries (almond growers, seed growers, avocado growers, blueberry growers), beekeepers, the NSW Government and the Australian Government. It’s an incredible achievement from such small beginnings and builds on some of the more humble research programs funded so far. Ready for the upcoming festive season (which is only about 18 weeks away!) we’ve put together Wheen Bee Foundation – Bee Advocate Badges of Honour. They’re a beautiful gold bee badge set on a little card with messages about how to help bees which would make a great gift for Christmas with all proceeds going to the Wheen Bee Foundation. Its rewarding to see all these activities and really makes me happy to be part of the Wheen Bee Foundation. It’s a highlight of my Bee Cause work to be surrounded by my fellow Wheen Bee Foundation Board members I value every minute talking about how to solve the problems that face bees and beekeepers in Australia. Importantly, I’m really lucky to have always had the support of Steven which has allowed me to get out of the business and do this work. Check out Wheen Bee Foundation and be sure to watch its progress into the future. For more information on the Bee Ambassador training program click here To purchase a Bee Advocate Badge of Honour click here

Donald E. Bowen, Sr, 90, husband of Virginia E. (Donaher) Bowen of Ipswich, died July 10, 2020 following his extended illness. Born and raised in Ipswich, Don was the son of Chester and Dorothy (Arnold) Bowen. Don was class president and an honor student in the IHS Class of 1948. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He spent his career working as a civil engineer for the State of Massachusetts for thirty-one years before his retirement in 1992. Don loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, birdwatching and beekeeping. He loved to eat, especially the fruits and vegetables from his garden and orchard. He had a passion for learning and had a wide range of interests including classical music, astronomy, World War II and flying. He earned his pilotís license and flew solo in the tri-state area. Don was an avid sports fan, following all the New England teams and traveling with family and friends to watch the Red Sox play in various venues around the country. In addition to his wife of sixty-one years, he leaves his son Donald Bowen Jr. and his wife, Amy of Hamilton, his daughter, Maureen Beaudet and her husband, Mark of Ipswich and his grandson, Jeremy Bowen of Somerville. He is also survived by his brother, Howard Bowen of Ipswich, sisters Barbara Foster of FL and Bernice Berglund of Burlington, and several nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his Boston Terrier Lucy. He was the brother of the late Dorothy Bowen, Chester Bowen and Melvin Bowen, all formerly of Ipswich. His funeral service with Military Honors will be held Wednesday July 15 at 11am in the Highland Cemetery, Town Farm Road, Ipswich. Family and friends respectfully welcomed with masks and social distancing. Arrangements by the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home. - E-mail a condolence for family members -

A project undertaken at The University of Sydney, and supervised by Ben Oldroyd, Emily Remnant and Boris Yagound Besides their value for plant pollination, honeybees are an important model organism for studying how cooperation and conflicts are balanced in social systems. Honeybee queens mate with multiple males (drones), so each colony is comprised of up to 30 worker ‘patrilines’, each sired by a different father. Patriline-specific traits in worker physiology and behaviour are well documented, and are often interpreted as evidence of genetic task specialisation – the adaptive phenomenon in which workers with particular fathers perform specific tasks like guarding or pollen foraging. Yet the genetics of such traits are complex and the underlying causal genes are largely unknown. An underexplored avenue by which each drone could influence his worker progeny involves epigenetic mechanisms, DNA methylation being the best candidate. DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that alters gene expression by adding methyl marks to cytosines. DNA methylation is involved in developmental and phenotypic plasticity, and could be responsible for parent-of-origin effects. Previous results showed that male honeybees produce semen with unique DNA methylation profiles, indicating that they have the potential to epigenetically influence their worker daughters, ultimately leading to patriline-specific traits. Honeybees thus give us the unique opportunity to investigate the existence of epigenetic inheritance and its impacts on societies. Our objective is to investigate if male honeybees can epigenetically influence their daughters through DNA methylation. Using instrumental inseminations of queens with the semen of different drones, combined with next-generation sequencing of each father and his daughters, we will test the hypothesis that each drone carries unique DNA methylation profiles that are transmitted through their semen to their daughter workers. We will further test whether these epigenetic patterns are associated with the workers’ reproductive phenotype. The results should deepen our understanding of inheritance and the functional outcomes of epigenetic mechanisms, and could be valuable for breeding programs in the beekeeping industry.

Fifty farmers from Kinnuar district of Himachal Pradesh attended a six-day training programme at the Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni. The programme titled ‘Production Technology of Horticultural crops’ was sponsored by the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN). The University has pact with SJVN for imparting short-term skill development training to the farmers of Himachal Pradesh. UHF’s Directorate of Extension Education conducted the training, which was attended by farmers from the Tranda and Nichar panchayats of Kinnuar. Explaining about the programme, coordinators Dr. Jitender Chauhan and Dr. Manica Tomar, said that the farmers were given complete package on horticulture production technology ranging from training and pruning of fruit crops. The training also focussed on the scope and importance of exotic vegetable production. Apart from field visits, the participants also got a chance to attend expert lectures. In one such lecture, Dr. Vijay Singh Thakur, Director Extension Education, explained about the diseases in apple crops. He highlighted the impact of climate change on disease development in temperate crops and suggested effective means of counter them. Participants were also introduced to floriculture, propagation, nursery production and clonal rootstocks for high-density plantation in apples during the six-day training. Scientists at the University also explained about the promising varieties of important temperate fruits, formation of self-help groups and integrated pest management. Beekeeping, post-harvest handling of fruit crops, agroforestry systems for sustainable development were some of the other areas taken up during the training. The trainees visited Directorate of Mushroom Research, Chambaghat and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kandaghat for an exposure visit. Dr. Raj Kumar Thakur, Joint Director (Communication), explained the importance of such programmes and motivated the trainees to take part in skill development activities. He also distributed the certificates and training kits to the participants.

When a swarm of bees attempted to make a hive out of a traveller’s vehicle in Valleyview on May 20, Central Peace-Notley MLA Todd Loewen was called and removed them. Loewen arrived dressed accordingly to escort the misplaced swarm out of the vehicle. Loewen has been beekeeping for four years and has learnt over that time how to handle bees properly. The traveller had called 911 after realizing what happened, and the 911 dispatcher made a call to Robin Coward, a beekeeper in the area. Coward knew that the MLA was close by and called him to ask if he could help the individual out. Loewen arrived in a full bee suit and took a few minutes to brush most of the bees into a bag. Afterwards, Loewen climbed into the vehicle and removed the remaining bees individually and then released the bees back outside. “I’m not sure if the normal process for 911 is to call a beekeeper, but I’m guessing that since the beekeeper would have the expertise and equipment when RCMP and emergency services would not, it’s probably a really good idea,” said Loewen when asked if this was normally how this type of situation was dealt with. Loewen stated that he has been called before to remove swarms in people’s yards but never in a car or any other vehicle. It is not usual for a swarm of bees to go into a vehicle. Loewen also said that the queen bee was not with the other bees when he removed them, which led him to believe that the queen bee may have went into the vehicle and left behind pheromones on the inside door where the bees had gathered. The queen bee would have also taken most of the bees with her, and that is why not more bees had been left behind. It is unusual for bees to swarm this time of year, as this behaviour is more typical during the summer and fall. “I am definitely not a bee expert, but I have learned a lot in the past four years from a combination of listening to experienced beekeepers and hands on experience,” Loewen said. When bees swarm, they are generally looking for a good place to make a hive. Beekeepers like to set up a location that has shelter from the wind, usually along a tree line. It is good to have beehives close to a plentiful flower source such as an Alfalfa, Clover, or Canola fields. Access to water is also important. “A car with open doors wouldn’t qualify as a good place, so normally, the bees would move along on their own,” added Loewen. It could have taken up to several hours for these bees to move out of the vehicle, which would be inconvenient for someone, especially those travelling with a child as this traveller was. Honey production has dropped in the last two years because of wildfires and wet summers. Over this last winter, beekeepers have witnessed a higher than average loss of bees. Factored with border restrictions and less bees being able to be brought in due to COVID-19, beekeepers have had a difficult past couple of years.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 14th, 7:30 P.M. at the West Barnstable Fire Station on Route 149. This particular meeting has evolved to display many types of extracting tools and techniques as practiced by some of our veterans. Due to the meeting location, a "dry" extracting demonstration will be given, as will many useful tips and hints. I only had a few folks respond to my request for email addresses, so if you have such and would like to save the club the cost of reproducing and mailing this fine newsletter, please send your current email address to [email protected] and set your spam filters to allow mail, with attachments, from that sender. Thank You. -- Paul Seven Springs Resort is nestled in the southwestern corner of Pennsylvania. Each of the ten floors facing the ski slopes enjoyed a private balcony. It was a very impressive view when lit at night, but not your usual location for a beekeeping conference with apiary. The week at the EAS conference was very informative with numerous researchers and workshops and very enjoyable accommodations. The weather did not cooperate this year with two days of rain and extremely heavy fog (just like Cape Cod). It's our goal to come home with lots of information on better beekeeping. After a week of classes, workshops, and beekeeping gab, the following bits and pieces were gleaned. Quality of Queens - A queen under a year old will lay twice as many eggs than those over 12 to 15 months, resulting in a shrinking brood pattern. Did you ever compare the texture and color of queen cells? We haven't. Note from here on that an emergency queen cell is dark and smooth, while a good quality queen cell consists of light wax and a very sculptured, or mottled, shell. If a new virgin queen is confined to the hive due to bad weather for over three weeks, she will lose her egg-laying ability. in drones is important for a good laying queen and a strong hive. We repeatedly heard that beekeepers should be raising their own queens. By choosing the survivors, with good honey production and low mite count, a few queens could be reared. Sounds easy, right? Larval Life - Once a worker egg hatches, the resulting larva needs 2000 t0 3000 feeding visits from the nurse bees who must maintain a brood temperature of 95 to 97 degrees. Did you wonder why the sugar syrup went down so fast and so much pollen arrived at the entrance? Hive stores are important year-round. Currently we have found little to no excess honey/nectar stored in most hives. Supplemental feeding is not far off. The lava will go through five instars, the first being the first hatch. When first capped the larva will defecate for the first time. The reason for this delayed activity is at that point the brood food has been consumed; otherwise the food would be contaminated. Hive Entrance - Our one short stay in the apiary proved informative. Many a time we have seen activity of concern at the front of the hives in mid-afternoon. Is it robbing, or preparation for swarming? It could be, but if you return in an hour or two and all is quiet, you may have witnessed many new foragers orienting themselves to the outside world. This activity could continue for a day or two before they are full-fledged foragers. IPM - Little was gleaned regarding integrated pest management. There are no new safe pesticides available. One should really do periodic mite counts using either a sugar roll or sticky board before treating. Apistan strips are available from the club, but the varroa mite is becoming increasingly resistant to fluvalinate. Those of us with hives over-wintered from the spring of 2003 will probably see unhealthy numbers of varroa if no treatment was used. Strong hives in July can be depleted by late August and the deformed wing virus is rearing its ugly signs. This was to be the year that our honeybees produced lots and lots of honey. It makes no sense that the Black Locust blossomed (with no rain) for 9 days with very little nectar making its way into the hives. Clethera bloom followed in August with the very same disappointing results. This is not a local situation, but exists throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. (Bee-L posts are reporting similar situations in the Mid-West as well as the far north and as far as Manitoba). The "girls" need to bone up on the textbooks. Hopefully, goldenrod nectar will find its way into the hives, or Domino Sugar Co. will be the stock to invest in. To compound our personal dilemma, a split shipment of queens arrived all in the same day, with poor weather predicted. Many 2-frame nucs were made, but the overnight temperatures dropped into the 40's, causing chilling of the brood (nearly all capped) and queen loss. The upbeat news continues with the use of Honey Bee Healthy and same day queen introduction. Strong hives, some with honey supers still on, were rendered queenless and caged queens were immediately introduced. Fresh eggs were evident 7 days later. A late, large swarm (approximately 3 pounds) arrived the other day in a perfect location, three feet off the ground. We quickly shook it into a deep hive body and placed it over a weak hive. Within a half-hour, a good-sized clump of bees returned to the apple tree. We shook it into a bucket and dumped it back into the hive. Before we left the apiary, scouts had again returned to the branch. We left to continue our work, but returned the next day to find a large cluster remaining in the hive with a laying queen and a small cluster still in the apple tree. We placed a nuc below the swarm and within minutes the scouts were entering. They settled in by that afternoon. Were there 2 queens? Stay tuned. The glass order has arrived and very few folks took advantage of Ed's good nature on Saturday and Sunday, August 21st and 22nd. Now most of that glass has to be stored elsewhere and prices will probably increase by $1.00 per case over the following set Prices: $10 for 24 x 1 lb., $10 for 24 x 8 oz., and $7.50 for 12 x 2 lb. So, call Ed now and set up an appointment to pick up your glass order. Kudos to Claire Claire participated in the Annual Honey Competition at this year's E.A.S. with Lt Amber Extracted Honey, Chunk Honey, and Cut Comb. She just does it for the judges comments, to see how well her product fares (she says) amongst others. Well, this year she fared pretty well, because she took home 3 blue ribbons. Let me tell you, she was poppin' her buttons come Friday morning. Then came time for the Honey Exchange, and her 3 jars went to 3 of the first 4 people in line. Now next year she has to bring more, because there were folks looking for it that asked to do a private exchange. The Osterville Saga On 8/26, 8/27, and 8/29, we sold a total of 89 8 oz. bottles of Armstrong-Kelley Park honey @ $5.00 each. No sales on 8/28, we had a wedding at Park. Equal amounts of plastic and glass sold. On 8/27, we sold out of everything. We use the honor system. Make your own change. OF COURSE, IT'S OSTERVILLE HONEY. Our ladies are debs in Cape Cod's oldest (1930) and largest (8.5 acres) privately owned park open free to the public and their pets. Fall Treatments Available While at EAS, we purchased Apistan strips and Fumagillin-B for fall treatments for your bees. Apistan strips will be available at $1.50 each. Four are normally required for a populous hive at this time of year. Fumagillin-B will be available in individual doses for $1 each. This is added to each gallon of 2:1 sugar syrup fed in the fall to prevent Nosema in over-wintered bees. The most visible fall nectar plants on the Cape are Goldenrod, Asters & the new invasive Knotweed. Goldenrod is one of the most widely distributed of all native plants. There are over 160 varieties of goldenrod growing in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It is a late blooming plant that starts blooming in mid August and continues until frost. It grows in many roadside areas, along wasteland near streams and along the dunes all over the Cape. Honey produced from goldenrod has a yellow amber color and often granulates fairly quickly, but it makes a good winter food for bees. The pollen is a light orange to almost brown color and may vary quite a bit. Asters are late blooming plants, who's many small white to purple flowers will continue to attract bees into October. Japanese knotweed is a recent invasive that resembles bamboo, can grow to 6-7 feet and produces large plumes of white flowers. While the bees love it, it is very invasive and should not be encouraged. Bees feeding on these plants can produce a light amber colored and mild flavored honey when all mixed together. For fall planting The New England Wild Flower Society's Garden in The Woods, in Framingham, is sponsoring a Big Bugs display July 17th through October 17th (August 7&8 was Bee weekend), and they have two new collections of native plants for sale. Bill Cullina, Nursery Director of the New England Wild Flower Society and author of the Society's Guide to Growing and Propagating Wildflowers, designed the collections to attract butterflies (but are also loved by our girls). These are easy-to-grow perennial native plants. There are both early and late season plants for a long sequence of bloom and both host and nectar plants for butterflies and bees. The 'SUN COLLECTION has eight selections and includes 'fireworks goldenrod'', (Solidago rugosa ) one of the best fall nectar plants; the lovely 'butterfly weed' (Aesclepius tuberosa ) with bright orange blooms; black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia fulgida v. sullivantii ), a tidy plant complete with its own insect landing pads, and the dramatic late-season New York ironweed (Vernonia novaboracencis ). Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) will be an early season invitation and New England blazing star (Liatris scariosa v . novae-angliae ) provides mid-season nectar. New England asters (Aster -symph-novae angleae) and tall purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea ) complete the collection and the cost to cover a 12 foot by 6 foot area is $56 for non-members and less than $50 for members. The SHADE COLLECTION has six selections, including the stunning Labrador violet (Viola labradorica ) and the unusual heart-leaved Alexanders (Zizia aptera ). The blue wood aster ( Aster cordifolius) is great for naturalizing in the shade garden and is an important fall nectar plant. The lovely wreath goldenrod (Solidago caesia ) is a long-blooming variety with delicately arching stems. In some of the shade collections, the stunning cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) with its red flowers adds a burst of color to shade and half-shade moister areas. The sweet fragrant lavender-blue flowers of the wood phlox (Phlox divaricata) make the earliest nectar. This collection is $42 for non-members and an extra 10% off for members. -- submitted by Leslie Lichtenstein Hive Equipment for Sale Members Susan and Richard Connor, of Sandwich, are giving up beekeeping. They have enough equipment for at least five hives for sale. Call 508-888-9136 for details and prices. There will be a list of equipment available for your perusal at the next meeting from a beekeeper in Norfolk County. He read of folks looking for extractors and has that, plus other equipment for sale. Plus, we listed earlier in the season that an extractor was available from a Toni Gelotte of East Sandwich. Details available at 508-888-3486. Ed Osmun has the following items for sale. You can catch him at the meeting or call him @ 508-833-9696. - 12 oz Flat Panel Bears- $12. per 24. - Type S Pollen Traps- Built by Amish craftsmen $59. Gather some of that goldenrod pollen to feed to your bees in the spring.

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IBC tanks and pallets are great resources to have around the homestead for re-purposing projects. Once in awhile a project comes along that combines them in a unique way; such as the DIY pallet hot tub in the video above. According to the builder; he built his version of a hilly billy hot tub for a garden party and it cost him less than £50. The IBC container cost £40, while the pallets, copper pipe and propane tank were free. The other £10 paid for the plumbing connectors. That converts to less than $75 USD; I think it’s time to build an American version! For those that have an issue with watching youtube videos due to internet connections; below is a brief overview of a similar build from therealorson. This build utilizes a pool filtration system so there is more costs involved. Install Connectors And Pallet Skin Attach PVC Piping Finish Pallet Exterior And Fold Over IBC Top Pipe In The Pool Filter And Start Filling Trim The Top And Enjoy To see a detailed build on instructables click on the link below. Enjoy your new DIY Hot Tub! Build your way to a more self-sufficient lifestyle with step-by-step projects for backup and supplementary utilities–including independent water, heat, and electricity–growing and storing food, raising small livestock, beekeeping, and more. Many of the projects require basic materials available at your everyday home center, but this book also provides valuable DIY resources for solar, hydro, greenhouse, and gardening needs.

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Municipality of "Mali Iđoš" is located in the heart of Bačka, halfway between Subotica and Novi Sad. It is cut down by the Krivaja river, and it is surrounde by the "Telačka" plateau. The main events in Mali Iđoš are: Domboš Fest, Ana days and Csepe-days in remembrance of Csepe Imre, and in Feketić the popular events are the days of settlements and the cherry days. The Popular destinations of the municipality are also the alcoholic beverage producers "Horkai", "Lоdi" winery, Beekeeping Terek, "Pipač" accommodation and "Katai-tanya". Mali Iđoš is widely known thanks to Lakjó Féliks and Rúzsa Magdolna, since it is their birthplace.

I couldn’t help myself, but the bees arrived! Two packages of just tickled pink Italian Honeybees arrived on Sunday. Mike was worried about them all day Saturday, and made sure we were hours early to pick them up on Sunday. I bet the gentleman who sells the bees (in Damascus, Maryland) has a lot of fun and laughter to see us newbie beekeepers get their hives, get their bees, and on the field day. I say this because Mike talked his ear off for 10 minutes about what we’ve done and what we’re doing and what’s he’s seen the “Beeman” (his new favorite beekeeper) do. But I can’t judge him, as it’s an exciting adventure and it’s something he’s excited about. And let me tell you, there are few things that Mike is visibly excited about. Beekeeping appears to be one of them. So we picked up our bees (buzzing in the back of the car and making me nervous!) and went home. Of course, 10am was a little chilly this Sunday to install bees, and he had lunch with the neighbors and house chores to do, so it had to wait. Finally, hours later and only once our neighbors admitted to having to lunge their horses and stop socializing, we went to install them. Mike did most of the heavy work as I participated from afar, but I did hold the queen cages while he shook the packages in. That helps, right? Since I didn’t get pictures of all the steps, here’s what we did with the few pictures I do have to follow: - Pried open the lid of the package–that’s wedged on there a bit tighter than you’d think! - Sprayed the bees with some sugar water. It was probably more than we should have given the late afternoon hour and the slightly chilly air. This may have contributed to losing some of our bees, but this is a learning experience. - Started to pull out the sugar syrup can. We would have done this step next, but those jars were really wedged in there. - Tapped/banged the package down so the bees would mostly settle on the bottom. - Pulled out the sugar syrup can. This was where we were a bit surprised. Silly or not, we honestly were expecting a funnel of bees to start pouring out of the package. That was not so. - Took out the queen cage. I helped out here, carefully holding the cage very far away from my body and standing around in a stiff position while deciding if I wanted to bend over to pick up my camera. This is going to be a slow process of getting used to our new “pets.” - Shook those ladies into their homes! And you really do shake them. Some fly around, some fall right in, some refused to leave their package home. - Close the house up. Mike learned after the first hive to be a bit safer when closing the hive after killing a lady or two by smashing the inner cover on. - We finished it up with a gallon jar with sugar syrup held off the cover with blocks, covered by a deep and the cover. - Ta-da! We have lift-off. We left the packages out by the hives overnight, but noticed the next day that there was still a good cluster in one of the packages. Sadly, we found out later Monday night that many of these were dead bees–Mike was fretting and worried, but we’re sure the ladies will bounce back in no time. And boy are they loving the apple tree that’s in bloom!

Location of Erzurum Province in Turkey |• Electoral district||Erzurum| |• Governor||Okay Memiş| |• Total||25,066 km2 (9,678 sq mi)| |• Density||31/km2 (79/sq mi)| Erzurum Province (Turkish: Erzurum ili) is a province of Turkey in the Eastern Anatolia Region of the country. The capital of the province is the city of Erzurum. It is bordered by the provinces of Kars and Ağrı to the east, Muş and Bingöl to the south, Erzincan and Bayburt to the west, Rize and Artvin to the north and Ardahan to the northeast. Okay Memiş was appointed as the governor of the province by a presidential decree on 27 October 2018. The surface area of the province of Erzurum is the fourth biggest in Turkey. The majority of the province is elevated. Most plateaus are about 2,000 m (6,600 ft) above sea level, and the mountainous regions beyond the plateaus are 3,000 m (9,800 ft) and higher. Depression plains are located between the mountains and plateaus. The southern mountain ranges include the Palandöken Mountains (highest peak Büyük Ejder 3,176 m or 10,420 ft high) and the Şahveled Mountains (highest peak Çakmak Mountain 3,063 m or 10,049 ft high). The northern mountain ranges are the second row elevations of the North Anatolian Mountains, i.e. Mescit Mountains (highest peak 3,239 m or 10,627 ft high), Kargapazarı Mountains (highest peak 3,169 m or 10,397 ft high) and Allahuekber Mountains. The two depression plains between these mountainous areas are Erzurum Plains and Hasankale Plains. Continental climate rules in the province with long and harsh winters, and short and mild summers. The average low temperature is −8.6 °C (16.5 °F), while the average high temperature is 12 °C (54 °F). Average annual precipitation is 453 mm (17.8 in). Snow falls on an average of 80 days and remains for about 150 days. There are few natural lakes in the province, the major one being Lake Tortum (approximately 8 km²) fed by the Tortum (Uzundere) Falls. The Tortum hydroelectric power plant built in 1963 is situated on the inlet of this lake. There are three artificial lakes in the province. Known as Karanitis (Ancient Greek: Καρανῖτις/Καρηνῖτις)), Arzen, Erzen, and (Armenian:Էրզրում նահանգ, Կարին ) Karin or Garin, most of the province was incorporated into the Roman Empire in the 4th century (after having been incorporated by empires such as the Achaemenid empire, the Seleucid Empire, the Parthian Empire for centuries), and a small mountain city called Carana (Ancient Greek: Κάρανα)) was fortified. It became an important border fortress. This city was later (A.D. 415) renamed to Theodosiopolis (Ancient Greek: Θεοδοσιούπολις), in honour of Emperor Theodosius I. Standing on the crossroads of main trade routes in Asia Minor, the area was a centre of importance for Greeks, amongst whom also lived a population of Armenians, Syriac Christians, Jews and Assyrians. From the mid 3rd century AD and afterwards, the territory was dominated by and incorporated into the Sasanian Empire, although it occasionally briefly fell under the rule of the neighboring Byzantine Empire as well. From the mid 7th century AD, the Arabs frequently clashed with the Byzantine Empire, including over the region Between the seventh and eight centuries Arabs and Byzantines alternately held the region in their power, local Armenian rulers played a significant role in these events. The city (present day Erzurum) was alternatively held by the Arabs and Byzantines during the 7-10th centuries it was also part of the Georgian kingdom of Tao-Klarjeti in the 10th century. Threatened and later devastated and looted by the Seljuk Turks in 1049, the old city of Erzen was conquered, but Theodosiopolis survived the invasion until it was captured some time later. From the year 1101 onward it is documented that the ruling dynasty of the Saltukids held the town and much of the surrounding area in their power. Theodosiopolis repelled many attacks and military campaigns by the Seljuks of Rum and Georgians (the latter knew the city as Karnu-Kalaki) until 1201 when the city and province were conquered by the Seljuk sultan Süleiman II of Rüm. Erzen-Erzurum fell to the Mongol siege in 1242, and the city was looted and devastated. After the fall of the Seljuk Sultanate of Anatolia (Rüm) in the early 14th century, it became an administrative province of the Ilkhanates, and after their fall, became part of the Çoban beylik, Black Sheep Turkmen, Mongols led by Timur Lenk, the White Sheep Turkmen and the rising Iranian Safavids captured the town in 1502 from the Aq Qoyunlu. In the Ottoman Empire Finally, in 1514, the region was conquered by the Ottoman Sultan Selim I following the Battle of Chaldiran. During the Ottoman reign, the city served as the main base of Ottoman military power in the region and as the capital of the province. Early in the 17th century, the province was threatened again and taken by Safavid Iran while enduring also a revolt by the province governor Abaza Mehmed Pasha. This revolt was combined with Jelali Revolts (the uprising of the provincial musketeers called the Celali), backed by Safavid Iran and lasted until 1628. However, Iran would reconquered it again, only this time under Nader Shah in the first half of the 18th century. The Ottomans were routed by the Iranian Qajars in the 1821 battle at the city of Erzurum. The city was conquered by the Russian army in 1829, given back to the Ottoman Empire with the Treaty of Adrianople (Edirne). The poet Alexander Pushkin accompanied the Russian commander-in-chief, Ivan Paskevich, during that expedition and penned a brief account of the campaign. The city was again assaulted by the Russian army in the last Russo-Turkish War in 1877. The province was the site of the major fighting during Caucasus Campaign of World War I between Russian and Ottoman forces including the key confrontation of the campaign, Battle of Erzurum which resulted in capture of Erzurum by Russian army under command of Grand Duke Nicholas on February 16, 1916. It was returned to the Ottomans with the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in 1918. Erzurum was also a main Turkish base during the Turkish War of Independence and a convention of Turkish nationalists was held here in 1919. It was declared a province of Turkey in 1924. In September 1935 the third Inspectorate General (Umumi Müfettişlik, UM) was created. The third UM span over the provinces of Erzurum, Artvin, Rize, Trabzon, Kars Gümüşhane, Erzincan and Ağrı. Its capital was to be in the city of Erzurum and it was governed by a Inspector General. The Inspectorate General was dissolved in 1952 during the Government of the Democrat Party. Approximately 18.5% of the total surface area is arable land, of which about 75% has permanent crops. A large portion of the agricultural produce comprises cereals. Forested areas occupy 8.8% of the total surface area, with forestry a local industry. Industries largely consist of manufacturing of forestry, agriculture, husbandry, chemistry, textile and mining products. There are 81 active industrial plants in the province, most of them located at the central district of Erzurum, and are small and medium enterprises. Due to their relatively small sizes, these industries mainly serve local markets causing lower capacity usage, low productivity and unemployment. About 40 plants are currently out of use, mostly due to high operating costs. The province of Erzurum has the highest ratio of meadows and pastures in Turkey, ideal for livestock. However, once the main occupation, animal husbandry lost its importance in the 1980s with the introduction of a liberal economy and the importation of animal products. A large organized industrial park concentrating on processing meat is being built with the hope of reviving this sector. Food industries include beekeeping and trout farming. Mining resources include lead, copper, chromium, and zinc, the reserves of which are almost exhausted. There is a considerable amount of lignite, however because its ash and sulfur ratios are high, it suitable only for industrial use. Magnesite, fire clay, gypsum, manganese, diatomite, marble, rock salt and perlite are also present. The few natural geothermal resources, except one, are not suitable for economic investments, and they are used as natural springs. The gross domestic product GDP of Erzurum is USD 1.16 billion, constituting less than 1% of the total and ranking 40th among Turkish provinces (1997 values). Transportation is possible via paved and unpaved highways. The Erzurum international airport is open for commercial flights and is also used by the Turkish Air Force. The runways of this airport are the second longest in Turkey. Erzurum is also the main railroad hub in the Eastern Anatolia Region. The largest contributor to the provincial economy, in recent years, has been Atatürk University, which is also one of the largest universities in Turkey, having more than forty thousand students. Tourist activities, which include skiing, rafting, and mountaineering, also provide a substantial proportion of the province's income. Skiing is centered on Palandöken Mountain. Nene Hatun Turkish folk heroine, who became known for fighting against Russian forces during the recapture of Fort Aziziye in Erzurum from Russian forces at the start of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878 was from Erzurum. - "Population of provinces by years - 2000-2018". Turkish Statistical Institute. Retrieved 9 March 2019. - "Vali Okay MEMİŞ". www.erzurum.gov.tr. Retrieved 2020-04-08. - Smith, William (1852). Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography (Abacaenum – Hytanis). p. 514. Boston: Little, Brown. - "Erzurum (Theodosiopolis)". Catholic Encyclopedia. - Rapp, Stephen H. (2003), Studies in Medieval Georgian Historiography: Early Texts And Eurasian Contexts, p. 414. Peeters Publishers, ISBN 90-429-1318-5 - Van Donzel, E. J. (1994). Islamic Desk Reference. BRILL. pp. 93–94. ISBN 9789004097384. - George Childs Kohn. Dictionary of Wars Routledge, 31 okt. 2013 ISBN 978-1135954949 p 506 - "Robert Fisk: From Nazi Germany to Ottoman Turkey, genocides begin far from prying eyes". The Independent. 2019-07-25. Retrieved 2020-04-10. - "Üçüncü Umumi Müfettişliği'nin Kurulması ve III. Umumî Müfettiş Tahsin Uzer'in Bazı Önemli Faaliyetleri". Dergipark. p. 2. Retrieved 8 April 2020. - Bayir, Derya (2016-04-22). Minorities and Nationalism in Turkish Law. Routledge. pp. 139–141. ISBN 978-1-317-09579-8. - Fleet, Kate; Kunt, I. Metin; Kasaba, Reşat; Faroqhi, Suraiya (2008-04-17). The Cambridge History of Turkey. Cambridge University Press. p. 343. ISBN 978-0-521-62096-3. - Prothero, W.G. (1920). Armenia and Kurdistan. London: H.M. Stationery Office. p. 60. - Prothero, W.G. (1920). Armenia and Kurdistan. London: H.M. Stationery Office. p. 62. - Prothero, W.G. (1920). Armenia and Kurdistan. London: H.M. Stationery Office. p. 64. - Prothero, W.G. (1920). Armenia and Kurdistan. London: H.M. Stationery Office. p. 72. |Wikimedia Commons has media related to Erzurum Province.|

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- By: Deepali Nandwani Restaurants, battered completely by COVID-19 lockdowns, are struggling with lack of cash flows, wary guests who stay away to avoid not just the infection, but also rigid regulations put in place, and the continuing need for social distancing. It is being estimated that 2.2 million restaurants may permanently shutter business, worldwide. In the face of this crisis comes the World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ first-ever Global Gastronomic Auction, to be hosted by the organisation behind the awards, from July 3 to 12. At the ‘Bid for Recovery’ auction, which is part of the ‘50 Best for Recovery’ project, gourmands and travellers will be able to bid for an interesting array of gastronomic and travel experiences donated by the world’s best restaurants. William Drew, Director of Content for 50 Best, writes on the initiative, “For 18 years, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants has highlighted exceptional dining destinations, celebrated talented chefs, reflected gastronomic trends, stimulated debate, guided food lovers and influenced gastro-tourism in the process. In the current crisis–with so many restaurants shuttered, chefs isolated and travel plans on indefinite hold, we cannot fulfil our role in the usual way. Hence, the 50 Best organisation is channeling its energy and influence into supporting the industry.” 50 Best Recovery Programme Restaurants and chefs have donated more than 100 lots. Indian Accent is the Indian restaurant to feature on this list. Among what connoisseurs and diners are bidding for: - Mauro and Julia Colagreco will welcome two lucky guests to idyllic Menton in France, for a weekend at Mirazur, the restaurant which topped the World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ list in 2019. They will be taken to the region’s famous gardens from where they can select fresh produce, meet the fishermen who supply the seafood at the harbour, and lunch with Chef Mauro at his organic Pecora Negra pizzeria. Guests will also taste dishes at Mirazur’s ‘creation kitchen’, before departing with a set of wine glasses and a case of wine. - At Chef Crenn’s Bleu Belle Farm in the US, guests will be able to take in activities such as fermentation, beekeeping and olive oil production. An exclusive wine tasting session with a renowned Californian winemaker will be followed by a tasting menu dinner at Atelier Crenn. The next day, acclaimed pastry chef Juan Contreras will lead guests in a chocolate-making masterclass. The experience culminates in an evening of dinner and drinks at Petit Crenn. - As part of a four-day experience with accommodation at the Marina Bay Sands and opulent Capella Singapore hotels, guests will take in the best of the city’s heritage of cuisine and cocktails. The trip includes a meal at two-time Best Restaurant in Asia, Odette, dinner at Burn Ends and drinks at Atlas, besides meeting Odette’s chef, Julien Royer. - Diners can bid for an ultimate Delhi food experience for four people with Chef Manish Mehrotra, followed by a lavish dinner at his restaurant Indian Accent. - An ultimate three-day Peru culinary tour led by world-renowned husband and wife team Virgilio Martínez and Pía León. The adventure includes experiences at both Central and Kjolle in Lima, as well as cocktails and local tours. Guests will be transported to Cusco, home to Martínez’s Mater Iniciativa project and Mil restaurant, besides an exploratory trip through the Sacred Valley near Machu Picchu. - Among other experiences: a three-day culinary safari in São Paulo; a gastronomic and culinary tour of Vienna; a three-day culinary discovery of Moscow, with the famous restaurant White Rabbit; besides rare bottles of spirits, chefs’ artworks, private cooking classes, wine region tours, sailing trips, exclusive tastings and bespoke parties. - Interestingly, the organisation is also collaborating with different organisations for providing meals to the needy: Lee Initiative’s Restaurant Reboot Relief Program and Black Urban Growers (US); Nosso Prato (Brazil); the Eat Out Restaurant Relief Fund (South Africa); Feed the Needy (India); Horeca Next ( Belgium); Ambasciatori del Gusto (Italy); and Chefs for Spain. It has joined forces with the Social Gastronomy Movement, a global network of charitable organisations across 38 different countries, in its campaign to provide 1 million meals to those most in need. The funds raised will be put to work in several different ways, by collaborating with smaller restaurants and organisations in countries such as India, the US, Belgium, South Africa and many more. Says Drew, “With no awards or ranking planned for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2020, the focus is on helping the process of recovery, not just for those fabled establishments that are part of the global elite, but for the hospitality sector as a whole. We will be using our network and reach to generate as much cash as possible to fund non-profit organisations across the globe, which, in turn, are helping restaurants and bars in their bid to survive and thrive,” he states. Besides raising funds, 50 Best has launched two online Recovery Hubs, dedicated to restaurants and bars, where they are generating content that offers advice, information and inspiration. This will build up to a major virtual event—the Recovery Summit—that will take place over several days in September, with a clear focus on exploring how the restaurant world can thrive once again. It would compromise a range of events such as masterclasses, talks, case studies, interviews and discussion forums, to share learnings and explore visions of the future.

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Top Car Rental Locations: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Downtown, Northeast, Northlake, College Park, Buckhead, Underwood Hills Day Drives from Atlanta: Chattanooga, Macon, Providence Canyon State Park, Athens in Georgia, Summerville, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Callaway Gardens, Augusta, Nashville, Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Charlotte One of the oldest major cities in the USA, Boston is a popular tourist destination. The unofficial capital of New England is home to many historic sites, many of which are on the Freedom Trail. There are sites dating back to the War of Independence, but also wonderful parks, museums and great sports teams. Anyone visiting Boston is sure to have a blast. As the transportation hub in the Northeast, this is also a city that’ll make picking a car rental company a challenge—there’s so many offices. From Boston, all of New England is easily accessible, including the quaint villages of Vermont, the beautiful coastal landscapes of Acadia National Park and New Hampshire’s rugged White Mountains. Major Car Rental Locations: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Downtown, Allston Brighton, Medford, Maiden, Cambridge, Revere, Newton, Dorchester, Somerville Day Tours from Boston: Plymouth home of the Mayflower II, Cape Cod and the historic village of Sandwich, Martha’s Vineyard, Salem and Marblehead, Plimouth Plantation, Provincetown, Castle Hill, Glendale Falls, Rockport, Wrentham Village A small city in the heart of Virginia, Charlottesville has more to offer than a city of its size should. It used to be the home of no fewer than three U.S. Presidents, whose homes are open to the public. Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the most famous one. Additionally, the University of Virginia is also a World Heritage Site. Home to a small regional airport, Charlottesville also has many car hire selections. Amazing road trip destinations include Shenandoah National Park and the phenomenal Blue Ridge Parkway. Car Rental Pickup Locations: Charlottesville Albermarle Airport (CHO), Downtown Day Excursions from Charlottesville: Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Drive, Blackfriar’s Playhouse in Staunton, Richmond, Crabtree Falls in George Washington National Forest With more time to spend follow the Blue Ridge Parkway 469 miles/755 km from Afton in Shenandoah National Park to Cherokee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with magnificent hiking trails, superb views and abundant wildlife. One of the largest cities in the USA, Chicago is home to some of the country’s greatest landmarks, including the Navy Pier, the towering Willis Tower and Millennium Park with its famous reflective Cloud Gate sculpture. The city also has a thriving arts scene, epitomized by the Art Institute of Chicago. In addition to that, there’s Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizzas. Set on the shore of Lake Michigan, there are also fine beaches and lots of opportunities for outdoor activities. Anyone staying in the “Windy City” and looking for a car rental near me will find plenty of options. Moreover, Chicago is the typical starting point of historic route 66, arguably America’s greatest road trip. Car Rental Locations near Chicago: Chicago Midway Airport (MDW), Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), West Chicago DuPage Airport (DPA), Downtown, South, North Southwest, Northwest, Union Station Day Outings from Chicago: Starved Rock State Park, Michigan Wine Country, Milwaukee, Oglesby, Madison and the Wisconsin State Capitol, Michigan City, North Utica, Lake Geneva in Wisconsin, St Louis, Braun Bros Distilling Co in Galena For the ultimate road trip follow the iconic Route 66 (also known as the Will Rogers Highway) all the way from Chicago to Los Angeles, a total of 2,448 miles or 3,940 km. The route takes you through the 8 US states of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. Located in northern Texas, Dallas is the region’s cultural and commercial epicenter. It’s home to a great Arts District, which houses the Crow Collection of Asian Art and the Dallas Museum of Art. Other landmarks include the Reunion Tower, the Dallas Botanical Garden and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which commemorates the location where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. Because of the nearby Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, you’ll experience no trouble finding the perfect car rental for your trip. There are myriad rental car companies to choose from, as well as tons of deals. Day Trips from Dallas: Beavers Bend State Park, Fort Worth, Austin, Fredericksburg, Jefferson Turner Falls State Park, Dr Pepper Museum in Waco, Oklahoma City, Houston, Dinosaur Valley State Park Dating from the times of the Old West, Denver is the capital of Colorado, a vibrant city famous for its craft beer, live music scene and sports. Main highlights include historic Larimer Square, the Denver Mint, the Denver Art Museum, the State Capitol Building and Coors Field, the home turf of the Colorado Rockies. A plethora of car hire offices in Denver makes finding a car rental near me a breeze. Pick up your wheels and go for scenic drives through the Rocky Mountains, located at the city’s doorstep. Denver Car Rental Locations: Denver International Airport (DIA), Downtown, Arvada, Northglenn, Wheat Ridge, South, Northeast Day Drives from Denver: Red Rocks Parks and Amphitheatre, Bear Creek Canyon and Evergreen, Golden, Manitou Springs, Garden of the Gods, Boulder, Mount Evans Scenic Byway, twin towns of Central City and Black Hawk, Colorado Springs, Georgetown, Vail Fort Lauderdale, Florida Famous for its boating canals and beautiful beaches, Fort Lauderdale is one of Florida’s premier holiday destinations. Some of its main highlights include the International Swimming Hall of Fame, the Riverwalk Arts District and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Port Everglades, on the other hand, is a major cruise terminal. Anyone arriving on a cruise might want to get a car hire and explore other great destinations in Florida, such as Miami and Everglades National Park. Top Car Hire Locations: Fort Lauderdale Hollywood Airport (FLL), Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE), Port Everglades, Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale Beach, South Fort Lauderdale, North Fort Lauderdale Day Tours from Fort Lauderdale: Downtown Miami with Little Havana and historic Coconut Grove, Miami Beach, Biscayne Bay, coral reefs and islands of the Florida Keys, Everglades National Park, Lake Okeechobee, Flamingo Gardens, Big Cypress National Preserve, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach One of the largest metropolises in the USA, Houston lies in southern Texas near Galveston Bay. Arguably its most famous attraction is the Space Center Houston, where visitors can learn about the U.S. Space Program. Other highlights can be found in three different districts in the city—the Theater District, Museum District and Historic District. As one Texas’ major cities, Houston makes for an ideal starting point for extensive road trips. At the airport and downtown, you’ll find plenty of car rental near me locations. Nature lovers will certainly want to make to effort to drive over to glorious Big Bend National Park. Car Rental Offices near Houston: Houston George Bush Airport (IAH), Houston William P Hobby Airport (HOU), Houston David Wayne Hooks Airport (DWH), Houston Downtown, Southwest Houston, Galleria, Houston North, Houston East, Bear Creek Park, Willowbrook Day Excursions from Houston: NASA Space Centre, Galveston Island, Austin is the state capital of Texas, San Antonio and the home of the Alamo, USS Lexington, Tanger Outlets shopping centre, Blessington Farms is perfect for young families, Southern Star Brewery in Conroe, Railean Rum Distillery in San Leon, Sam Houston National Forest Las Vegas, Nevada World-famous for its casinos, nightlife and general extravagance, Las Vegas is actually also one of America’s best starting points for road trips in the Southwest. Several beautiful state and national parks surround or are near Las Vegas, including the Grand Canyon and Death Valley. Anyone flying into or staying in Vegas will easily find a car rental near me. Pick up your vehicle and go for a memorable desert drive. Car Hire Locations near Las Vegas: Las Vegas McCarran Airport (LAS), Downtown, Summerlin, Northwest, Paradise, Winchester, Spring Valley, North Las Vegas, Sunrise Manor, Henderson Day Outings from Las Vegas: Grand Canyon, Valley of Fire, Death Valley National Park, Hoover Dam, Area 51 and the Extraterrestrial Highway, Red Rock Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Petroglyphs at Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, Dixie National Forest Los Angeles, California A massive city in southern California, Los Angeles is renowned for being the epicenter of the TV and movie industry in America—if not the world. Major attractions include the Hollywood sign, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and film studios. There’s some other highlights as well, such as the Getty Center, Santa Monica and the Griffith Observatory with its sensational panoramic views. As a major transportation hub, L.A. also has its fair share of car rental pick-up locations. Popular road trip destinations are Big Sur, San Francisco, Joshua Tree National Park and San Diego. Top Los Angeles Hire Car Depots: Los Angeles Airport (LAX), Central LA, Hollywood, Glendale, Pasadena, Culver City, Beverly Hills, Studio City, Arcadia, Northridge Day Trips from Los Angeles: Joshua Tree National Park, Oak Glen, Laguna Beach, La Jolla Cove, Santa Barbara, Knotts Berry Farm in Buena Park, Palm Springs in the Sonoran Desert, Malibu, Big Bear Lake, Solvang in Santa Ynez Valley If you have an extended vacation and want to explore the real USA, then the historic Route 66 road trip, starts at nearby Santa Barbara, and goes all the way to Chicago in Illinois. This once in a lifetime holiday experience is not to be missed. Alternatively drive north on the scenic Pacific Coast Highway through Santa Barbara and past Big Sur, Santa Cruz and San Jose to drop your car rental near San Francisco. Arguably the most famous beach destination in Florida, Miami also boasts a vibrant Cuban community, beautiful Art Deco buildings, great food and bars, and access to all three of Florida’s national parks. It is, in other words, a tourist destination that has it all. Spend some time on its world-class beaches, have a Cubano sandwich and, after finding a car rental near me, head out for some amazing natural scenery. Major Miami Car Rental Locations: Miami International Airport (MIA), Downtown, Hialeah, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Doral, Sunny Isles Beach, Kendall, Aventura, Key Biscayne Miami Day Trips: Everglades, Key West, Kennedy Space Centre at Cape Canaveral, Little Havana, Key Biscayne, Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando, Palm Beach, Wynwood For a remarkable road trip in a car rental near Miami, take the spectacular Overseas Highway through Key Largo and over the Florida Keys to Key West. The route takes you along 182 kms (113 miles) of highway over 42 overseas bridges. New Orleans, Louisiana The “Big Easy”, as New Orleans is often called, is one of America’s most exciting tourist destinations. Set on the Mississippi River in Louisiana, it’s famous for its 24-hour nightlife, thriving music scene and amazing Creole and Cajun food. Major events include Mardi Gras, while the French Quarter’s Bourbon Street is a center of jazz and blues, bars and cafés. There are lots of car rental locations in New Orleans, too, offering visitors to opportunity to visit places like the Oak Alley Plantation, Lake Charles and even Houston or Austin in Texas. Main New Orleans Rental Car Locations: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), New Orleans Lakefront Airport (NEW), Downtown, Marrero, French Quarter, Convention Centre, Gentilly, Chalmette, Kenner, Atchafalaya National Heritage Area New Orleans Day Drives: Louisiana Bayous and Cajun Country, Great River Road, Global Wildlife Centre free-range reserve in Folsom, Baton Rouge, De Soto National Forest, Mobile, Saint Bernard Parish and the site of the Battle of New Orleans at Chalmette, Ibita Springs, Lafayette, Lake Charles New York City, New York The USA’s largest metropolis, New York City is a favorite travel destination among millions of people. With connections to airports all over the world and home to two international airports itself, it’s super-easy to get there. Whether you’re on a business trip or visiting as a tourist, you’ll also easily find a car rental near me in New York. Use your car hire to get around the city—although the subway is arguably more convenient to do that—or to go on road trips. Drives from the Big Apple lead to the Poconos Mountains, Princeton, Philadelphia and the Hudson Valley. Day Tours from New York: Washington DC, Breakneck Ridge, Storm King Art Center in Hudson Valley, Long Island Wineries at North Fork, Philadelphia, Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, Warwick Valley Wine and Distillery, The Adirondacks For those looking at exploring New York state and leave the Big Apple, the Finger Lakes Wine Trail has a range of 2 to 5 night itineraries that allow you to see and taste the best of the region with a car rental from New York, while partaking of the local Riesling. A large city in the east side of San Francisco Bay, Oakland has a major airport, plenty of car rental near me possibilities, excellent transportation connections and plenty of attractions. There’s Old Oakland with its Victorian buildings and shops, Jack London Square and the African American Museum and Library, which includes exhibits about the local Black Panther movement. Additionally, Oakland is just a short drive from downtown San Francisco, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the towering redwoods in Muir Woods. Main Oakland Car Rental Offices: Oakland International Airport (OAK), Oakland County Airport (PTK), Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Southfield, Troy, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Birmingham, Ferndale Day Excursions from Oakland: Yosemite National Park, Redwood trees at Muir Woods National Monument, Napa and Sonoma Valleys, Carmel-by-Sea, Big Sur, Silicon Valley, Monterey, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Oklahoma City is the capital of the state of Oklahoma. Situated in the southern Midwest, it’s a hub of the oil industry and the U.S. cowboy culture. Many of Oklahoma City’s points of interest reflect those characteristics, from the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum to the vast Stockyards City cattle market. Of most interest to road trippers, however, is the fact that Oklahoma lies on historic Route 66. It’s a great base to drive a section of this iconic road—car rentals in Oklahoma are abundant. Oklahoma Car Rental Locations: Will Rogers World Airport (OKC), Oklahoma Wiley Post Airport (PWA), South, West, North Day Trips from Oklahoma City: Tulsa, Medicine Park and the Wichita Mountains, Ponca City, Great Salt Plains, Turner Falls Located on Route 66, anyone driving this historic American road trip should spend a few days exploring Oklahoma City. A city situated in central Florida, Orlando is renowned around the world for its numerous theme parks. The most famous of them all is Walt Disney World, but other amazing parks include Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, Legoland and waterparks. All theme parks have several accommodation options and restaurants. In addition to those parks, Orlando is also a great base for outdoor activities like golfing, boating, fishing and wildlife watching. Once you’ve found a car rental near me, you can head out to places like the Kennedy Space Center and the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve. Top Orlando Car Hire Locations: Orlando International Airport (MCO), Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB), Downtown, Northwest, Northeast, South, East, Southwest, Williamsburg, Southeast Orlando Day Trips: Everglades National Park, Kennedy Space Center, Miami, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Blue Springs State Park, St Augustine, Daytona Beach, Devil’s Den Springs, Gainesville, Bok Tower Gardens One of the most popular destinations in the America Southwest, Phoenix lies in the heart of Arizona, surrounded by amazing desert scenery and home to many cultural highlights. Recommended places to visit include the Pueblo Grande Museum & Archaeological Park, the Heard Museum and the Desert Botanical Garden. For desert hikes, both Camelback Mountain and South Mountain Park are a stone’s throw from the city center. Phoenix also has a major international airport and tons of auto rental options. It’s a fantastic starting point for road trips around the Southwest. Parks like Saguaro National Park and Grand Canyon National Park are all just a scenic drive away. Phoenix Rent a Car Locations: Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX), Phoenix Mesa Airport (AZA), Downtown, Maryvale, North, Ahwatukee Day Trips from Phoenix: Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Tucson Mountain Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Camp Verde and Montezuma Castle, Saguaro National Park, Sedona, Flagstaff, Apache Trail (Route 88) is Arizona’s oldest highway, Meteor Crater of Arizona From Phoenix you can drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway to Sedona and Flagstaff before detouring through Grand Canyon National Park on the way to Las Vegas in Nevada or Albuquerque in New Mexico. Further north you can head through Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park to Salt Lake City in Utah, or Denver in Colorado to the east. Situated at the confluence of three rivers, vibrant Pittsburgh has transformed itself from a 20th-century hub of industry into a very livable and culture-filled destination. Landmarks from the Gilded Age are plentiful here, including the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Other recommended places to visit are the Andy Warhol Museum and Point State Park with its iconic panoramic views. Get yourself a car rental and explore this great American city and its surroundings. Nearby destinations include Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, Ohiopyle State Park and Laurel Caverns. Top Pittsbugh Hire Car Depots: Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), Downtown Pittsburgh, Castle Shannon, Shadyside, Oakland, Green Tree, Ross Township, South Pittsburgh, Pleasant Hills, Monroeville Day Trips from Pittsburgh: Visit Cleveland Ohio and see the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park, Fallingwater home is a National Historic Landmark, Hartwood Acres Mansion and Allegheny County Park, Columbus is the state capital of Ohio with a fascinating German heritage, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, craft breweries in Meadville, Laurel Highlands, Lake Erie The largest city in Oregon, Portland lies on the border with Washington State. It’s well-known for being a progressive and environment-friendly city, home to numerous parks and bike paths. Downtown attractions include the wonderful walking and biking path along the Willamette River, the enormous Powell’s Books bookstore, countless shops and restaurants in the Pearl District, and Pioneer Courthouse Square. Thanks to its ideal location and car rental options in Portland, this is a great base for day or road trips. Possible destinations include Mt. Hood, the stunning Oregon Coast and the waterfall-filled Columbia River Gorge. Major Portland Car Rental Locations: Portland Oregon International Airport (PDX), Downtown Portland, Beaverton, Clackamas, Portland East, Southwest Portland, Northwest Portland, Northeast Portland, Milwaukie Day Drives from Portland: visit Hood River and hike around magnificent Mount Hood, Willamette Valley and the Pinot Noir vineyards, Columbia River Gorge and Multnomah Falls, volcanic Mount St Helens, Seattle, Rowena Crest Viewpoint, coastal city of Yachats, Sea Lion Caves and the historic old town of Florence, Smith Rock State Park, Bagby Hot Springs Salt Lake City, Utah Set between the towering Wasatch Range and the shimmering Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake City is the capital of Utah. Its main claim to fame is the fact that it’s the headquarters of the Mormon Church. At Temple Square, you can admire the Assembly Hall and Salt Lake Temple, which dates from the 1800s. In terms of scenic drive, Salt Lake City’s rent a car companies offer you the opportunity to visit places like Heber Valley, the Bonneville Salt Flats and Ogden Valley. Utah’s five world-class national parks are a few hours away, too. Top Salt Lake City Auto Rental Locations: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), Downtown, Millcreek, Murray, West Valley City, Midvale, West Jordan, South Jordan, Sandy, Draper Day Tours from Salt Lake City: Goblin Valley State Park, Fishlake National Forest, Ogden Valley, Crystal Hot Springs, Bonneville Salt Flats, Gobblers Knob and Mount Timpanogos hiking trails, Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, Cedar City, Antelope Island With a 4WD rental from Salt Lake City, you can drive through Moab to the scenic White Rim Trail around Canyonlands National Park. Afterwards cross into Colorado and fly out from Grand Junction Regional Airport Or Denver, further to the east. San Diego, California Boasting both important historic sites and wonderful parks, San Diego is one of California’s top tourist destinations. Located in the far southwestern corner of the USA, near the Mexican border, San Diego’s Old Town San Diego is the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in California. Other places of interest to visitors are the Gaslamp Quarter, the beautiful seaside Hotel del Coronado and enormous Balbao Park with the renowned San Diego Zoo. Not surprisingly, San Diego has its fair share of accommodation options and car rental companies with plenty of deals. Popular road trip destinations include Los Angeles, the Anza-Borrego Desert and Joshua Tree National Park. Main San Diego Rental Car Locations: San Diego International Airport (SAN), Downtown, La Jolla, Mira Mesa, Miramar, Coronado, Mission Valley, Kearny Mesa Day Trips from San Diego: Pasadena, Joshua Tree National Park, Los Angeles, Palm Springs in the Sonoran Desert, Puerto Nueva in Baja California, Carlsbad, Borrego Springs, Mount Laguna, La Jolla Tijuana or Ensenada in Mexico are easy day drives from San Diego. You should check that your car rental companies terms and conditions to see if you can drive across the Mexican border, if you want to visit either of these destinations. Alternatively from San Diego you can head north on the Pacific Coast Highway to Los Angeles and San Francisco. This is a truly great road trip, allowing you to drop your rental car near San Francisco and fly home from there. San Francisco, California The largest city in northern California, San Francisco is one of America’s most iconic cities. Perched on a hilly peninsula between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, it’s filled with world-class attractions. From Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge to Lombard Street and Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco has plenty to offer. Additionally, nature lovers will find lots of fun here, too. Just north of the city lies Muir Woods, while San Francisco is also a popular starting point for road trip to epic Yosemite National Park, Big Sur and the remote northern California coast. Top San Francisco Car Rental Locations: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Central, Union Square, Cesar Chavez, O’Farrell Street, Financial District, Richmond District, Fisherman’s Wharf Major San Francisco Day Trips: Yosemite National Park, North Beach and Little Italy, Napa and Sonoma Valleys, Sausalito, Big Sur, Pescadero Marsh Nature Reserve, Monterey, Armstrong Redwood State Reserve Booking a car rental near San Francisco allows you to discover the best of the California Coast. The Pacific Coast Highway will take you all the way from San Francisco past San Jose and through Big Sur to Los Angeles and San Diego, where you can drop your hire car off at one of the auto rental offices. Nicknamed the “Historic Waterfront Gateway City”, Sanford lies on the shore of Lake Monroe in central Florida, about 35 kilometers south of Orlando. The city’s downtown district has numerous restaurants and shops, as well as a marina and lakeshore walking trail. Close to several lakes and rivers, Sanford offers great boating, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. Additionally, this rather small city has an international airport, the secondary airport in the greater Orlando area. As such, there are lots of car hire discounts and deals to be found here. Car Rental Locations near Sanford: Orlando Sanford International Airport (YYX), Sanford Downtown, South Sanford Top Day Trips from Sanford: see the Manatees at Crystal River Springs, Daytona International Speedway, Orlando, view the Fossil Beds at Devil’s Den Springs, Gainesville, DeLand the “Athens of Florida”, Bok Tower Gardens, markets and antiques at Mt Dora, New Smyrna Beach Historic District, Silver Springs State Park and Ocala National Forest Santa Ana, California Located in Orange County, just south of Los Angeles, Santa Ana is a sun-soaked city with plenty of attractions that are especially popular among children. Examples are the Adventure City amusement park and Santa Ana Zoo. Adults, on the other hand, will enjoy visiting the wonderful Bowers Museum and the Heritage Museum of Orange County. Santa Ana Hire Car Locations: Santa Ana John Wayne Airport (SNA) Day Excursions from Santa Ana: Santa Monica, Venice California, Disneyland at Anaheim, Universal Studios Hollywood, San Diego, La Jolla Cove the “new Beverly Hills”, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs in the Sonoran Desert, Malibu, Joshua Tree National Park, Big Bear Lake and San Bernadino National Park Seattle, Washington State Seattle is the biggest city in the Pacific Northwest. Surrounded by water, old-growth forests, mountains and volcanoes, it’s a fantastic place for lovers of the great outdoors. Three sensational national parks lie within a few hours from the city—Mount Rainier, Olympic and North Cascades. In terms of urban attractions, there’s popular Pike Place Market, the iconic Space Needle and the Museum of Flight, the original plant of Boeing. Major Car Rental near Seattle: Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SEA), King County International Airport (BFI) – Boeing Field, Downtown CBD, Westlake, South, University District, Ballard, North Top Seattle Day Drives: Mount Rainier National Park, Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Factory in Everett, Olympic National Forest a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount St Helens active volcano, Portland, Snoqualmie Falls (270 ft high), Leavenworth, Wenatchee National Forest in the Cascade Mountains, Darrington Situated on the west coast of the Florida panhandle, Tampa is a modern city famous for its excellent museums, culture and entertainment. The city’s home to a few amusement parks, such as Busch Gardens with its African theme, the Florida Aquarium with its coral reef and sharks. For entertainment, you can go to the historic Ybor City district, where you’ll find lots of restaurants and bars. Beaches are prevalent as well. Nearby beaches include Treasure Island Beach and Clearwater Beach. Top Tampa Car Hire Offices: Tampa International Airport (TPA), Downtown Tampa, Southwest Tampa, East Tampa, Northwest Tampa, Carrolwood, Citrus Park, Town n County Park, New Tampa, Temple Terrace Day Trips from Tampa: Clearwater Beach, Dali Museum in St Petersburg, Naples Florida, Disneyworld and Universal Studios in Orlando, Jacksonville, Everglades National Park, Tallahassee, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and Archaeological State Park, Sarasota In the middle of the Great Plains lies Tulsa, one of the largest cities in the state of Oklahoma. The city is home to a number of lively districts, most notably the Brady Arts District and the Deco District. Other landmarks include the Philbrook Museum of Art, the Philtower building and the nearby Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium. Recommended road trip destinations include Oklahoma City, Turner Falls State Park, Eufaula Lake and the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Tulsa Rental Car Locations: Tulsa International Airport (TUL), Downtown, South, North, East Day Tours from Tulsa: Oklahoma City, Red Rock Canyon State Park, Pawhuska, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Eureka Springs, Natural Falls State Park, Turner Falls The capital of the USA, Washington DC is a fantastic city to visit for everyone who loves culture and history. It’s home to some of the country’s greatest museums, as well as U.S. Capitol, the White House and numerous monuments and memorials. Washington DC is also the gateway to the Mid-Atlantic. Pick up a vehicle in Washington DC and go for scenic drives around Virginia and to its numerous historic sites, buildings and Civil War battlefields. Top Rental Car Locations near Washington DC: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI), Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), Washington DC Railway Station, Fort Washington Day Excursions from Washington DC: Mount Vernon, Arlington Cemetery and Museum of American History, Gettysburg Battlefield, Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore and Fort McHenry, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello Estate, Shenandoah National Park, Pittsburgh, Antietam National Battlefield Canada is known around the world for its magnificent and pristine landscapes, welcoming people, livable cities and cultural diversity. It’s a truly enormous country, spanning from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, extending from the Great Lakes deep into the Arctic. There are numerous car rental locations, offices and companies, and countless great places to start a Canadian road trips. International Car Rental Companies: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Alamo, Thrifty, Dollar Rent a Car Local Auto Hire Companies: Ace Rent a Car, Discount Car Rental, Green Motion, Iversta Car Rental, Mex Rent a Car, Peel Car & Truck Rentals, Routes Car Rental, SurPrice Car Rentals, Zoom Rent a Car Rent a Car Brands: Toyota, Kia, Ford, Dodge, Mazda, Chevrolet, Jeep, GMC, Cadillac, Mercedes Benz Most Popular Rental Vehicles: SUV, Compact, Economy, Intermediate, Medium For larger family’s full size sedans and 7-seater minivans or people movers are common rental vehicles that are booked for Canadian vacations, bringing savings for larger groups. Abbotsford, British Columbia Located on the U.S.-Canadian border just outside of the Great Vancouver area, Abbotsford is the second-largest city in British Columbia. It’s a wonderful base for trips to vibrant Vancouver or, for nature lovers to nearby Golden Ears Provincial Park, which is famous for its abundant boating, fishing and hiking opportunities. Car Rental Locations: Abbotsford International Airport (YYX), Downtown Abbotsford Day Trips: Minter Gardens, Coquitlam, Fort Langley National Historic Site, Harrison Hot Springs, Vancouver Surrounded by large ranches and farms, Calgary hosts to famous annual Calgary Stampede, a huge rodeo festival. There are also a few visit-worthy museums and architectural landmarks like the Calgary Tower with its observation deck. Additionally, if you get a rental car, Calgary offers easy access to some of Canada’s greatest national parks. Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks are all just a couple of hours west of the city. Popular one-way road trip destinations from Calgary are Jasper National Park, Vancouver and Edmonton. Car Hire Depots: Calgary International Airport (YYC), Downtown, Calgary South, Calgary North Day Drives: Aspen Crossing, Banff Upper Hot Springs, Bar U Ranch National Historic Site, Dinosaur Provincial Park, Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, Glacier Skywalk, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site, Lake Louise, Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site, Waterton Lakes National Park Calgary is a good place to peak up a cheap rental car, where you can head over to Cranbrook, the start of the Hot Springs Circle Tour. This road trip takes about a week through Golden, Glacier National Park and Revelstoke. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island The capital of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown lies on the southern coast of this island province in eastern Canada. Although a rather small city, it does have a major claim to fame. After all, it was at the Province House National Historic Site that the 1864 Charlottetown Conference was held, a gathering that initiated the establishment of Canada as a country. This is the natural starting point of Prince Edward Island road trip—finding a car rental near Charlottetown is easy. Top Car Rental Locations: Charlottetown Airport (YYG), Charlottetown Best Day Drives: Green Gables Heritage Place at Cavendish was the setting for “Anne of Green Gables”, Panmure Island, North Cape, Greenwich in Prince Edward Island National Park, Argyle Shore Provincial Park, Victoria by the Sea, West Point and Mill River Provincial Park, take the Points East Coastal Drive to Point Prim Lighthouse, Dalvay by the Sea National Historic Site, Thunder Cove Prince Edward Island has many small Scenic Heritage Roads, that are great roads to explore if you want to discover the Prince Edward Island countryside and get a glimpse into rural country life. However, these scenic routes are all small country roads and lanes, which the local farmers use for moving tractors and machinery. You need to take your time, when driving these roads as they can be narrow and muddy. Edmonton is the capital of Alberta, located a relatively short drive north of Calgary. Even though it’s way up north, Edmonton has a lot going for it. There’s its Fort Edmonton Park, which is the largest living history museum in Canada, and the West Edmonton Mall, North America’s largest shopping mall. In terms of car hire and road trips, the city is close to Elk Island National Park, while famous Jasper National Park is just over three hours to the west. For one-way Canada road trips, the Edmonton to Vancouver drive is quite popular. Hire Car Pickup Locations: Edmonton International Airport (YEG), Downtown, Southeast Edmonton, Southwest Edmonton, Northeast Edmonton, Northwest Edmonton, West Edmonton Day Tours: Elk Island National Park, Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, Sylvan Lake, Jasper National Park Edmonton is a popular starting off point for the scenic Icefield Parkway Drive through Jasper National Park and Banff National Park in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. From Banff it is only a short drive through to Calgary. Alternatively you can drive west through Kamloops or Kelowna to Abbotsford and Vancouver. Spend some tome in Glacier National Park and Revelstoke National Park on the way. Halifax, Nova Scotia A major hub in Atlantic Canada, Halifax, Nova Scotia is known for its maritime history and home to many historic buildings. Attractions range from the mid-19th century hilltop Citadel to the Historic Properties, a series of old waterfront warehouses. Halifax is the best starting point to explore the rest of Nova Scotia, its beautiful coastlines, quaint villages and provincial parks. Finding a car rental near me in the city is not a problem whatsoever. Car Rentals Locations: Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ), Halifax Harbour, Clayton Park West, Halifax Train Station Day Trips: Wolfville, Lunenburg & Mahone Bay, Shelburne, Truro, Cape Split Park, Peggy’s Cove, Greenwood, Kejimkujik National Park & Historic site, Duncan’s Cove Nature Reserve, York Redoubt National Historic Site Hamilton lies on the far western shore of Lake Ontario in southern Canada. This vibrant port city is split in two by the Niagara Escarpment, a beautiful forest-covered ridge featuring parks and waterfalls. The escarpment is also traversed by the long-distance Bruce Trail. From Hamilton, you’re in Toronto in no time with a rental vehicle, while other road trip destinations include nearby Niagara Falls, Ottawa and Algonquin Provincial Park. Top Car Hire Locations: John C Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM), Hamilton Best Day Trips: Niagara on the Lake, Paris and Barker’s Bush on the Grand River, Niagara Falls, Dundas Peak, Eramosa Karst Conservation Area, Algonquin Provincial Park, St Jacobs, Gravenhurst and Lake Muskoka Kamloops, British Columbia Situated at the confluence of the South and North Thompson Rivers, Kamloops is a fantastic hub from which the explore southcentral British Columbia. Referred to as the “Tournament Capital of Canada”, the town itself is eventful throughout the entire year. Arguably its main attraction, however, is its proximity to the British Columbia Wildlife Park, Kamloops Lake and several other nature parks, which all make for amazing road trip destinations. Car Hire Pickup Depots: Kamloops Airport (YKA), Downtown Kamloops Day Drives: Wells Gray Park, Othello Tunnels, Crazy Creek Hot Springs, Shuswap Circuit Drive to Spallumcheen and Salmon Arm, Copper Mine Loop (through Little Fort, 100 Mile House, Cache Creek, Ashcroft and Logan Lake) Kelowna, British Columbia On the eastern shore of long and narrow Okanagan Lake lies Kelowna, a welcoming and vibrant Canadian city surrounded by glorious nature. In addition to the area’s 20+ wineries, Kelowna also offers a plethora of auto rental options and outdoor activities like hiking, golfing, kayaking, windsurfing and fishing. Auto Hire Locations: Kelowna International Airport (YLW), Downtown Kelowna Day Tours: Osoyoos, Enderby, Summerland, Armstrong, Westside Road, Anarchist Mountain Lookout, Skaha Lake & Okanagan Falls, Lake Country, Shuswap Moncton, New Brunswick A city in the southeast of New Brunswick, located on the Trans-Canada Highway, Moncton is a pleasant destination with several varied attractions. Its most fascinating point of interest is Magnetic Hills, where cars appear to roll uphill, while excellent road trip destinations include Halifax, Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Island, Prince Edward Island and even Quebec City. Top Hire Car Locations: Greater Moncton Romeo Leblanc International Airport (YQM), Moncton Downtown, Moncton Railway Station Main Day Drives: the village of Gagetown is New Brunswick’s former capital and one of Canada’s prettiest towns, St Andrews by the Sea in Passamaquoddy Bay, Fredericton, explore the Miramichi River Route and learn about the First Nations people and the original settlers, Saint John, see the 27 murals in Sussex and the nearby covered bridges, Truro in Nova Scotia and the popular farmers market Occupying an island in the St. Lawrence River in Quebec, Montreal is one of the Canada’s largest cosmopolitan cities. It’s home to many beautiful and historic areas, especially colonial Vieux-Montreal with its cobblestones and ancient churches. One of Montreal’s most famous attractions, however, is its vast Underground City. As you may expect, this major city has no lack of rental car offices either. While visiting Montreal, the quest for a car rental near me will always be a short endeavor. Popular road trips from Montreal are to Ottawa and Toronto. Car Rental Offices: Montreal Trudeau International Airport (YUL), Downtown, Ville Marie, Dollard des Ormeaux, Griffintown, La Prairie, Mercier Hochelaga Maisonneuve, Pointe aux Trembles, Le Plateau Mont Royale, Outremont, LaSalle, Saint Leonard, Cote des Neiges Notre Dame de Grace, Villeray, Anjou, Saint Laurent, Nord, Ahuntsic Cartierville, Terrebonne, Chateauguay, Dorval Day Trips: Îles-de-Boucherville National Park, Calvaire D’Oka Hiking Trail, Sucrerie de la Montagne, Mont Tremblant, Ottawa City, Quebec City, The Laurentians, Domaine Labranche Nanaimo, British Columbia Situated on the southern part of Vancouver Island’s east coast, Nanaimo is a ferry port and one of the main gateways to this huge island. Urban highlights include the Old City Quarter, the Harbourfront Walkway and the Nanaimo Museum, which has exhibits about both the area’s indigenous people and the city’s industrial activities. With a car hire, you can explore the rest of Vancouver Islands and its spectacular natural scenery. Top Rental Car Locations: Nanaimo Airport (YCD), Nanaimo Harbour Water Airport (ZNA), Nanaimo Downtown Main Day Trips: Victoria and Butchart Gardens, Duncan is the “City of Totems”, Cowichan Bay is home to the First Nations people, Chemainus is the “City of Murals”, McLean Mill National Historic Site at Alberni, scenic drive to Port Renfrew, Campbell River is popular for outdoor activities The capital of Canada, Ottawa lies in the far southeastern corner of Ontario, near the Quebec and U.S. border. Like most capital cities, it’s home to lots of important institutions and has a wealth of museums, galleries and beautiful buildings. Its most famous landmark is without question Parliament Hill with its spectacular government building. Ottawa also makes for a wonderful base for visits to Montreal, Lake Ontario and Algonquin Provincial Park. Home to lots of car rental branches, it’s also a fine starting point for short road trips to Toronto. Rental Car Locations: Ottawa International Airport (YOW), Downtown, Nepean, Centretown, Industrial Park, Bells Corner, Gloucester, Kanata, Orleans Day Drives: Fort Henry, Mont Tremblant, Bonnechere Caves, Montreal, Kingston, Thousand Islands, Old Quebec, Hotel de Glace Regina is the capital of the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. As a major city in the region, it’s home to several institutions and museums, particularly the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, the MacKenzie Art Gallery and the Saskatchewan Science Centre. Additionally, it’s also a great starting point for road trips around this part of Canada. You can easily get to places like Saskatoon, Riding Mountain National Park, the Great Sand Hills and Grasslands National Park from here. Top Car Rental Depots: Regina International Airport (YQR), Regina Downtown Best Day Excursions: Canora in the “Heart of Good Spirit Country”, Saskatoon and Wanuskewin Park, Claybank and the Massold Clay Canyons, take a walking tour of Indian Head, Moose Jaw Tunnels and the Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre, Wolsley and Moosamin on the Trans-Canada Highway St. John’s, Newfoundland Located on the easternmost point of the island of Newfoundland, St. John’s is the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador province. The iconic lighthouse at Cape Spear marks the easternmost point in North America, while the East Coast Trail offers access to endless miles of coastal wilderness hiking. St. John’s is the main hub on Newfoundland, with numerous car rental near me options. Road trippers will be particularly interested in this city because it’s the eastern terminus of the epic Trans-Canada Highway. Top Car Hire Depots: St Johns International Airport (YYT), St John’s Downtown Best Day Outings: Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site, visit North East Avalon Peninsula with some of the oldest settlements in North America, explore Killick Coast and the scenic Marine Drive from Torbay, take a day trip on the scenic Irish Loop Drive to Witless Bay, Admiral’s Coast and Holyrood, Trepassey and Salmonier Nature Park Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and should be included on any self-drive itinerary in Newfoundland. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking with abundant wildlife including caribou, black bears, moose and arctic hares. From St John allow yourself at least 2 nights in Gros Morne National Park. Set on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River in the heart of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon has several interesting attractions, including 19th-century Marr Residence and the Western Development Centre. Nature lovers will relish the opportunity to see wildlife at the Beaver Creek Conservation Area or go for walks in the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo. From Saskatoon, road trippers can head to cities like Calgary or Edmonton, or visit gorgeous parks like Prince Albert National Park and Riding Mountain National Park. Main Car Hire Depots: SKYXE Saskatoon International Airport (YXE), Saskatoon Downtown, Saskatoon Airport Business Area, Saskatoon Central Ave, Saskatoon Industrial Area Top Day Drives: Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Batoche National Historic Site, Fort Battleford National Historic Site, Hafford and the Crooked Bush, Chaplin and the Nature Centre, Lake Diefenbaker, Borden Bridge Thunder Bay, Ontario Thunder Bay is a historic city on the shore of Lake Superior in Ontario. It’s a great road trip destination, filled with highlights that range from urban and historic to natural. Its main highlight is probably the Fort William Historical Park, which offers an insight into an early-19th-century fur trading post. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park has many wonderful hiking trails and is home to iconic wildlife like moose and wolves. Another natural attraction is Kakabeka Falls, which can be seen from a viewing platform. Main Car Rental Locations: Thunder Bay Airport (YQT), Thunder Bay Downtown Top Day Trips: Drive to Kakabeka Falls the “Niagara of the North”, Fort William Historical Park and Fort William First Nation, Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park A large bustling metropolis on the shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto is one of Canada’s leading cities. This cosmopolitan city features many towering skyscrapers and is home to the world-famous CN Tower. Additionally, Toronto has its fair share of parks and public areas, too, as well as highlights like the Royal Ontario Museum and the Hockey Hall of Fame. There’s plenty to see and do in Toronto, but the city is also a popular place to kick off road trips to other iconic cities in Canada, such as Montreal, Quebec and nearby Ottawa. Car Rental Locations: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), Downtown, Old Toronto, Scarborough, Rosedale, York, High Park, Victoria Park Village, North End Day Tours: Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ferris Provincial Park, Caledon, Grand River, Algonquin Provincial Park, St Jacob’s, Gravenhurst and Lake Muskoka, Hamilton, Stratford Vancouver, British Columbia One of Canada’s star cities, amazing Vancouver has everything you could want from a city—both as a resident and visitor. Set on the shores of the Strait of Georgia, this vibrant city is renowned for its ethnical diversity, thriving arts scene and outdoor-focused mentality. With its numerous car rental near me choices, you also won’t have any trouble exploring the surrounding mountains and coastlines. Road trippers often embark on an unforgettable drive to places like Edmonton, Calgary and Banff National Park from here. Hire Car Offices: Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Vancouver City, West Broadway, Marpole, Harbour, New Westminster, Pacific Central Railway Station, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam Day Trips: Vancouver Coast, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Victoria, Harrison Hot Springs, Mount Robson Park, Squamish, Mount Baker, Fort Langley, Bridal Veil Falls The Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver through to Whistler is part of Highway 99, which carries on through Lilooet to Kamloops. This scenic road trip can be combined with the Icefield Parkway Drive between Banff and Jasper, when driving through to Edmonton or Calgary. Victoria, British Columbia One of Canada’s greatest historic cities, Victoria is the capital of British Columbia. It lies on the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island and, thanks to its numerous locations to find a car rental near me, is the perfect starting point for scenic road trips. Victoria’s British colonial history is visible in its many Victorian-style buildings. Major landmarks include the massive British Columbia Parliament Buildings, Craigdarroch Castle, the Fairmont Empress Hotel and the Royal British Columbia Museum. Victoria is also renowned for its many parks and gardens, most notably the iconic Butchart Gardens. Other visit-worthy parks are Beacon Hill and Thunderbird, which has beautiful First Nations totem poles. Main Car Hire Offices: Victoria International Airport (YYJ), Colwood, Burnside, Saanich Top Day Tours: farmers markets of Cowichan Valley and the murals of Chemainus, scenic Highway 14 and Port Renfrew, the Kinsol Trestle Bridge on the Cowichan Valley Trail route, Sidney by the Sea and Saanich Peninsula, Butchart Gardens The capital of the province of Manitoba in central Canada, Winnipeg boasts a wonderful city center characterized by restored warehouses, shops, restaurants and ample green spaces. The city’s main claim to fame, however unknown it may be, is that it gave its name to one of the most beloved children’s story characters: “Winnie” the Pooh. You’ll find a statue of the bear that inspired the story in downtown Winnipeg. Fantastic destinations for road trips from Winnipeg include Lake Manitoba, Riding Mountain National Park and Duck Mountain Provincial Park. Car Rental Locations: Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG), Downtown, West Vancouver, East Vancouver, South Vancouver Day Drives: River Road Heritage Parkway, Whiteshell Northern Route, Pembina Valley, Morden, Bannock Point Petroforms, Lower Fort Garry Historic Site, Selkirk Park, Gimli, St Pierre, Narcissi Snake Dens Situated in the wild northwest of Canada, Whitehorse is the capital of the Yukon Territory, a province that’s basically synonymous with the outdoors life, wild animals and general ruggedness. As such, it’s an amazing destination for adventurers and nature lovers. Adventure opportunities abound here, from canoeing on the Yukon River to cross-country skiing, from viewing moose, bison and caribou in the Yukon Wildlife Preserve to Northern Lights watching in winter. Independent visitors will be pleased to read that there’s no shortage of car rental near me options in Whitehorse either. Just pick up your rental car and head out for a wilderness adventure! Rental Car Pickups: Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXW) Day Trips: Kluane National Park, Yukon Wildlife Preserve, Takhini Hot Springs, Carcross, Skagway For a week-long car rental road trip take the Alaska, Klondike and Top of the World Highways circuit to explore the Yukon, via Kluane National Park, Destruction Bay, Beaver Creek and Dawson City, home of the Klondike Gold Rush; before returning via the Yukon Crossing and Carmacks. A huge and diverse country located between Central America and the U.S., Mexico is famous for its ancient Mayan ruins, fantastic food, and the beaches on both the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Its bustling capital Mexico City is home to numerous restaurants, great museums and high-end boutiques. Specific touristic highlights in Mexico include the ruins of Chichen Itza, Tulum and Teotihuacan, the seaside resorts in the Yucatan, snorkeling at the island of Cozumel, and sunbathing and whale watching in Cabo San Lucas. International Rent a Car Companies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt Local Rental Car Companies: Ace Rentacar, Adocar Rental, America Car Rental, Carflex Rent a Car, Firefly Mexico, Green Motion, La Mexicana Car Rental, Mex Rent a Car, Nu Car Rental Mexico Top Hire Car Brands: Toyota, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, Renault, GM, Dodge, Chevrolet, Nissan, Jeep, Kia Most Popular Hire Vehicles: Compact, SUV, Economy, People Carrier/Vans, Full Size, Medium, Intermediate Arguably the most well-known holiday region in Mexico, Cancun is a vibrant coastal city on the Yucatan Peninsula. Lining the Caribbean Sea coast, it’s home to countless beach resorts, waterfronts, high-rise hotels, beaches and bars. Activities range from swimming and snorkeling to sailing, visiting nearby sink holes and boat trips to Isla Mujeres. Yucatan road trip destinations include Playa del Carmen, the ruins of Tulum, the ruins of Chichen Itza and the vibrant town of Merida. Rental Car Locations: Cancun International Airport (CUN), Downtown Cancun Top Day Trips: Xcaret Park (waterfront eco-archeological park), Xel-Ha Park (natural aquarium), Coba Archeological Zone (climbable Mayan ruins), Akumal Beach (snorkel and swim with turtles), Akumal Monkey Sanctuary, Selvatica Adventure Park The capital of Jalisco, Guadalajara is a bustling city in the west of Mexico, renowned for its tequila and mariachi music. In other words, it’s a city that’s as typically Mexican as you’ll find anywhere in the country. After scoring an affordable rental car in Guadalajara, you can go on drives to destinations like Tlaquepaque, Lake Chapala, the beaches of Puerto Vallarta and the circular pyramids of Guachimontes. Hire Car Locations: Guadalajara International Airport (GDL), Downtown Guadalajara Resort Popular Day Drives: Tequila (town where the spirit is produced), Mazamitla (picturesque town known as “the Switzerland of Mexico”), Tapalpa (preserved-heritage “Magical Town”), Ajijic (lakeside town), Sayulita (surf town), Bosque de la Primavera, Lagos de Moreno (historic “Magical Town”), Cascada El Salto del Nogal (waterfall) A vast metropolis in the plateaus and hills of central Mexico, Mexico City is the country’s capital. There are countless highlights here, but tourists should start their visit in the historic city center, home to the Palacio National, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico, the 13th-century Aztec Templo Mayor, and central Zocalo Square. Naturally, Mexico City has numerous car rental near me locations all over the city. After exploring the city itself, the central Mexican countryside beckons. Additionally, a road trip from Mexico City to Cancun is extremely popular, too. Main Rent a Car Locations: Mexico City International Airport (Mex), Downtown Mexico City, Tlalpan, Miguel Hidalgo, Cuauhtemoc, Santa Fe, Naucalpan, Cuajimalpa Top Day Drives: Teotihuacan (Aztec ruins), Cholula (oldest city in America, includes the Great Pyramid, the largest in the world), Puebla (colonial town), Izta-Popo National Park, Taxco (colonial town known for silver crafts), Cuernavaca (colonial town, “City of Eternal Spring”), Cacahuamilpa Caves, Tula (Mesoamerican archeological site, San Miguel de Allende (known for arts and cultural festivals), Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve Often dubbed one of the friendliest countries on Earth, Australia is also perfect for road trips long and short. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Sydney Opera House, from the Great Ocean Road to Uluru, many of the world’s greatest natural and urban icons are Down Under. Go on a day trip from Sydney to the Blue Mountains or an extended drive through the Outback. Compare rates with major auto hire companies such as Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty, with an abundance of rental car locations your road trip options are virtually endless. If you’re staying anywhere in Australia and searching the web for a car rental near me, you’ll quickly be overwhelmed by the numerous choices. International Auto Hire Agencies: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Thrifty, Dollar Rent a Car, Keddy by Europcar, AutoEurope, Enterprise Rent a Car, Alamo Local Car Rental Companies: Apollo Rental Cars, Firefly Car Rental, Access Rent a Car, Ace Rental Cars, Atlas Car & Truck Rental, East Coast Car Rentals, Bliss Car Rental, Bargain Car Rentals, Jucy Rentals, Apex Rental Cars Car Hire Brands: Toyota, Kia, Skoda, Audi, Mitsubishi, VW, Hyundai, Holden, BMW, Mercedes Most Popular Hire Cars: Compact, SUV, Economy, Intermediate For those travelling in the outback, there is good availability of SUV and 4×4 hire vehicles. Check the terms and conditions of your car rental if travelling to remote areas or different states. Adelaide, South Australia The cosmopolitan capital of South Australia, Adelaide is a cultural and commercial hub in this part of the country. The city has numerous parks and great museums, but its main attractions is its beautiful surroundings. You can go on trips to Kangaroo Island, the Fleurieu Peninsula or deep into the Outback at Flinders Ranges National Park. Adelaide is also a great starting point for one-way drive to both Melbourne and Sydney. Car Rental Locations: Adelaide Airport (ADL), Downtown, Richmond, Reynella, Klemzig, Salisbury, Plympton, Walkerville, Beverley Day Drives: Glenelg Beach, Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills, Flinders Ranges, Port Adelaide, Fleurieu Peninsula, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley Alice Springs, Northern Territory Situated halfway between Darwin and Adelaide, Alice Springs is the main town in the Red Centre. It’s the premier gateway town for trips around this iconic region, home to the stunning West MacDonnell Ranges and, especially, world-famous Uluru. Hire Car Depots: Alice Springs Airport (ASP), Alice Springs City Day Tours: Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek, Serpentine Gorge, Glen Helen Gorge, Red Centre Way (Uluru, Olgas, Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon) Ayers Rock, Northern Territory One of Australia’s most famous natural attractions, Ayers Rock—also known as Uluru—is an enormous sandstone monolith in the heart of the country. A sacred place to indigenous Australians, it lies within Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. It’s one of the main destinations from Alice Springs, located about 450 kilometers away and the best place to find a car rental in the Red Centre of Australia. Car Rental Locations: Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ), Uluru, Ayers Rock Town Day Trips: Kata Tjuta (Mount Olga) and the Valley of the Winds, Mutitjulu Waterhole, Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park, Alice Springs Australia is famous for its oversized sculptures, which are literally located all over the country. One of those locations is Ballina, which is home to the Giant Shrimp, a popular photo location. Ballina lies just south of Byron Bay in New South Wales and is a convenient stopping point on East Coast road trips. Besides the Giant Shrimp, other landmarks are the Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum and the Thursday Plantation. Car Hire Locations: Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK), Cumbalum Day Excursions: David Fleay Wildlife Park, Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens, Macadamia Castle, Byron Bay and Cape Byron Lighthouse, Minyon Falls Lookout, The Wreck, Arakwal National Park, Cape Byron State Conservation Area, Julian Rocks Nguthungulli Nature Reserve, Australian Seabird Rescue, Lamington National Park Queensland’s vibrant riverside capital, Brisbane lies squeezed between the shimmering ocean and a number of gorgeous national parks. It’s a center of arts, cuisine and culture, home to man-made beaches and a thriving surf culture. Brisbane has tons of auto rental offices and offers great road trip opportunities, both to nearby attractions like the Sunshine Coast and Fraser Island, but also to further destinations such as Mackay, Cairns and Sydney. Main Car Rentals Offices: Brisbane International & Domestic Airport (BNE), West Wellcamp Airport (WTB), Downtown, Rocklea, Ipswich, Boondall, Eagle Farm, Fortitude Valley, Ascot, Morayfield Day Trips: Glasshouse Mountains, Lamington National Park, North Stradbroke Island, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Sea World, Tamborine Mountain Not a particularly large town, Cairns is nonetheless extremely popular among tourists and backpackers alike. This is, after all, the main gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, while nearby Daintree National Park features lush tropical rain forest, empty beaches and spectacular ravines. Additionally, Cairns is also a popular starting point for one-way road trips along the Australian East Coast, down to Brisbane or Sydney. Rental Car Offices: Cairns Airport (CNS), Downtown, Palm Cove Day Drives: Atherton Tablelands, Kuranda, Palm Cove, Great Barrier Reef Drive (Port Douglas), Mission Beach, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Located within the ACT, and a short drive from Sydney, Canberra is a worthwhile stop on any road trip across southwestern Australia. As the country’s capital, it’s home to numerous institutions, museum and monuments. Its greatest tourist attractions include the Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery of Australia and the views from the Mount Ainslie Lookout. Rental Vehicle Depots: Canberra Airport (CBR), Downtown Canberra, Braddon, Fyshwick, Mitchell Day Trips: Cockington Green Gardens and Gold Creek Homestead, Canberra Centenary Trail, Red Hill Lookout, Namadgi National Park, Bullen Range Nature Reserve, Brindabella National Park, Batemans Bay, Jindabyne and Thredbo, Kosciusko National Park Coffs Harbour NSW Coffs Harbour is main destination on the New South Wales north coast. Home to many great beaches, it also has a popular amusement park and the iconic Big Banana attraction. Numerous nature parks surround the city, including Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve, the Solitary Island Marine Park, Dorrigo National Park and Cascade National Park. Most of those are accessible with a rental car. Car Hire Offices: Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS), Downtown Coffs Harbour Day Excursions: Dorrigo National Park, Coffs Harbour Butterfly House, The Vincent Tree and Ulidarra National Park, Bonville Head Lookout, Cascade National Park, Forest Sky Pier at Sealy Lookout and TreeTop Adventure Park, Bongil Bongil National Park, Nymboi-Binderay National Park Darwin, Northern Territory One of Australia’s remotest cities, Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory, home to beaches, parks and a wonderful waterfront. A former frontier outpost, it’s now a much-visited destination in the far northern corner of Australia. Its main claim to fame is its proximity to enormous Kakadu National Park, home to saltwater crocodiles and spectacular scenery. Road trips from Darwin to Alice Springs are very popular as well. When looking for car rental near me while in Darwin, you should find a plethora of options. Hire Car Branches: Darwin International Airport (DRW), Darwin City, Stuart Park Day Tours: Natures Way Drive (Litchfield National Park, Kakadu National Park, Katherine Gorge), Adelaide River, Corroboree Billabong Gold Coast, Queensland The Gold Coast might just be one of Australia’s greatest beach destinations. Situated just south of Brisbane, this region consists of countless surf spots, endless sand beaches and an extensive network of inland rivers and canals. Additionally, this is also where you’ll find major tourist parks like Sea World and Dreamworld. It’s a great place to start an East Coast road trip to Sydney, too. Car Rental Branches: Coolangatta – Gold Coast Airport (OOL), Surfers Paradise, Miami, Southport, Nerang Day Trips: Springbrook National Park, Montville, Toowoomba, Noosa, Byron Bay Historic Hobart is the capital of Tasmania, Australia’s only island state. This small city has lots of attractions, including Battery Point, Salamanca Place and Mount Wellington, and has great fun explore for a day or two. After that, rent a car in Hobart and go for a road trip around Tasmania, visiting iconic places like Wineglass Bay, Cradle Mountain and the Bay of Fires. Car Rental Offices: Hobart Airport (HBA), Downtown Day Drives: Port Arthur Historic Site and Tasman Peninsula, Mount Field National Park, Richmond, Bruny Island, Huon Valley, Oatlands and Ross Launceston is a major city in the Australian island state of Tasmania. It’s home to an airport and serves as a gateway to Tasmania—you’ll find plenty of options for a car hire in Launceston. It’s famous for its Cataract Gorge, which is home to great hiking trails, a chairlift, amazing views and beautiful gardens. Wine lovers will certainly enjoy visiting the vineyards along the nearby Tamar Valley. Launceston is popular starting point for Tasmania road trips. Easily accessible destinations include the Bar of Fires, Freycinet National Park and Cradle Mountain. Car Rental Locations: Launceston Airport (LST), Downtown Launceston Day Trips: Tasmania Zoo, Entally House Historic Site, Tamar Island Wetlands Centre, Glengarry Bush Maze, Bridestowe Lavender Estate, Burnie, Lilydale Falls, Devonport, Ben Lomond National Park, Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park Located south of Airlie Beach in Queensland, Mackay is a popular stopping point on road trips along the Australian East Coast. The town itself is home to the Bluewater Lagoon, the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens and Harbour Beach, while numerous nature and wildlife experience await around the town. Eugella National Park, for example, protects an important habitat for rare frogs and platypus, while the Great Barrier Reef lies a short distance offshore. Hire Car Branches: Mackay Airport (MKY), North Mackay Day Excursions: Greenmount Homestead, Lamberts Lookout, Crediton State Forest, Bakers Creek Conservation Park, Airlie Beach, Horseshoe Bay Often considered to cultural and culinary capital of Australia, vibrant Melbourne lies on the banks of the Yarra River in southern Victoria. It has world-class museums and gallery, fantastic restaurants, great beaches and a busy nightlife. Home to all major car hire companies, including Hertz, Avis and Enterprise, Melbourne is a great place to start a memorable Great Ocean Road trip. Other popular natural destinations are Philip Island, Grampians National Park and Wilsons Promontory National Park. Besides that, lots of visitors also begin their extended Australian road trip in Melbourne and drive to Adelaide, Sydney or even all the way to Brisbane. Rental Car Locations: Melbourne Tullamarine Domestic & International Airport (MEL), Downtown, St Kilda, Richmond, Footscray, Moorabbin, Clayton, Dandenong, Frankston, Bayswater Day Tours: Great Ocean Road, Ballarat, Dandenong Ranges, Grampians National Park, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, Phillip Island, Bellarine Peninsula Located just north of Sydney, Newcastle is New South Wales’ second-largest city. It’s known mainly for its many beautiful beaches, which are linked by the coastal Bathers Way. The star attraction in Newcastle, however, is probably Bogey Hole, an oceanside swimming pool built by convicts dating from colonial Australia. Newcastle is a popular stopping point on road trips to Brisbane. Major Car Rental Offices: Newcastle Airport (NTL), Downtown, Hamilton, Broadmeadow, Mayfield, Sandgate, Charlestown, Beresfield Day Trips: Hunter Valley, Hawkesbury River, Bay Area, Stockton, Bellingen Perth, Western Australia One of the world’s remotest major cities, Perth lies more than two thousand kilometers from Adelaide, the nearest large city. Yet, Perth absolutely thrives—it’s the center of culture, food, commerce, media and pretty much everything else in Western Australia. Home to numerous car rental companies and pick-up points, finding a car rental near me is a piece of cake of Perth. This is the best place to start any road trip in the region. Destinations are amazing and abundant, including Margaret River, Kalbarri National Park, Shark Bay, Ningaloo Reef and Broome. Another awesome option is the epic Nullarbor Plain crossing, which leads to Adelaide and onward to Melbourne. Top Rental Vehicle Pickup Locations: Perth International & Domestic Airport (PER), Perth City, Malaga, Osborne Park, West Perth, Bassendean, East Perth, Welshpool, Fremantle, Belmont Day Drives: Swan Valley, Araluen Botanic Park, Kings Park, Serpentine Falls, Pinnacles Desert and Nambung National Park, York, Chittering Valley, Fremantle, New Norcia, Mandurah A small town on the coast of Queensland, Proserpine is most famous for being the gateway to the Whitsunday region and having the airport closest to the Whitsunday Islands. It dates back to the 1800s, when sugar cane plantations and cattle farms sprang up in the area. Nowadays, the town is still surrounded by expanse farmlands, while its Main Street is reminiscent of the “days gone by” with historic architecture and old-fashioned gentlemanliness at local hotels and stores. Visitors might want to grab a car hire and explore the surrounding countryside. Rental Car Locations: Whitsunday Coast Airport Proserpine (PPP), Airlie Beach Day Trips: Cedar Creek Falls, Conway National Park, Lake Proserpine, Whitsundays Great Walk, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Island, Cape Gloucester, Horseshoe Bay, Townsville, Mackay Set along the banks of the Fitzroy River, Rockhampton is a popular destination on Queensland road trips. Visitors can learn about the cultures of the Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders at the Dreamtime Cultural Centre, while Rockhampton Heritage Village recreates the lives of locals from the mid-19th to the mid-20th centuries. In terms of natural attractions, the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and nearby Mount Etna Caves and Mount Archer National Parks are worth visiting—and accessible with a car rental from Rockhampton. Hire Car Locations: Rockhampton Airport (ROK), West Rockhampton Day Drives: Fraser Park Lookout, Capricorn Caves, Koorana Crocodile Farm, Baga National Park, Capricorn Coast National Park and Spring Head Lookout, Gladstone Sunshine Coast, Queensland The Sunshine Coast is a stretch of surf spots, sand beaches, beach resorts, crystal-clear water, sand dunes, mangrove forests and lakes between Great Sandy National Park and Brisbane. There’s also no lack of vehicle rental options here. It’s a laidback destination that’s great for beach holidays, casual walks and shopping. It’s a popular destination on road trips to and from Brisbane or Sydney. Car Rental Locations: Maroochydore Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY), Warana, Noosa Heads, Noosaville, Caloundra Day Tours: Noosa, Bribie Island, Australia Zoo, Rainbow Beach, Hervey Bay, Bunya Mountains The number one tourist destination in Australia, the place where the vast majority of visitors arrive, is Sydney. This iconic city features everything from expansive urban parks to sensational beaches, great museums and impressive architecture. It’s the number one car rental destination in Oz, a place where you’ll find numerous rental car discounts, specials and offers. All major companies are present here, including Hertz, Enterprise, Budget and Avis. Pick up a car and go for the road trip of a lifetime to places like Melbourne, the Gold Coast, Brisbane and/or Cairns. Finding a car rental near me in Sydney is a breeze. Major Rent a Car Locations: Sydney International & Domestic Airport (SYD), Penrith, Blacktown, Alexandria, Artarmon, Bankstown, Granville, Caringbah, Smithfield, Campbelltown Day Trips: Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Manly Beach, Royal National Park, Hawkesbury River, Port Stephens, Canberra, Southern Highlands After booking the best price on a rental car in Sydney, you can take the scenic Snowy Mountains Drive from Cooma to Bombala through Jindabyne, Kosciusko National Park and Thredbo Valley on the Kosciusko Alpine Way. One of the most spectacular driving roads in Australia. A popular coastal city in the northeast of Queensland, Townsville is one of the main gateways to the Great Barrier Reef. In town, you can visit the Reef HQ Aquarium, which houses coral and marine life from the Reef, as well as a sea turtle hospital. More wildlife, such as crocodiles, koalas and wombats, can be seen at the nearby Billabong Sanctuary. Just off the coast, gorgeous Magnetic Island has a national park home to tons of wildlife. In short, Townsville is the perfect destination for wildlife viewing and outdoor adventures, including swimming and scuba diving. Rental Car Pickup Points: Townsville Airport (TSV), Downtown Townsville Day Tours: Pipers Lookout, Lake Ross Dam, Paluma Range National Park, Girringun National Park, Charters Towers Tweed Heads, New South Wales Located in the very northeast of New South Wales, literally on the border with Queensland, Tweed Heads lies super-close to the famed “Gold Coast.” It’s famous for being a town where visitors can walk between different time zones and, as such, celebrate New Year’s Eve twice within one hour. Tweed Heads is home to amazing beaches and coastal features, such as Snapper Rocks, Greenmount Beach, Point Danger and Rainbow Bay, and is great stopping on East Coast road trips to (or from) Sydney, Brisbane or even Cairns. Car Hire Locations: Tweed Heads, Coolangatta (Gold Coast) Airport (OOL), Coolangatta, Tugun Day Drives: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Twin Falls and Springbrook National Park, Tropical Fruit World, Lamington National Park, Border Ranges National Park, Wollumbin National Park, Mooball National Park, Kooroomba Vineyards and Lavender Farm, Best of All Lookout, Mount Tomewin A country of contrasts and variety, New Zealand has alpine scenery and superb surfing, spectacular fiords and vast national parks, endless adventures and a fascinating Maori culture. It’s one of the most welcoming, best-organized and livable countries on the planet, with absolutely no shortage of car rental offers from companies such as Avis, Europcar, Thrifty, Hertz and Budget; as well as many smaller local companies with great deals ideal for a self-drive holiday. Driving around New Zealand can be relaxing or thrilling, but it’s always enjoyable and convenient. International Car Rental Companies: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Thrifty, Dollar Rent a Car, Enterprise Rent a Car, Alamo, Keddy by Europcar Vehicle Rental Brands: Toyota, Nissan, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Kia, Holden, Hyundai, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Tesla Most Popular Rental Cars: Compact, Economy, SUV Intermediate sedans are popular for small families, and luxury 8-seater minibuses for larger families; whereas up to 12 seater buses can be hired by small groups. Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (EV) are slowly becoming available in main auto hire depots. One of New Zealand’s greatest cities, Auckland is a major urban hub in the north of the North Island. Set around two harbors, it’s home to the world-famous Sky Tower, which is the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. There’s also a park on an extinct volcano and a wonderful seaside promenade. Auckland is the most popular starting point for scenic drives around the North Island, where stunning highlights like Waitomo Caves, Tongariro National Park, the Twin Coast Highway, Cathedral Cove and the Hobbiton movie set await. Wellington, in the far south of the North Island, is a popular destination, too, as is Christchurch on the South Island. Rental Car Locations: Auckland International & Domestic Airports (AKL), Downtown, Auckland North Shore, East Tamaki, Manukau, Grey Lynn Day Drives: Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, West Coast and Waitakere Ranges, Coromandel Peninsula, Matakana, Hamilton Renowned for its English heritage, Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island. It’s a unique destination, home to gorgeous Botanic Gardens, trams and double-decker buses, beautiful architecture. Home to a major airport, there are also numerous car rental pick-up locations near me in the city, which is the ideal base to explore the entire South Island. Visit amazing places like Abel Tasman National Park, Mount Cook, the iconic Milford Sound and the Franz Josef Glacier. Popular road trip destinations from Christchurch include Queenstown, Picton, Greymouth, Blenheim and even Auckland on the North Island. Car Hire Locations: Christchurch Airport (CHC), Christchurch City Day Tours: Akaroa and Banks Peninsula, Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs, Lake Tekapo, Lyttelton, Arthur’s Pass, Waipara Valley, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park The Alpine Pacific Triangle is a short scenic drive that takes you from Christchurch through the Waipara Wine District to Kaikoura, which has great sea-food and is popular for whale watching. Afterwards head through to Hanmer Springs for a soak in the Thermal Hot Springs. After Christchurch, Dunedin is the South Island’s largest city. Situated at Otago Harbour on the southeast coast of the island, it’s famous for its Maori and Scottish heritage. You’ll find plenty of Edwardian and Victorian architecture here, as well as great hiking and cycling opportunities. Dunedin offers easy access to the top attractions in the southern part of the island, such as Fiordland National Park, Lake Wanaka and Lake Wakatipu, and renowned long-distance hiking routes like the Milford Track and Routeburn Track. Auto Hire Locations: Dunedin Airport (DUD), Dunedin City Day Trips: Larnach Castle, Otago Peninsula, Moeraki Boulders, The Catlins, Brighton, Middle March, Port Chalmers, Waikouaiti Drive the Southern Scenic Route from Dunedin to Te Anau via Invercargill one way, for one of the most spectacular scenic drives in New Zealand. Situated on the northeast coast of New Zealand’s North Island, Gisborne is a small city known for its laid back atmosphere. Wine lovers will relish the chance to visit some amazing vineyards, while surfers can catch a wave at beaches like Makorori. For colonial and Maori history in town, you can visit the Tairawhiti Museum. Auto Rental Locations: Gisborne Airport (GIS) Day Drives: Eastwoodhill Arboretum, Rere Falls, Te Reinga Falls, Wairoa Old Portland Island Lighthouse and Mokotahi Lookout, Te Urewera National Park, Waioeka Gorge, Opotiki, Napier and Hawkes Bay A small historic town on the northwest coast of the South Island, Greymouth has a rough history as a gold mining and jade hunting town. Visitors can learn about that at nearby Shantytown, while another claim to fame of the town is its Monteith’s Brewery, one of the oldest in New Zealand. With a rental car hire from Greymouth, you can access the spectacular landscapes of Mount Cook National Park via scenic Route 6. Another popular route runs across the South Island toward Christchurch. Car Rental Pickup Location: Greymouth Railway Station Day Drives: Punakaiki/Pancake Rocks, Fox & Franz Josef Glacier, Hokitika, Lake Brunner One way car rentals connect with the scenic TranzAlpine Express at Greymouth train station from Christchurch. In the heart of the North Island’s Waikato region lies Hamilton, a city renowned for its beautiful gardens and parks, as well as amazing natural sites. Without question its star attraction is Hamilton Gardens, a huge public park home to wonderful gardens, manicured to perfecting and featuring various themes and styles, including Japanese, Italian Renaissance and traditional Maori. More green spaces are found along the Waikato River, while the Waitomo Caves Complex, south of the city, has boat rides through subterranean grottoes that are lit up by glowworms. To reach destinations a bit further afield, especially places like Rotorua, Auckland and Tongariro National Park, you can find numerous car hire locations in Hamilton. Hire Cars Locations: Hamilton Airport (HLZ), Downtown Hamilton Day Tours: Hobbiton Movie Set, Raglan, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Bridal Veil Falls, Tongariro National Park, Pirongia Forest Park, Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park, Rotorua, Lake Taupo, Tauranga, Thames and the Coromandel Peninsula If you are driving to Auckland or the Bay of Islands, the Waikato War Driving Tour takes you from Pirongia near Hamilton to Auckland and explores 13 sites where the Maori fought the British in the Waikato War of 1863-1864. The southernmost city in New Zealand, Invercargill is a gateway to the abundant nature of the South Island. The city lies near the Waituna Lagoon and is the nearest hub to the spectacular scenery of Fiordland National Park, one of the country’s absolute top attractions. Car Hire Depots: Invercargill Airport (IVC) Day Trips: Bluff, Stewart Island, Southern Scenic Route and the Catlins, Tuatapere Kerikeri is a small town on the far northwestern peninsula of the North Island near Paihia in the Bay of Islands. Its main distinction is that it’s often referred to as the “Cradle of the Nation” because this was the location of New Zealand’s first permanent mission. As such, Kerikeri boasts some of the country’s oldest and most historic buildings. Major highlights include the Stone Store & Kemp House – Kerikeri Mission Station 1822. Nature lovers might want to go and check out nearby Rainbow Falls with their rental car. Hire Cars Locations: Kerikeri Bay of Islands Airport (KKE), Kerikeri Town Day Drives: Cape Reinga, Haruru Falls and Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Paihia and the Bay of Islands, Aroha Island Kiwi Reserve, Wairere Boulders, Puketi Forest, Rainbow Warrior Memorial, Whangarei Located in one of New Zealand’s most famous wine regions—Hawke’s Bay—Napier is a small and friendly city known for its Art Deco buildings and waterfront promenade. It’s a destination wine lovers simply have to put on their New Zealand road trip itinerary. Car Rental Locations: Napier Hawke’s Bay Airport (NPE) Day Excursions: Hawkes Bay Vineyards, Hastings, Te Mata Peak, Cape Kidnappers, Big Redwood Forest Napier is the start of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, which takes you all the way from Hawkes Bay to the Pinot Noir wine region around Martinborough. Then continue on to Wellington, before crossing by ferry to the South Island of New Zealand and the Marlborough Wine Region around Blenheim. Situated in the middle of the north coast of the South Island, Nelson. It faces Tasman Bay and is home to numerous art galleries and arts and crafts shops. Its English colonial history is shown at wonderful Founders Heritage Park. Nelson is also the town closest to Abel Tasman National Park, one of the New Zealand’s most breathtaking coastal national parks. It’s also a popular stopping point on one-way road trips around the South Island from Christchurch. Car Hire Offices: Nelson Airport (NSN) One Day Trips: Abel Tasman National Park, Kaiteriteri, Golden Bay, Mapua, Kahurangi National Park, Nelson Lakes National Park, Te Waikoropupu Springs, Wharariki Beach Surrounded by beautiful nature parks, New Plymouth is a welcoming small city on the North Island’s west coast. It’s backed by towering Mount Taranaki, which is a popular day trip destination with a vehicle rental. Further afield, yet super-accessible by rental car are other attractions like the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the world-renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing. New Plymouth is a much-visited destination on road trips from Auckland, too. Car Rental Locations: New Plymouth Airport (NPL), Downtown Day Trips: Mount Taranaki, Puketi, Pukekura and Brooklands, Back Beach, Dawson Falls, Hidden Valley Walkway, Stratford An assuming city in the southern part of the North Island, Palmerston North actually has a major attraction. This is the location of the New Zealand Rugby Museum, which houses various sports memorabilia. Swing by on a North Island road trip and learn about the history of the All Blacks. Alternatively, the city also has a small airport and car rental pickup offices. Rental Car Locations: Palmerston North Airport (PMR) Daytrips: Manawatu Gorge, Tongariro National Park, Martinborough Village, Feilding, Whanganui, Mount Bruce A small town on the South Island’s north coast surrounded by bays, inlets and islands, Picton is the South Island’s ferry port for ferries commuting between the two islands. It’s the gateway to the stunning islands of the Marlborough Sound—and pretty much the entire South Island, too, for anyone coming from the North Island. It’s possible to arrive by ferry from Wellington, find a car rental near me in Picton and explore amazing South Island destinations like Christchurch, Queenstown and nearby Nelson. Car Hire Offices: Picton Ferry Terminal, Picton Town Day Trips: Blenheim, Nelson, St Arnaud, Queen Charlotte Drive, Kaikoura Even though it’s quite a small town, Queenstown is famous around the world for two things. One, it’s one of the world’s adventure capitals with all sorts of thrilling activities, from bungee jumping to jet boating and whitewater rafting. Two, the Queenstown area is where much of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed. It’s one of New Zealand’s top destinations, with plenty of car hire options and also popular on road trips from (and to) Christchurch, Greymouth, Picton and even as far as Auckland on the North Island. Car Rental Locations: Queenstown Airport (ZQN), Downtown Day Excursions: Arrowtown, Glenorchy, Wanaka, Aspiring National Park, Central Otago Vineyards, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Te Anau, Routeburn Track From Queenstown, Milford Sound is one of the most popular day trips, and on the bucket list for any first-time visitor to New Zealand. After driving through Te Anau, the Milford Road takes you down the beautiful Eglington Valley and through Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound with majestic Mitre Peak towering over the fiord. A place as “New Zealand” as any, Rotorua is a small town set on the shore of its namesake lake on the North Island. It’s renowned for its geothermal activity, including boiling mud pools and the huge Pohutu Geyser. Additionally, Rotorua is a major center of the Maori culture and visitors can explore a living Maori village and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Car Hire Offices: Rotorua Airport (ROT), Downtown Day Drives: Hobbiton, Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Waitomo Caves, Waimangu Geothermal Area, Wairere Falls in Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park, Te Waihou Walkway to Blue Spring On the shore of Lake Taupo in the very heart of the North Island lies the town of Taupo, famed for its many natural attractions and outdoor sports. Lake Taupo itself fills a volcanic caldera, whose waters run outward via the dramatic Huka Falls. Visitors can reach these spectacular cascades via hiking and biking paths. Other natural highlights include the hot springs in the Craters of the Moon Reserve. Additionally, Taupo is a gateway to phenomenal Tongariro National Park, one of New Zealand’s top attractions. Naturally, it’s a popular destination on any North Island road trip from cities like Auckland and Wellington. Rental Car Locations: Taupo Airport (TUO), Taupo Township Day Trips: Rotorua, Tongariro National Park with Mount Ruapehu (Mt Doom) and Tawhai Falls (Gollums Pool in the Lord of the Rings movies), Mangawhero Falls, Tokaanu Hot Springs and Thermal Pools, Tongariro National Trout Centre near Turangi, Pureora Forest Park, Putaruru Blue Springs on the Te Waihou Walkway, Hobbiton Movie Set, Hamilton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Located on the central north coast of the North Island, in a region called the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is home to a few fascinating historic buildings, as well as a couple of great natural sights. Arguably its main man-made attraction is the mid-19th-century Georgian-style Elms Mission Station. Besides that, a natural isthmus the city and Mount Maunganui, an extinct volcano with walking trails and beautiful views of the city. From Tauranga, a comfy rental car can get you to epic North Island destinations like Tongariro National Park, Hamilton, Auckland and Rotorua. Hire Car Locations: Tauranga Airport (TRG), Downtown Tauranga Day Drives: Wairere Falls, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Hobbiton Movie Set, Looking Glass Garden, Rotorua, Orokawa Scenic Reserve, Katikati “Mural Town”, Coromandel Peninsula, Lake Taupo, Whakatane and White Island The capital of New Zealand, Wellington sits on the shores of the Cook Strait, which separates the North and South Islands, backed by the farmlands of the North Island. As a capital city, it boasts numerous cultural institutions, but also a beautiful waterfront promenade and pretty architecture. From Wellington, you can explore both islands quite easily. A direct ferry runs to and from Picton on the South Island, while cross-island road trips to Auckland are super-popular as well. As the country’s capital, Wellington visitors on the look for an affordable car rental near me will definitely find what they’re looking for. Rental Car Locations: Wellington Airport (WLG), Wellington City, Wellington Ferry Terminal, Lower Hutt Day Tours: Martinborough, Wairarapa, Kapiti Coast, Cape Palliser, Rimutaka Forest Park, Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre Whangarei is a major town in the Northland region, which occupies the northwestern most peninsula on the North Island. Cultural attractions include the Whangarei Art Museum and the fantastic Kiwi Complex, which comprises a Victorian-era historic park, the Whangarei Museum and a nocturnal kiwi habitat. In terms of natural attractions, visitors to Whangarei should definitely visit Whangarei Falls, the nearby Bay of Islands, the Coronation Scenic Reserve and the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve with its great scuba diving opportunities. Hire Car Pickups: Whangarei Airport (WRE) Day Trips: Taheke Waterfalls, Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, Matapouri Beach, Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the Bay of Islands, Mount Manaia, Wairua Falls, Kerikeri and Haruru Falls, Whale Bay, Paihia and Russell, Auckland - Czech Republic - The Netherlands - United Kingdom A land-locked country in Central Europe, Austria is a place of towering mountain ranges, picturesque valleys, meandering rivers, a long imperial history and a wealth a cultural treasures. Crossed by the Danube River, it’s famous for its numerous artists, such as Mozart and Strauss. Austria is also the country of “The Sound of Music”, of apple strudel and Wiener schnitzels, a vibrant coffee culture and amazing royal palaces. International Car Rental Companies: Alamo, AutoEurope, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt Rent a Car Local Rent a Car Agencies: Buchbinder, Megadrive, SurPrice Car Rentals Major Hire Car Brands: Fiat, Ford, Peugeot, Opel, VW, Citroen, Skoda, BMW, Audi, Mercedes Benz Most Popular Vehicles: Economy, Compact, Station Wagon/Estate, Intermediate Located in western Austria, Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol. Surrounded by the towering peaks and slopes of the Alps, it’s been a popular winter sports destination for decades. In summer, the city is a base for hiking, rock climbing and other outdoor pursuits. In terms of cultural highlights, the centerpiece of Innsbruck is its Old Town, home to the Golden Roof house, the 16th-century Court Church and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Visitors can find a car rental near me in Innsbruck and go for marvelous drives through the surrounding alpine landscapes. Car Rental Depots: Innsbruck Airport (VIE), Innsbruck Town Centre Day Excursions: Salzburg, Ramsau am Dachstein, Swarovski Crystal World, Kufstein medieval town, Hall in the Tyrol, Mittenwald alpine village in Bavaria, Achensee One of Austria’s premier historic cities, Salzburg lies on the German border and is famed for its classical music history and medieval and baroque architecture. Major tourist attractions include the birthplace of Mozart and the Mirabell Palace, which played a prominent role in the film “The Sound of Music”. Other highlights are Salzburg Cathedral, Schloss Hellbrunn and the spectacular Hohensalzburg Fortress. Its location near Germany makes it a great base for trips into Germany. Particularly Munich is a particular road trip destination. Other places easily visited with a car rental from Salzburg are Hitler’s Eagles Nest, Berchtesgaden, Halstatt, Vienna and the Dachau concentration camp. Car Rental Locations: Salzburg Airport (SZG), Salzburg Town Centre One Day Journeys: Hallstatt mountain town, Berchtesgaden and the Eagle’s Nest – Adolf Hitler’s summer retreat, Salzkammergut region made famous by the “Sound of Music” film, Vienna, Konigsee – the King’s Lake, Oberndorf, Werfen Ice Caves and Hohenwerfen Castle, Innsbruck, Saalachtaler Naturgewalten (Natural Wonders), Hallein Salt Mine, Wolfgangsee and Schafberg Mountain Railway at Saint Wolfgang On the northeastern corner of Austria lies Vienna, the country’s capital and artistic, intellectual, cultural and political center. Beautifully set on the banks of the Danube River, Vienna was the city of Beethoven, Mozart and Freud. It’s known for its majestic architecture, most notably its spectacular imperial palaces such as Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace and Belvedere Palace. Home to numerous car rental locations, Vienna is an ideal city to kick off road trips around this part of Europe. Major cities like Bratislava and Budapest lie relatively close, while other amazing destinations include the Austrian Alps, Salzburg, Hohe Tauern National Park and Innsbruck. Car Rental Offices: Vienna International Airport (VIE), Voesendorf, Kagran, Ketzergasse, Vienna Railway Station Day Trips: Kreuzenstein Castle, Baden Bei Wien, Danube Valley, Laxenburg Castle, Bratislava Old Town in Slovakia, Roman Town of Carnuntum, Melk and Klosterneuburg Abbey, Lainzer Wildlife Park, Grinzing, Laa an der Thaya Often overlooked by visitors to Western Europe, Belgium is between the Netherlands, France and Germany. It features influences from all those countries, while also boasting a distinct culture itself. Perhaps its most famous characteristic is Belgium’s food, from waffles and chocolates to fries and beer. Flanders, the Dutch-speaking northern part of Belgium, is home to spectacular architecture, attraction-filled medieval cities, world-class museums, the beaches of the North Sea coast and bicycle-friendly countryside. The French-speaking south, known as Wallonia, on the other hand, is where you’ll find the vast Ardennes Forest, picturesque stone villages, river valleys and amazing abbey (breweries). International Vehicle Hire Companies: Alamo, AutoEurope, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt Rent a Car, Thrifty Major Rental Brands: Fiat, Ford, Renault, Opel, VW, Peugeot, Lexus, BMW, Volvo, Mercedes Benz Most Popular Vehicles: Economy, Compact The capital of Belgium, Brussels is a bilingual city in the heart of the country. It’s also the capital of the European Union, which as given it an image of bureaucracy and formality. However, besides its politics, Brussels is also a vibrant, multicultural destination filled with fantastic restaurants, cobbled streets, wonderful historic marketplaces and great museums. Home to an international airport and with (high-speed) train connections to all neighboring countries, Brussels is super-accessible. Pick up a car hire in Brussels and go for drives to other cities like Antwerp, Ghent or Bruges, while natural destinations include the North Sea Coast and the Ardennes Forest. Rental Car Locations: Brussels Airport (BRU), Ruisbroek, Drogenbos, Ixelles, Brussels South Railway Station Day Outings: Bruges the “Venice of the North”, Dinant, Namur, Aalst, Maastricht, Ypres and the Ypres Salient Battlefields, Leuven, Hasselt, Waterloo Battlefield, Tournai The rising star in the Southern European tourism world, Croatia has everything necessary to make it a world-class road trip destination. For starters, there’s a major international airport in Zagreb, surrounded by rental car locations. There’s much more, of course, from the spectacular waterfall scenery at Plitvice Lakes National Park to the picturesque hills and villages in Istria to iconic Adriatic coastal cities like Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. International Hire Car Companies: Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar, Budget, Alamo, Thrifty, Keddy by Europcar, AutoEurope Local Rental Car Companies: Goldcar Croatia, Green Motion, Nu Car Rental, Oryx Rent a Car, SurPrice Car Rentals, Main Car Brands: Fiat, Hyundai, Renault, Opel, VW, Smart, Mazda, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes Benz Most Popular Hire Vehicles: Economy, Compact Often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, Dubrovnik is easily one of the most beautiful old towns in Europe, if not the world. Surrounded by massive fortified city walls, its entire Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to amazing centuries-old architecture and landmarks. Additionally, Dubrovnik has no lack of great (pebble) beaches and natural scenery either. It’s become one of the most visited tourist destinations in the entire Mediterranean—not in the least since it served as the location of Game of Thrones’ Kings Landing. Road trips from Dubrovnik lead to Split or Plitvice Lakes, or to the spectacular Bay of Kotor in nearby Montenegro. Rent a Car Locations: Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), Downtown One Day Trips: Mostar, Cavtat, Korcula, Pelješac Peninsula and the village of Ston, Split, Trogir, Medjugorje pilgrimage site, Konavle Valley, Sarajevo, Budva and Kotor in Montenegro, as well as the Kravice Waterfalls across the border in Bosnia and Herzegovina The largest city on the triangular peninsula in northwestern Croatia known as Istria, Pula is one of the many wonderful old cities on Croatia’s Adriatic Sea coast. Pula is connected to the rest of Croatia by road and ferry, but it also has a direct ferry connection with Venice. Visitors arriving from Italy can find lots of car rental near me options once they disembark from the boat. From this city, the gorgeous Istria countryside beckons. Picturesque towns like Rovinj and Motovun are just a short drive away. Car Hire Pick Up Locations: Pula Airport (PUY), Downtown Day Drives: Vodnjan and the 6 mummies, Rovinj and the Cathedral of St Euphemia, Porec and the byzantine mosaics of the Euphrasian Basilica, Pazin and the “Pazin Channel” made famous by Jules Verne, Opatijo was featured in the film “Grace of Monaco” about Grace Kelly Croatia’s second-largest city is also one of its most visited. Split is a major transportation hub on the Dalmatian coast, served by everything from buses and ferries to trains and planes. As such, there’s also a wealth of car rental offices in this ancient city. It’s a great base for road trips to places like Plitvice Lakes, Trogir and the rest of Dalmatia. The city itself has plenty to offer as well. It’s home to the huge Diocletian’s Palace, dating from Roman times but still the beating heart of the city. You’ll find countless alleyways, pretty squares, old churches, Roman ruins, amazing restaurants and lively bars in its relatively small historic city center. Vehicle Rental Offices: Split Airport (SPU), Downtown, Split Port Day Tours: Krka National Park, Sibenik and the UNESCO World Heritage listed St Paul’s Cathedral, Zadar, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Roman Ruins of Salona, Trogir, Makarska on the Adriatic Sea, Omis, Mostar, Dubrovnik Situated in the northwest of Croatia, Zagreb is the country’s capital and largest city. It distinguishes itself from other Croatian cities with its amazing Austro-Hungarian architecture dating from the 1700s and 1800s. Zagreb is divided into two distinct areas. Its Upper Town is the oldest part of the city, home to the towering Zagreb Cathedral and picturesque St. Mark’s Church. This is also where you can stroll charming Tkalčićeva Street. The Lower Town has beautiful parks, museums, great shopping and Zagreb’s main square, Ban Jelačić. Zagreb has the main international airport in Croatia and, as such, also numerous car rental offices near Zagreb. Road trip destinations include the Dalmatian coast, Istria and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Car Rental Places: Zagreb Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG), Downtown, Velika Gorica Best Day Excursions: Visit the watermill village of Rastoke on the way to Plitvice Lakes National Park, Kumrovec traditional old village and museum, Samobor, Osijek, Dakovo, Lonjslo Polje park and traditional villages including Krapje, Ljubljana the capital city of Slovenia and Lake Bled, Krapina, Varazdin baroque Town and Trakoscan Castle, Kopački Rit Nature Park Formerly known as the Czech Republic, Czechia sits in Central Europe and is neighbored by Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Austria. This is a country well-known for its centuries-old history, magnificent architecture and beer—pilsner beer originates from the Czech town of Plzen. There are renowned spa towns like Karlovy Vary and wine-making regions such as Znojmo, while its capital Prague has some of Europe’s grandest buildings. International Rental Car Companies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Europcar, National, Sixt Rent a Car Local Hire Car Agencies: Green Motion, Nu Car Rentals, Rent Plus Car Rental Car Brands: Opel, VW, Skoda, Dacia, Mazda, Peugeot, Volvo, BMW, Mercedes Benz Most Popular Vehicles: Economy, Compact Situated along the Vltava River, Prague is one of the greatest capital cities in Europe. Its breathtaking Old Town Square is world-famous for its gothic churches, baroque houses and, especially, the Astronomical Clock that dates from the Middle Ages. Other major landmarks are the 15th-century Charles Bridges and the 9th-century Prague Castle. Prague is undoubtedly the star attraction and most-visited destination in Czechia. With its major airport and convenient railroad connections, it’s also a great place to start a Czech road trip. Finding a car rental near me won’t be a problem at all. One of Eastern Europe’s most popular one-day drives is from Prague to Vienna. Car Rentals Locations: Prague Airport (PRG), Downtown, Prague Old Town, Prague Railway Station, Prague Bus Station, Parizcka Best Day Drives: Kutna Hora and the Chapel of Bones, Karlovy Vary spa town, České Budějovice and the Black Tower, Terezín Concentration Camp, Český Krumlov, Koněprusy Caves, Wrocław A Scandinavian country, Denmark encompasses the Jutland Peninsula north of Germany as well as many islands. Its capital Copenhagen lies on a couple of islands and is connected to both the Danish mainland and Sweden by bridges. As one of the most livable and prosperous nations in the world, Denmark is super-welcoming to visitors. You’ll certainly enjoy its bicycle-friendly cities, marvelous castles, Viking museums and photogenic waterfronts. International Auto Hire Companies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt Rent a Car, Thrifty Vehicle Brands: Skoda, Ford, Renault, Opel, VW, Nissan, Mazda, Volvo, Audi, BMW Most Popular Vehicles: Compact, Economy, Station Wagon/Estate Located in the north of the Jutland Peninsula, the mainland part of Denmark, Aalborg is one of the country’s main tourist destinations thanks to its many historic sites. The Aalborg Historical Museum displays the millennium-long history of the city, while the 16th-century Aalborghus Castle features a typical half-timbered design. The underground Franciscan Friary Museum, which houses Viking relics and skeletons. More Viking history can be explored at the nearby Lindholm Høje burial site, which as a museum that displays Viking life. As such, this is one of the popular destinations on road trips through Denmark. Aalborg is easily accessed from Copenhagen, as well as from Gothenburg in Sweden by ferry to Frederikshaven. Pick up Points: Aalborg Airport (AAL), Aalborg Town Centre Day Trips: Grenen and Skagen, Lindholm Hoje Viking Burial Site, Lønstrup fishing village, Fårup Sommerland amusement park, Rold Forest and Rebild Bakker A small town in the middle of Jutland, Billund has one main claim to fame. This is the birthplace of LEGO, the classic building bricks popular around the world. Its top attraction is the Legoland theme park, which draws in visitors from all over the globe. Depot Rental Car Locations: Billund Airport (BLL) Day Drives: Legoland, Odense and Egeskov Castle, Lindholm Hoje Viking Burial Site Spread out on two islands, Amager and Zealand, Copenhagen is Denmark’s capital and largest city. It is widely regarded as one of the world’s most livable and bike-friendly cities, filled with abundant tourist attractions and cutting-edge restaurants. Sites you should never miss include the 18th-century rococo Frederiksstaden district with the amazing Amalienborg Palace, the Tivoli amusement park and the Nyhavn harbor. Copenhagen is connected to Malmö in Sweden via the Öresund Bridge, but also has an international airport. With its numerous car rental companies and deals, it’s the ideal starting point for Scandinavian road trips. Auto Hire Locations: Copenhagen Airport (CPH), Downtown, Rodovre, Herlev, Dragor, Kastrup Day Tours: Kronborg Castle, Frederiksborg Palace, Malmö, Odense the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, Kalundborg and the Church of Our Lady, Nykøbing Falster, Lyngby Open-Air Museum, picturesque fishing village of Dragør, Egeskov Castle, Legoland One of the three Baltic countries in northeastern Europe, Estonia lies on the Baltic Sea coast and neighbors Latvia and Russia. Both Finland and Sweden are accessible via ferries. This prosperous nation has abundant car hire options and excellent infrastructure. It’s home to absolutely gorgeous historic cities like Tallinn, but also amazing natural destinations such as Soomaa National Park and Lahemaa National Park. International Rent a Car Companies: Avis, Sixt, Europcar, Budget, Alamo, Keddy by Europcar, AutoEurope, National Local Hire Car Agents: Nu Car Rental Top Vehicle Brands: Fiat, Hyundai, Renault, Opel, VW, Toyota, Ford, Skoda, Nissan, Mercedes Benz Most Popular Rental Vehicles: Compact, Economy, SUV The capital of Estonia, Tallinn is one of Europe’s best preserved and most beautiful medieval cities. The Old Town of Tallinn is protected from development as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s home to fabulous architecture, colorful houses, spectacular churches and great museums. Estonia is a small country and from Tallinn, you can get basically everywhere in just a couple of hours. Car Rental Locations: Tallinn Airport (TTL), Downtown, Tallinn Port, Tallinn Railway Station Top Daytrips: Parnu on the Gulf of Riga, Soomaa National Park, Narva on the Russian border, Matsalu National Park, Tartu, Tuhala and the Witch’s Well, Viljandi, Lahemaa National Park, Haapsalu the “Venice of the Baltics” Finland is one of the Nordic countries located in the far northeastern corner of Europe. Home to thousands of lakes, countless rivers and streams, huge forests and expansive tundra, it’s the least densely populated country in all of Europe. Almost a quarter of its population lives in the greater Helsinki area, the country’s capital. Finland is most known for its amazing nature, wilderness areas and epic outdoor adventure opportunities, including kayaking, fishing, camping and wildlife watching. It’s particularly popular among visitors looking to immerse themselves in (sub)arctic landscapes on a road trip. International Car Hire Agencies: Avis, Sixt, Europcar, Budget, AutoEurope, Keddy by Europcar Local Rental Car Companies: Ace Rent a Car, Green Motion Vehicle Brands: Lexus, Renault, Opel, VW, Toyota, Ford, Skoda, Seat, Mercedes Benz, Tesla Most Popular Rental Cars: Economy, Compact, Intermediate Located on the Baltic Sea coast in southern Finland, Helsinki is the country’s capital and largest metropolitan area. It’s the hub of pretty much everything in Finland, from commerce, media and culture to transportation and car rentals. While there are several great urban attractions, road trippers will want to focus on destinations like Nuuksio National Park, the phenomenal Turku Archipelago and the sand dunes of Yteri. If you have plenty of time, a drive into Lapland is unforgettable. Car Hire Locations: Helsinki Airport (HEL), Helsinki East, Helsinki Far North, Helsinki Northeast, Helsinki Northwest, Helsinki Railway Station Day Excursions: Suomenlinna the “Gibralter of the North”, Porvoo, Sipoonkorpi National Park, Nuuksio National Park, Raseborg Castle, Kotka, Tampere, Espoo, Pori, medieval town of Hämeenlinna and Häme Castle Rovaniemi is not the capital of Finland, but it is the capital of Finnish Lapland and an important center in the Sami culture. Because of its location smack-bang on the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi has one main claim to fame: it’s the “official” home of Santa Claus. The Santa Claus Village is the star attraction here. Rovaniemi is also well-known for its excellent Northern Lights viewing opportunities in winter. Rovaniemi is the gateway to Lapland and its epic wildlife viewing, fishing, camping, hiking and boating. Car Rental Points: Rovaniemi Airport (RVN), Rovaniemi Railway Station Day Trips: Inari, Ranua Zoo specializes in the wildlife of the Arctic Circle and Polar region, Levi Ice Gallery, Midnight Sun, Luosto Amethyst Mine One of the world’s most popular countries to visit, France features stunning Mediterranean beaches, ancient towns, phenomenal food and alpine adventures. Although not a particular large country, especially compared with non-European countries, France is extremely diverse. From the Palace of Versailles and Paris’ breathtaking architecture to the chateaux of the Loire Valley, the lavender fields of Provence and the World War II sites in Normandy, you could spend a lifetime exploring France. Below are our five car rental pick-up locations in France, excellent bases for road trips and cultural indulging. International Car Rental Companies: Alamo, AutoEurope, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt Local Car Rental Companies: Absolute Car Rental, Firefly Car Rental, Interrent, Goldcar France Top Rental Car Brands: Fiat, Citroen, Renault, Opel, Peugeot, Audi, BMW, Porsche, Mercedes Benz, Tesla Most Popular Vehicles: Economy, Compact Located just north of Paris in northern France, Beauvais is a charming small city home to several historic buildings. Its number one landmark is, without question, the massive Beauvais Cathedral, arguably one of the greatest examples of Gothic architecture in the world. The streets around the cathedral also have some other places of interest, including the City Hall and its historic square, several houses from the 12th to the 16th century, and the Episcopal Palace, constructed atop fortifications dating from Gallo-Roman times. Beauvais is popular stopping point on a road trip between the French capital and northern coasts. Auto Hire Locations: Paris Beauvais Airport (BVA), Beauvais Town Day Excursions: Château de Chantilly, Compiègne made popular by Napoleon I and Josephine, the Province of Somme was the site of the Battle of Crecy as well as the Battle of the Somme in World War I, Amiens gothic cathedral Bordeaux is a large port city on the banks of the Garonne River in southwestern France. It has its fair share of historic and architectural sights. Noteworthy buildings are the imposing St. André Cathedral, the majestic Place de la Bourse and the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. The huge Place des Quiconces is lined with hundreds of trees, sculptures and statues, while art museums like the Musée des Beaux-Arts delight culturists. Bordeaux is, of course, also the center of a world-famous wine region. This makes for amazing day trip possibilities. Car hire options are abundant here, allowing for fun drives through southwestern France’s rolling countryside. Auto Rental Locations: Bordeaux Merignac Airport (BOD), Merignac, Bordeaux Railway Station Day Trips: Arcachon Bay, Saint-Émilion, Périgord Noir, La Rochelle and l’Île de Ré, Lacanau and the Médoc wine region, Gironde Estuary, Biarritz, Cognac in Charente Widely regarded as the culinary capital of France, Lyon lies at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone Rivers in southern France. It’s home to countless fantastic restaurants and bustling markets, while the city also has lots of ancient Roman sites. This is a city well-worth exploring, but people looking for a scenic road trip in southern France will also find this to be a great base. Form Lyon, you can easily get to places as varied as Lake Geneva, Chamonix and the Mont Blanc, Provence, numerous beautiful nature parks, and even the Mediterranean coast. Rental Car Locations: Lyon Saint Exupery Airport (LYS), Venissieux, Vaulx En Velin, Lyon Saint Exupery Railway Station, Lyon Perrache Railway Station, Lyon Part Dieu Railway Station Day Drives: Beaujolais Wine Region, Aix-les-Bains and the Massif des Bauges, Pérouges, Lac d’Aiguebelette, Annecy known as the “Venice of the Alps” Founded by the Greeks in 600 B.C., Marseille is a major port city on the Mediterranean coast of France. At touristic heart of the Vieux-Port, Old Port in English, a wonderful waterfront area filled with fishmongers, boats and beautiful buildings. Marseille also has plenty of car rental offices where you can find the perfect rental car for you. A particularly popular destination is the Massif des Calanques National Park. Other amazing natural destinations near Marseille are Camargue Regional Nature Park and Verdon Regional Nature Park. Car Rentals Locations: Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), Downtown, Marseille Railway station, Canebiere, Rabatau, Arnavaux, Valentine, Vitrolles Day Tours: Avignon, Cassis and Les Calanques, Aix en Provence, Sault and the Lavender fields, Arles, St Remy, Nimes, Monaco, Montpellier, Beziers Situated on the Loire River in western France’s Upper Brittany region, Nantes is a historic city with a few fantastic tourist attractions. Major sights include the medieval Château des Ducs de Bretagne, once the residence of the Dukes of Brittany, and the enormous Nantes Cathedral. Book lovers will certainly relish the opportunity to visit the Jules Verne Museum, dedicated to the life and works of this world-renowned writer. Additionally, Nantes is also a gateway to the phenomenal Loire Valley and its wineries and countless châteaux. Rent a car near Nantes wherever you’re staying in Brittany and go for a long day trip to one of France’s most beautiful regions. Car Rental Locations: Nantes Atlantique International Airport (NTE), Saint Herblain, Reze, Nantes Railway Station, Orvault Day Journeys: Château d’Angers and the Loire Valley, Rennes Old City, La Rochelle, Saumur, Le Mans, Vannes Old City, Fontevraud Abbey, Château de Brissac, Guérande walled town, Loire valley vineyards Nice is one of the premier seaside resort towns on the glorious French Riviera. It dates back to Ancient Greece, but its tourism heyday really began in the 19th century when it became of favored holiday destination among Europe’s elite. Additionally, the city features an amazing seafood scene, wonderful beaches and picturesque medieval streets. Nice is also a great place for road trips along France’s Côte d’Azur, to places like Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Monaco. Car Rental Locations: Nice Airport (NCE), Nice Railway Station Day Trips: Monaco, Cannes, Toulon, St Tropez, Sainte Maxime, Antibes, Eze, Menton, Grasse, Peillon From Nice you can head along the Mediterranean Coast past Monaco, before driving inland over the Col de Turini for a spectacular mountain drive through the French Alps towards Grenoble, Lyon or Geneva. The capital of France and a major city in Europe, Paris is home to myriad cultural, architectural and historical attractions. It’s world-famous for its sensational museums, such as the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay. Renowned landmarks are too many to list, but visitors definitely shouldn’t miss the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré-Coeur Basilica in charming Montmartre, and the Arc de Triomphe at the Champs-Elysées. Paris is also a major transportation hub in western Europe with plane, bus and (high-speed) train connections to all neighboring countries and beyond. It comes as no surprise that finding a car rental near me in Paris is extremely easy. Paris is basically the gateway to northern France, easily reachable destinations including Normandy and Brittany, the Loire Valley and the Alsace region. Top Car Hire Locations: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Paris Orly Airport (ORY), Porte Maillot, Paris Nord Railway Station, Paris Lyon Railway Station, Paris Este Railway Station, La Defense, Porte de Saint Cloud, Porte D’Orleans, Montparnasee, Day Excursions: Palace of Versailles, Giverny and Monet’s Gardens, Loire Valley, Champagne Region, Chablis and North Burgundy, Chateau de Fontainebleu, Medieval City of Provins, Somme Battlefields, Rouen, Stables of Prince de Conde & Chantilly Situated near the border with Spain, Toulouse is a beautiful historic city with several cultural highlights. Additionally, pilgrims on the Santiago de Compostela route typically stop by the Basilica of St. Sernin. Because of its gorgeous terracotta brick buildings, Toulouse is nicknamed “The Pink City”. With a car rental in Toulouse, visitors can visit places like the walled city of Carcassonne, the Pyrenees Mountains, the Bordeaux wineries and the pilgrim city of Lourdes. Auto Rental Locations: Toulouse Blagnac Airport (TLS), Colomiers, Blagnac, Toulouse Railway Station, Ramonville Saint Agne Day Tours: Castres, Albi and Cordes-sur-Ciel, Najac, Cahors, Saint Giron, Moissac and the Abbaye Saint-Pierre, Montauban, Gaiilac, Bordeaux, Carcassonne UNESCO World Heritage Site A major country and economic powerhouse in Western Europe, Germany spans from the Alps to the North and Baltic Seas. It’s most famous for its food and beer culture—Oktoberfest anyone?—but also features some absolutely amazing architecture and landscapes alike. From the Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate in Berlin to Frankfurt’s modern skyscrapers, fairy tale-like Neuschwanstein Castle and the massive Cologne Cathedral, Germany has done buildings well for centuries. Nature lovers will find endless fun in places like the Black Forest, Saxon Switzerland and the Bavarian Forest. International Hire Car Companies: Alamo, AutoEurope, Avis, Budget, Dollar Rent a Car, Europcar, Hertz, Keddy by Europcar, National, Sixt Local Hire Car Companies: Buchbinder Rent a Car, Global Drive Top Car Hire Brands: Ford, Seat, Nissan, Opel, VW, Smart, Audi, BMW, Porsche, Mercedes Benz Most Popular Automobiles: Economy, Compact Dating back to the 1200s, Berlin is the capital of Germany and one of Europe’s most fascinating cities. Home to lots of parks and other green spaces, the city is known mostly because of its turbulent history in the 20th century. Major attractions are the remains of the Berlin Wall, the Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate. Berlin is also surrounded by numerous lush parks, several of which are designated biosphere reserves and make for wonderful natural getaways. With a Berlin rental car, visitors can go for road trips to gorgeous places like Leipzig, the Baltic Sea coast, historic Lübeck and nearby Potsdam. Top Rental Car Locations: Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL), Berlin Schonefield Airport (SXF), Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), Downtown Berlin, Spandau, Berlin Hauptbahnhof Railway Station, Tiergarten, Lichtenberg, Neukolin, Reinickendorf Day Trips: Potsdam and Sanssouci Palace, Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Dresden, Explore Rüdersdorf Museum Park and visit the historic towns of Köpenick and Friedrichshagen on the way, Leipzig, Spreewald, Brandenburg an der Havel, Saxon Switzerland National Park, Devil’s Bridge in Kromlauer Park near Cottbus Set on the banks of Rhine River in western Germany, Bonn is an unassuming city that features some perhaps surprising attractions. Among its greatest landmarks is the Beethoven House, a museum in the birthplace of the famous composer. Other interesting places include the beautiful Bonn Minster, the Old City Hall and the Haus der Geschichte, which houses great exhibits about post-World War II history. Visit-worthy museums in Bonn are Egyptian Museum, the Bonn Art Museum and Museum Koenig, which focuses on natural history. With a rental car, you can easily get to beautiful Schloss Drachenburg, perched atop a hill along the Rhine. Car Hire Pick Ups: Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), Downtown Bonn, Beuel, Dransdorf, Bad Godesborg, Bonn Railway Station, Nordstadt Day Excursions: Cologne Cathedral, Aachen, Drachenburg Castle, mystical Teutoberg Forest, Dusseldorf and Benrath Palace, at Essen visit the former coal mine of Zeche Zollverein XII, now a UNESCO site and museum Bremen is a major city in northwestern Germany. It lies along the Weser River and is a historically important port city. Its maritime history is abundantly visible in its numerous beautiful houses, churches and other institutional buildings. Numerous gorgeous Hanseatic buildings line the Market Square, while other landmarks include the Gothic City Hall, the St. Peter’s Cathedral and the Roland Statue, which symbolizes Bremen’s freedom of trade. Another not-to-be-missed attraction is the Böttcherstraβe, an iconic narrow brick building-lined street. Rental Car Locations: Bremen Airport (BRE), Bremen North, Bremen Railway Station, Habenhausen, Schwachhausen, Strom, Hemelingen, Schleifmuhle Day Drives: Bremerhaven, Oldenburg and the Grand Dukes, parks and gardens of Hanover, Salzgitter, Hildesheim and its historic marketplace, Osnabrück, Göttingen university town in the Leine Valley, Hamburg Although the city’s history goes back two millennia, Cologne’s attractions are more recent in nature. Straddling the Rhine River in western Germany, this is the main city in the region. There are several things to do for tourists in Cologne, but the undisputed number one highlights is the Cologne Cathedral. This massive twin-spired edifice is one of Europe’s most iconic churches. Other places of interest include the Museum Ludwig with its Picasso collection, the Cologne Chocolate Museum and the Fragrance Museum, which is housed in the birthplace of eau de Cologne in the 18th century. As major hub in the region, Cologne has a large train station and many other connections. A search for a car rental near Cologne will quickly results in numerous choices, too. Car Rental Locations: Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), Downtown Cologne, Deutz, Ossendorf, Cologne Railway Station, Bayenthal, Bilderstoeckchen, Bickendorf, Poll, Porz Day Tours: Rüdesheim am Rhein in the Rhine Gorge is known for its Reisling vineyards and the Lorelei Rock, Schwerin and Schwerin Palace, university city of Siegen in Westphalia, Bergisch Gladbach, Cochem and the fairytale Reichsburg toll castle in the Moselle Valley, former paper-making city of Düren on the Rur river, Minden with its aqueducts and canal locks A city in western Germany, Dortmund is home to wonderful Westfalen Park with its Florian Tower, the Romberg Botanical Garden and the Zeche Zollern LWL Industrial Museum commemorating the region industrial past. Dortmund is also a football-crazy city. It’s the home base of Borussia Dortmund, a major football club in Europe, who play at the huge Westfalen Stadium. Football fans will certainly also be interested in visiting German Football Museum while visiting Dortmund. Car Hire Locations: Dortmund Airport (DTM), Downtown Dortmund, Lindenhorst, Dortmund Railway Station, Aplerbeck, West, Eving, Unna, Korne Day Trips: Former mining and industrial towns of Lünen, Iserlohn and Dechen Cave, Recklinghausen, Mülheim, Herne, Oberhausen, Bochum, Hagen and Witten in the Ruhr region Dusseldorf is one of the many industrial cities in the western part of Germany. Situated just north of Cologne, it’s split in half by the Rhine River. The Old Town with its Castle Tower and St. Lambertus Chuch occupies the east bank, while the more modern commercial center lies on the west bank. The Old Town is of most interest to tourists, who can (window) shop on Schadowstrasse and Königsallee or enjoy a pint or two of German beer at the numerous pubs and beer gardens. Hire Car Locations: Dusseldorf Airport (DUS), Dusseldorf Downtown, Dusseldorf Railway Station, Benrath, Flingern, Heerdt, Unterrath, Rath, Hafen, Wersten One-Day Tours: Remscheid, Bergisch Gladbach, Ratingen, Mönchengladbach city includes the historic towns of Gladbach and Rheydt, Leverkusen, Recklinghausen, Rüdesheim am Rhein is the centre of Reisling wine region and near the Lorelei Rock on the Rhine River A major transportation and financial hub in central Germany, Frankfurt also has several beautiful historic areas as well, most notably the reconstructed Old Town with the gorgeous Römerberg, the Frankfurt Cathedral and typical half-timbered houses. With a major international airport, finding a car rental near me after arriving is super-easy. From Frankfurt, the scenically meandering Rhine and Moselle Rivers are a quick drive away. Recommended destinations include Koblenz, Heidelberg, Rothenburg and Bamberg. Rental Car Locations: Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA), Frankfurt Hahn Airport (HHN), Frankfurt Egelsbach Airport (QEF), Downtown, Ostend, Frankfurt Railway Station, Fechenheim, Gallus, Hochst, Niederrad Daydrives: Heidelberg town centre and castle, Rhine Valley, Wertheim Village, medieval town of Rothenburg, Eltz Castle, Neuschwanstein Castle, Baden-Baden and the Black Forest, Hanau the birthplace of the Brothers Grimm, Mainz, Strasbourg Even though it’s not located near any coast, Hamburg is still one of Europe’s biggest port cities. Its setting on the banks of the Elbe River connect it to the North Sea, while dozens of canals offer water access to many parts of the city. Hamburg offers easy access to both the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts. Great destinations are Lübeck, Bremen and the Wadden Sea, as well as Denmark, which is just a short drive to the north. Rental Automobile Locations: Hamburg Airport (HAM), Hammerbrook, Wandsbek, Hamburg Port, Altona, Harburg, Hamburg Railway Station, Hafencity, Bergedorf, Winterhude Day Excursions: Lübeck a UNESCO World Heritage Site, historic Lüneburg Old Town, Schwerin Schloss the “Neuschwanstein of the North”, fairy tale town of Bremen, Altes Land Historic Hanover is a central German city characterized by many beautiful old buildings. Its renovated Old Town features traditional half-timbered houses, the Old Town Hall and the striking red-brick Market Church. The New Town Hall is a huge highlight as well, as are the Herrenhausen Gardens and the huge Eilenriede Park. Because of its location in the middle of Germany, Hanover is a popular stopping point on cross-country road trips, from cities like Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt or even Munich. Auto Rental Locations: Hannover Airport (HAJ), Hannover Downtown, Hannover Railway Station, North Hanover, Laatzen, Vahrenheide, Gross Buchholz, Dohren-Wulfel Day Trips: Goslar, Celle, Hamburg, Bremen, Göttingen university town, Wolfsburg, Hamelin is the home of the “Pied Piper”, Alfeld in Lower Saxony, Braunschweig A history city in the state of Saxony in eastern Germany, Leipzig is renowned for its centuries-old architecture and historical events that took place there. One of its major landmarks is the beautiful Renaissance Old Town Hall, which houses the fascinating City History Museum. Another top attraction is the St. Thomas Church, the final resting place of Johann Sebastian Bach. The St. Nicholas Church, on the other hand, was a popular meeting point during the “Monday Demonstrations” that eventually resulted in the end of communism in 1989. Another great historic site in Leipzig is the Museum in der Runden Ecke, focused on the history of the secret police of East Germany in its former headquarters. Road trip destinations from Leipzig include Weimar, Dresden, Wörlitzer Park and Colditz Castle. Auto Hire Locations: Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ), Plagwitz, Eutritzsch, Zentrum Nord, Leipzig Railway Station, Zentrum Sudost, Neuschonefeld, Nordwest Day Drives: Jena is an old university town as well as nearby Gera is located in Thuringia, Colditz Castle, Saxon city of Zwickau, Berlin, Wolfsburg is the home of Volkswagen and the VW Beetle, Potsdam and the Sanssouci Palace, riverside city of Dresden, Dessau-Wörlitz Garden is a UNESCO World Heritage site, Brandenburg an der Havel, Saxon Switzerland National Park Situated on the banks of the Neckar and Rhine Rivers, Mannheim is an important city in southwestern Germany. If you’d like to explore the wider region, you can get a car rental in Mannheim and hit the Bertha Benz Memorial Route, which follows the route of a 1888 long-distance road trip through the Baden wine region, the very first of its kind in the world. Car Rental Agencies: Mannheim Airport (MHG), Neckarau, Mannheim Railway Station, Kafertal Day Trips: Heidelberg, Darmstadt, spa town of Baden Baden, walled town of Ladenburg, Braunfels Castle, old university town of Marburg, Stuttgart is home to the Mercedes and Porsche Museums The capital of Bavaria, Munich is easily one of Germany’s greatest cities. In addition to being renowned around the world for its annual Oktoberfest festival and its many lively beer halls, Munich is also an architectural and cultural gem. Its Old Town is home to gorgeous Marienplatz with many amazing historic buildings, including the Neues Rathaus. Munich is the main hub in southern Germany, the ideal place to pick up a car hire and explore the beautiful landscapes and towns of Bavaria. Car Hire Agencies: Munich Airport (MUC), Munich Downtown, Munich Railway Station, Neuhausen, Bogenhausen, Laim, Schwabing, Milbertshofen am Hart, Pasing Obermenzing, Ottobrunn Day Outings: Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof Palace, Herrenchiemsee, Salzburg, Regensburg, Nuremberg and Allstadt, Ingolstadt, Rothenburg, Berchtesgaden and Eagle’s Nest, Partnach Gorge Arguably one of Germany’s most beautiful old cities is Nuremberg. Situated in northern Bavaria, it’s home to an absolutely gorgeous Old Town, filled with medieval buildings, stone towers, churches and fortifications. Individual attractions are plentiful, but noteworthy ones are the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg, Albrecht Dürer’s House, the Kaiserburg Castle and the 14th-century Gothic Frauenkirche church. Another part of Nuremberg’s long history is showcased at the Documentation Center at the former Nazi Party Rally Grounds, commemorating the role the city played in the Third Reich period. Nuremberg is, in other words, a must-visit destination on a car rental road trip through Bavaria. Hire Car Agencies: Nuremberg Airport (NUE), Grossreuth bei Schweinau, Nuremberg South, Schoppershof, Nuremberg Railway Station, Beuthener Strasse One-Day Trips: Munich, Fürth and the Jewish Museum, Heidelberg has one of the oldest universities in the world, Ulm on the Danube River is the childhood home of Albert Einstein, Schorndorff, medieval town of Rothenburg, Ingolstadt Located along the Danube River in southeast Germany, Regensburg is a small charming city in Bavaria known for its well-preserved historic city center. Landmarks range from the 13th-century twin-spired Regensburg Cathedral to the 12th-century stone bridge. Day and road trip destinations from Regensburg are Passau, Munich and Nuremberg. Rental Car Agencies: Regensburg City, Regensburg Railway Station One-Day Tours: Nuremberg and Allstadt, Heidelberg, Rothenburg and the Romantic Road, Black Forest, Ingolstadt, Zugspitze and the Bavarian Alps, Dachau Concentration Camp, Amberg, Neuschwanstein Castle, Salzburg in Austria A major city in southwestern Germany, Stuttgart is most known for its manufacturing industry. Although there are several amazing parks in the city, especially Rosensteinpark, Schlossgarten and huge Wilhelmina, Stuttgart’s main claim to fame is that it’s the headquarters of both Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. Car enthusiasts will certainly want to swing by the Mercedes-Benz Museum and Porsche Museum. Other, historical highlights in Stuttgart are the Ludwigsburg Residential Palace, the beautiful bohemian Bohnenviertel district and the Old Castle. The city is also a wonderful base for scenic drives in southern Germany. With a rental car, you can easily get to amazing places like Hohenzollern Castle, Frankfurt, Lake Konstanz and Neuschwanstein Castle. Car Rental Pick Up Points: Stuttgart Airport (STR), Stuttgart Downtown, Stuttgart Railway Station, Schwabengarage, Mohringen, Wangen, Feuerbach, Bad Cannstatt, Zuffenhausen, Vaihingen One-Day Excursions: Black Forest National Park, Hohenzollern Castle, Tubingen and Heidelberg university towns, Triberg, Freiburg im Breisgau is surrounded by the Black Forest and is close to the border with Switzerland and France, Schorndorff, Neuschwanstein Castle and Lichtenstein Castle, Strasbourg in France, Lake Constance A country in the Mediterranean in southeastern Europe, Greece boasts a millennia-long history and a wealth of cultural heritage. It’s widely regarded as the birthplace of Western civilization. Greece encompasses the tip of the Balkan Peninsula as well as literally thousands of islands peppered across the Ionian and Aegean Seas. The country is famous for its ancient architecture, most notably the Acropolis in Athens and the Palace of Knossos in Crete, but also for glorious beaches, picturesque island towns and amazing weather. International Car Rental Companies: Avis, Budget, Dollar Rent a Car, Europcar, Hertz, Keddy by Europcar, Sixt Rent a Car, Thrifty Local Car Rental Companies: Firefly Car Rental, Goldcar Greece, Green Motion Greece, Surprice Car Rentals Rental Car Brands: Fiat, Skoda, Renault, Opel, VW, Peugeot, Citroen, BMW, Audi, Mercedes Benz Most Popular Vehicles: Economy, Compact More than two thousands years ago the heart of Ancient Greece, Athens is still Greece’s most important city today. It’s the seat of the Greek government as well as many other institutions. To tourist, however, the ancient part of Athens is of most interest. That’s where you can visit the iconic Acropolis, a hilltop citadel from the 5th century B.C. Home to the Parthenon, it’s one of the greatest landmarks in Greece—perhaps even in Europe. For more information about Ancient Greece, you can visit the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum. Athens is also the arrival point of many a visitor to Greece. With its numerous car rental near Athens options and abundant auto rental deals, it’s a great place to kick off a sun-soaked and culture-drenched Greek road trip. Hire Car Locations: Athens Airport (ATH), Downtown Athens, Argyroupolis, Koropi, Kifisia, Zografou, Paiania, Metamorfosi, Agia Paraskevi, Piraeus Day Trips: Delphi and the town of Arachova, Mycenae the “City of Agamemnon” and nearby Asklepios in Epidaurus, Corinth, Cape Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon, Attic Riviera also known as the “Coast of Apollo”, mountains of Meteora and the Byzantine monasteries, Monastery of Dafní, Kaisariani Monastery, Eleusis and the Eleusinian Mysteries, Temple of Artemis and the Attica countryside One of the northernmost Greek islands, Corfu lies off the far northwest coast of Greece, near the border with Albania. Both wild inland mountain ranges and coastal resorts characterize the island. Just like so many other islands in the Ionian Sea, Corfu has a long and rich history. For centuries it was under Venetian, French and British rule—it became part of Greece in the mid-19th century. Corfu Town is its main urban hub, home to two impressive Venetian forts, the amazing St. Michael and St. George Palace, and meandering alleyways dating from the Middle Ages. Elsewhere on the island, crystal-clear water, great beaches, charming villages and farmlands, and more historic sites attract visitors as well. Car Hire Locations: Corfu Airport (CFU), Corfu Port, Ethniki Lefkimis, Paleokastritsa, Kerkira, Corfu Town, Acharavi Day Trips: Corfu Old Town and St Spyridon Church, Achilleion Palace and Gardens, Mount Pantokrator scenic views, Paleokastritsa Monastery and beach, Angelokastro Castle and the Church of Archangel Michael, Vlacherna Monastery and Pontikonsi (Mouse Island), Kassiopi fishing village and castle, Canal d’Amour Beach, Old Perithia, Mirtiotissa Beach is popular with naturists Heraklion is the capital of Crete, a city steeped in history and featuring a number of world-class landmarks. Its star attraction is without doubt the Palace of Knossos, located just beyond the city’s boundaries. Thousands of years old, this large archaeological site dates from the Minoan period. It’s associated with the Greek mythological labyrinth and the Minotaur. Additionally, other Heraklion attractions include the numerous Turkish and Venetian fountains, old city walls, 16th-century Koules Fortress and the must-visit Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Heraklion is the perfect base for scenic drives around this gorgeous island. Rental Car Locations: Heraklion Airport Nikos Kazantzakis (HER), Downtown, Heraklion Port Day Trips: Bronze Age city and Palace of Knossos built by the Minoan civilization, Venetian Harbour and Koules Fort, Amoudara Beach and Almiros Gorge Rhodes is one of the most popular Greek island destinations. The largest one of the Dodecanese Islands in the Aegean Sea near Turkey, it boasts an incredible wealth of historic sites. Even though, similar to many other islands in Greece, it has no lack of beach resorts, Rhodes is also a phenomenal destination for history buffs. Numerous ancient ruins dot the island, including the remains of when the Knights of St. John occupied Rhodes during the Crusades. In the Old Town of Rhodes, you can wander the Street of the Knights, dating from the Middle Ages, and visit the Palace of the Grand Masters, while elsewhere on the island, landmarks like Ancient Kamiros, the hilltop acropolis in Lindos and a plethora of beautiful beaches await. Rental Cars Locations: Rhodes Airport (RHO), Rhodes Port, Ialysos Day Drives: Rhodes City and the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, Lindos Acropolis, Kameiros and the Temple to Athena Kameiras, Mandraki Port and the Fort of St Nicholas, Prasonisi tidal island, Tsambika Monastery and beach, Monolithos Castle and Mount Akramytis, Kalithea Hot Springs, Filerimos Monastery, Kreitinia Castle, Anthony Quinn Bay near Faliraki Set in the Aegean Sea’s Thermaic Gulf, Thessaloniki is a large Greek port city. Its history goes back more than two thousand years and encompasses Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras. Many remains from those periods dot the cityscape. Noteworthy highlights are the ruins of the 4th-century palace of Roman Emperor Galerius, the iconic White Tower of Thessaloniki and the Byzantine Hagia Sophia Church, modeled after the massive church in Istanbul. Additionally, Thessaloniki has a vibrant nightlife, shopping streets, boutiques and lively cafés, too. Access to amazing beaches is possible with a car rental. There are plenty of car rental locations around Thessaloniki city. Day trip destinations include ancient Pella, the nearby Greek wine country and Mount Olympus. Hire Cars Locations: Thessaloniki Airport (SKG), Downtown, Salonica, Kalamaria, Thessaloniki Port Day Excursions: historic district of Ladadika, Greek villages and beaches around Halkidiki, Pozar natural thermal baths, Edessa waterfalls and archaeological sites, Mount Olympus, monasteries and mountain region of Meteora, Vergina is home to the ancient city of Aigai and the final burial place of Philip II, Pella is the birthplace of Philip II and Alexander the Great Hungary is a country in south-central Europe, landlocked and surrounded by countries like the Ukraine, Romania, Croatia and Austria. As an historic crossroads nation, Hungary has been the meeting point between various cultures for centuries. There medieval castles and Ottoman-Era spa towns, Roman sites and Imperial architecture. Nature lovers, too, will enjoy a visit to Hungary. The mighty Danube River bisects the country—as well as its capital of Budapest—while Lake Balaton is home to wineries and beautiful scenery. International Car Hire Companies: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt Rent a Car Local Auto Rental Companies: Buchbinder Hungary, Megadrive Hungary Main Car Hire Brands: Ford, Mini-Cooper, Seat, Opel, VW, Citroen, Toyota, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes Benz Most Popular Hire Vehicles: Economy, Intermediate, Compact, People Carrier/Vans, Station Wagon/Estate Located on the banks of the beautiful Danube River, Budapest is home to two separate historic areas—Buda and Pest—which now form the Hungarian capital. This iconic city has numerous attractions. In the Old Town, which is easily reached via a funicular, you’ll find the Budapest History Museum. Trinity Square has Fisherman’s Bastion and the Matthias Church, while the majestic neo-gothic Parliament Building lines the Danube. Another major highlight of Budapest is the historic Széchenyi Thermal Bath complex, one of the city’s numerous thermal baths. Wonderful bike paths line the Danube, while plentiful car hire options allow for scenic drives in the countryside. Suggested destinations include Lake Balaton, the Danube River Valley and the imposing Gödöllo Palace. Rental Car Depots: Budapest Airport (BUD), Downtown, Prielle, Szentlorinci One Day Excursions: Esztergom and the Castle Hill area, Eger Old Town and Cathedral, historic town of Vác and the Danube River, Gödöllő Palace with its baroque architecture, Nagytétény Castle and the Museum of Applied Arts, Szentendre and Blagoveshchensk Church, discover how rural Hungarians live at Hollókő and nearby Skanzen open-air museum, Aggtelek National Park and the Baradla Cave The “Land of Fire and Ice”, Iceland has become an incredibly popular destination in recent years. Situated in the middle of the North Atlantic, this remote island nation boasts volcanoes, geysers, waterfalls and mountains. It’s one of the most spectacular countries on the planet. There are two main car rental pick-up locations in Iceland—at the Keflavik Airport and in its capital of Reykjavik. From there, the Golden Circle loop or the epic Ring Road beckon. International Vehicle Rental Companies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar Rent a Car, Europcar, Sixt, Thrifty Local Car Hire Companies: Faircar Hire, Green Motion, Interrent, Mex Rent a Car, Nu Car Rental, Payless Car Rental, Route 1 Car Rental, Surprice Car Rentals Major Car Rental Brands: Toyota, Hyundai, Fiat, Dacia, Skoda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Land Rover, Suzuki, Mercedes Benz Most Popular Rental Vehicles: Economy, SUV, Compact Keflavik is the only major airport in Iceland, located a short distance from Reykjavik. As expected, most major rental car companies are present here, as it’s the most convenient starting point for road trips near Reykjavik or even around the entire island. Car Rental Pickups: Keflavik Airport (KEF), Keflavik City Well-known for its impressive Hallgrimskirkja church and numerous bars and restaurants, Reykjavik is the center of basically everything in Iceland. It’s well worth exploring before heading out to the country’s famous natural attractions. The Blue Lagoon spa and Thingvellir National Park are easy day trips, but all other major highlights are within reach as well. Just make sure you’ve picked up your car rental near me. Rental Car Branches: Reykjavik Airport (RKV), Reykjavik City, Voga A, Sund, Reykjavik Harbour, Laugardalur og Haaleiti Day Drives: Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, Geysir, Icelandic village of Vik, Langjokull Glacier, Myrdalsjokull The Republic of Ireland occupies the largest portion of the island of Ireland and has famous around the globe for its many cultural icons. From shamrocks and leprechauns to Guinness, St. Patrick and Oscar Wilde, Ireland has unquestionably left a major mark on the world. As such, a visit to the Emerald Isle should be on everyone’s list. You can explore amazing cities like Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny and Cork, where abundant vehicle rental companies can help you get to prehistoric ruins, medieval castles and truly breathtaking coasts. International Rental Car Agencies: Alamo, AutoEurope, Avis, Budget, Enterprise Rent a Car, Europcar, Hertz, Keddy by Europcar, Sixt, Thrifty Local Auto Rental Companies: Carhire Ireland, Easirent Car and Van Hire Hire Car Brands: Skoda, Ford, Opel, Toyota, Nissan, Kia, Audi, Volvo, BMW, Mercedes Benz Most Popular Rental Vehicles: Economy, Compact, SUV, Medium Home to Ireland’s premier international airport, Dublin is the country’s point of arrival for the vast majority of visitors. After looking for and finding a car rental near me, they’ll get to discover the amazing cultural delights Dublin has to offer. The city has literally hundreds of lively pubs, the Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson Distillery, as well as beautiful Trinity College and excellent museums. Dublin is also the perfect base for Ireland road trips. Driving across the country (island) doesn’t take longer than a few hours and you can get to virtually every corner of it within half a day at most. Popular destinations form Dublin are Galway, Cork, the Ring of Kerry and the Wicklow Mountains. Auto Rental Depots: Dublin Airport (DUB), Dublin City, Dublin Railway Station, Swords, Drumcondra, Dun Laoghaire, Castlenock, Phibsborough Day Trips: Rock of Cashel, Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough, Malahide Castle and Gardens, Newgrange and the Hill of Tara, Kilkenny Castle and Cathedral, Waterford Crystal, Belfast in Northern Ireland, Galway Besides Dublin, Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city, also has an airport. This vibrant city is often regarded as the country’s food capital. A major highlight is the bustling 18th-century English Market, while its city center is chock-full with top-notch restaurants and pubs. Just outside of Cork, visitors can’t miss Blarney Castle, home to the renowned Blarney Stone. The coastal town of Cobh, on the other hand, is located on a small island in the harbor of Cork. It’s famous for being the very last port of call of the Titanic before it started crossing the Atlantic on its fateful journey in 1912. Additionally, Cork is the gateway to southeastern Ireland’s gorgeous peninsulas, such as Kerry and Dingle, both of which are home to fantastic scenic drives. Auto Hire Depots: Cork Airport (ORK), North Cork Day Tours: Blarney Castle, Kinsale, Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, Garnish Island, Limerick, Ballycotton Cliff Walk, Ring of Kerry, Cobh, Killarney National Park, Timoleague Town and Abbey Home to more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country in the world, Italy is heaven for foodies, history buffs, adventure travelers and beach-goers alike. Calling it one of the best travel destinations on Earth is no exaggeration. From the coasts of Cinque Terre and Amalfi to the Dolomites and phenomenal historic cities, you could spend a lifetime exploring Italy. We offer vehicle rental deals in three major locations in Italy, so if you’re in Naples, Rome or Venice, we can help you find that perfect car rental near me. International Car Rental Agencies: Alamo, AutoEurope, Avis, Budget, Enterprise Rent a Car, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt Local Rental Car Agencies: Sicily by Car, Goldcar Italy, Green Motion, Rhodium Car Rental, SurPrice Car Rental Top Car Rental Brands: Fiat, Renault, Citroen, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Opel, Seat, Jeep, Audi, Mercedes Benz Most Popular Rental Cars: Economy, Compact A historic port city located just above the heel of Italy’s boot, Bari is chock-full with amazing architecture. Barivecchia, the city’s intricate Old Town, lies on a hill between two different harbors. This is where you’ll find the Svevo Castle, which was constructed by a Norman king, and the Bari Cathedral, both dating from the 12th century. Other tourist attractions in Bari include Basilica San Nicola, the 19th-century buildings in the Murat Quarter, and Piazza del Ferrarese. Additionally, Bari is well-connected by ferry to other popular Adriatic Sea destinations like Croatia and Greece. Pick up a car hire from Bari and explore this less-visited corner of Italy. Rental Car Locations: Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport (BRI), Bari Railway Station Day Trips: Altamura is full of interesting sights and historical interest, Egnazia dates back to the Bronze Age and the Messapii people, Alta Murgia National Park in the Apulia region Just to the northeast of Milan lies Bergamo, a town with lots of history and cultural heritage. Its Citta Alta, the older part of town, has cobblestone streets and Venetian walls and is home to the Bergamo Cathedral. Elsewhere in Bergamo, you can visit the Accademia Carrara art gallery, the magnificent Campanone Torre Civica bell tower, and the medieval Viscontea Fortress. From the latter fortress, amazing views take in the Milan skyline in one direction and the Alps in the other. After finding a car rental near me, you can also easily reach the surrounding hills, home to ski resorts and hiking trails. Car Rental Locations: Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY), Bergamo City Day Drives: Lake Iseo and Monte Isola, Lake Garda, San Pellegrino spa and thermal baths, hike the scenic Via del Latte (the way of Milk) in the Valle Seriano, Leonardo da Vinci Eco-Museum at Adda, Parma home of Prosciutto Ham, Verona, Alessandria in Piedmont region, Brescia, Como and its famous lake The capital of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna is a vibrant city filled with myriad historic buildings, beautiful piazzas and a phenomenal food scene. In terms of architectural landmarks, the Piazza Maggiore with its numerous cafés and colonnades is a premier attraction. This is where you’ll find iconic structures like the Fountain of Neptune, the Bologna City Hall and the Basilica di San Petronio. Several medieval towers dot the city as well, including the famous Two Towers. Bologna is also one of Italy’s several culinary hotspots. It’s known best for its ragu alla bolognese, a dense meat and tomato sauce that’s popular around the world. The city’s many bustling markets are definitely worth visiting, too. Thanks to its strategic location, Bologna is a fantastic base for Italy road trips. From here, travelers can easily get to other cities like Milan, Florence, Venice, Ravenna and Parma. Car Hire Locations: Bologna Airport (BLQ), Funo, Bologna Railway Station Day Tours: Milan, see the Grand Canal and Piazza San Marco in Venice, Parma has a rich art and architectural heritage, Vicenza and the Palladian villas, Ravenna and the Mosaic Basilica, Florence is home of the Italian Renaissance, Verona was the setting for William Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet”, Modena has a rich mixture of Medieval and Renaissance architecture, Faenza is home to majolica-glaze pottery (faience), the tiny country of San Marino is the 5th smallest in the world Brindisi is located on the Adriatic Sea coast on the heel of Italy’s boot. This ancient city used to be the terminus of the Roman Appian Way, which provided a direct connection with Rome. Road trippers can retrace the course of this ancient transportation route, a quintessential drive across the heart of Italy. The Roman Columns atop Virgil’s Staircase where the official endpoint of that route, while also providing a landmark for sailors. Other Roman ruins can be explored at the San Pietro degli Schiavoni Archaeological Area. For even more ancient history, you can visit the Provincial Archaeological Museum Francesco Ribezzo. In addition to Roman sites, Brindisi is also home to a few other striking landmarks. Most notable among them are the Aragonese Castle and the Schwabian Castle of Brindisi, the Brindisi Cathedral and the Granafei Nervegna Palace. Hire Car Locations: Brindisi Papola Casale Airport (BDS) Day Trips: Lecce is known as the “Florence of the East”, historic old town centre of Mesagne, beautiful coastal town of Bari, Barletta and the huge Norman castle of Castello Svevo, Gargano National Park for hiking on the Eastern Adriatic Coast The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence, the capital of breathtaking Tuscany, is one of the world’s premier cultural centers. It’s home to more iconic buildings, museums and other sites to name. However, there are a few that simply must be mentioned. First, the Florence Cathedral is one of Italy’s greatest buildings, designed by Brunelleschi. The building-lined Ponte Vecchio is another major attraction, while the central Piazza del Signoria is home to the striking Palazzo Vecchio, the old town hall. In terms of world-class art, Florence is basically unparalleled. Its many phenomenal museums include the Galleria dell’ Accademia (Michelangelo’s “David”) and the Uffizi Gallery (da Vinci’s “Annunciation” and Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus”). Additionally, Florence, as the urban hub in Tuscany and home to a plethora of car rental near me choices, is the perfect place for further Tuscan exploration. Rental Car Offices: Florence Airport (FLR), Downtown, Sansovino, Florence Railway Station, Novoli Day Drives: explore the Chianti wine region, San Gimignano and Siena, beautiful hilltop towns of Cortona and Montepulciano, Cinque Terre, Portovenere on the Ligurian Coast, vineyards and medieval village of Montalcino, Pienza and San Biaggio, Leaning Tower of Piza, Tuscan city of Lugga and the Guinigi Tower, Greve Lamezia is a small town in the hills of the tip of Italy’s boot. It’s a great stop on a road trip around southern Italy, home to a number of interesting landmarks. Its Nicastro Cathedral is a beautiful edifice, while museums like the Diocesan Museum and Lametino Archaeological Museum offers an insight into the area’s history. Another fun attraction, just outside of Lamezia, are the ancient ruins of a former Norman Castle. Car Rental Offices: Lamezia Terme Airport (SUF), Lamezia Town Day Tours: Catanzaro Biodeversity Park and the Cascata Campanaro, Reggio Calabria, visit the ghost town of Pentedattilo and climb the Roca di Pentedattilo, hike in Aspromonte National Park and climb Mont’Alto in the Apuan Alps, Messina in Sicily A major metropolis in northern Italy, Milan is one of the country’s leading cities. It’s Italy’s financial hub, as well as a world-renowned center of design and fashion. Milan definitely has no lack of high-end boutiques and restaurants. This is also a very old city boasting many centuries of culture and art. The most famous building in Milan is, unquestionably, the Gothic Duomo di Milano, a truly massive cathedral. This is where you can admire da Vinci’ “The Last Supper”. More art can be enjoyed at the Pinacoteca di Brera Gallery, which houses paintings by famous Italian artists like Caravaggio and Titian. For luxury shopping, there’s no better place than the 19th-century glass-ceiling Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II arcade. As an important urban center in northern Italy, Milan also has myriad auto rental offices and locations—ideal for road trips around this beautiful part of the country. Car Hire Offices: Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), Milan Linate Airport (LIN), Downtown, Segrate, Navigli, Porta Garibaldi, Porta Romana, Corso Buenos Aires, Milan Central Railway Station, Assago Day Trips: Lake Como and the historic centre of Como City, Bergamo old town and St Maria Maggiore Cathedral, Franciacorte wine region, Lugano in Switzerland and/or Bellagio on Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands, Verona of “Romeo and Juliet” fame and the Roman amphitheatre, Genoa and Portofino, Maranello the home of Ferrari, Turin was Italy’s first capital Dating back to the 2nd millennium B.C., Naples is one of the oldest cities in Europe, boasting dozens of centuries of architecture and history. Set in the wonderful Bay of Naples and backed by iconic Mount Vesuvius, this is one of Italy’s absolute top destinations. Many visitors also seize the opportunity to rent a car in Naples and go for the magnificent drive to Sorrento and along the Amalfi Coast Drive to Salerno. Other popular day trips are Pompeii and Capri. Hire Car Offices: Naples Airport (NAP), Capodichino, Naples Central Railway Station, Afragola, Naples Port, Santa Lucia, Vomero, Mergellina, Agnano, Qualiano Day Drives: Pompeii UNESCO World Heritage Site and Mount Vesuvius, Sorrento on the Bay of Naples, picturesque Positano on the magnificent Amalfi Coast, Herculaneum UNESCO World Heritage Site, ancient Greek city of Paestum, Royal Palace of Caserta, archaeological sites and amphitheatre at Pozzuoli, Phlegrean Fields, Cilento National Park Situated in beautiful Tuscany, Pisa is a city best known for its iconic Leaning Tower. Dating from the 14th-century, this wonderful building already tilted upon its completion. While it could be considered an architectural failure, it’s still one of the world’s most famous buildings. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is actually simply the bell tower of the neighboring Pisa Cathedral, a massive church with marbled façade. The nearby Pisa Baptistery also belongs to this religious complex at Piazza dei Miracoli. Besides this famous square, Pisa also has some wonderfully colored houses along the banks of the Arno River. Its many local restaurants serve up traditional Tuscan fare, while the students of the renowned and historic University of Pisa ensure an always-vibrant nightlife. Pisa is a major city in Tuscany, a mandatory stop on road trips to or from Florence or Rome. Car Rental Pickups: Pisa Airport (PSA), Pisa Downtown Day Excursions: Florence and Michelangelo’s Statue of David, Lucca the “City of 100 Churches”, canals and seafood of Livorno, medieval city of San Gimignano, Siena and the Piazza del Campo, Montepulciano and Chianti wine regions in Tuscany, villages of Cinque Terre, La Spezia, Genoa, Piombino on the Etruscan Coast Located at the very tip of Italy’s boot, Reggio Calabria is a small coastal city blessed with a fantastic climate and a few typically Italian attractions. You can visit the National Archaeological Museum and see the Riace Bronzes, which are a couple of ancient Greek statues. Another museum, the Bergamot Museum, showcases the equipment that’s used by locals to get the oil out of the bergamot citrus fruit. Nature lovers will thoroughly enjoy a visit to nearby Aspromonte National Park, home to pine and beech forests and lots of wildlife. Car Hire Pickups: Reggio Calabria Airport (REG), Reggio Calabria City Day Trips: Catanzaro and the Biodiversity Park, Catania and Mount Etna, picturesque port city of Messina in Sicily Italy’s capital, Rome is often the point of arrival in Italy for many visitors. From its major international airport, you can easily get to the city center or find a car rental near me and immediately head out to another epic destination. It’d be a pity to skip Rome, though! This is a city chock-full with amazing landmarks, from the Colosseum and the Roman Forum to the Vatican Museums and the iconic Trevi Fountain. Just to name a few. Rome’s central location does, however, also make it the perfect starting point for Italian road trips. Everything from Venice and Milan to Naples and Florence is easily accessible from centrally located Rome. Auto Rental Locations: Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport (FCO), Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA), Downtown, Vatican, Tiburtino, Trieste, EUR, Gianicolense, Rome Termini Railway Station, Appio Latino Day Drives: Vatican City, Hadrian’s Villa and Villa Este at Tivoli, Naples, Assisi and Orvieto in Umbria, Sermoneta and the Gardens of Ninfa, Siena, Castel Gandolfo, Montecassino Abbey, picturesque Val d’Orcia wine region in Tuscany Alghero is a history town on the northwest coast of Sardinia. Surrounded by ancient fortified walls, it’s famous for its charming old town center. Visitors will enjoy strolling on cobbled streets, visiting historic buildings like the Cathedral of St. Mary, Palazzo Guillot and the 14th-century San Francesco Church. A few different history museums offers an insight in the rich history of the town and region. Additionally, the coast features plenty of amazing beaches, such as Spiaggia di Maria Pia and Lido di Alghero, accessible with a rental car . Auto Hire Offices: Alghero Airport (AHO) Day Excursions: historic buildings and monuments in Sassari, Porto Ferro Beach, Asinara National Park, Basilica di Saccargia, Lampianu beach and coast, drive to Nuoro and see the murals of Orgosolo and masks of Mamoiada, Phoenician and Roman archaeological ruins at Nora, Sant’Antioco and the pre-Roman Catacombs and Basilica, archaeological artefacts & sites at Olbia and Arzachena, Capo Caccia coast, abandoned town of Argentiera The capital of Sardinia, Cagliari is a sun-soaked city filled with beautiful architecture and a great culinary scene. Arguably its main tourist attraction is the Castello, a medieval hilltop district with fortified walls that overlooks the rest of the city. Other highlights include the 13th-century Cagliari Cathedral, the National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari and the Bastione Saint Remy. Sun-seekers will also find plenty of beaches to hang out on, while nature enthusiasts can spot various birds at the Molentargius-Saline Regional Park. Since Cagliari is the main city in Sardinia, it’s the best place to find a car rental near me. Auto Rental Offices: Cagliari Airport (CAG), Cagliari Railway Station Day Tours: discover the cheese, wine and food of the Sardinian villages, Villasimius and the beaches of the Capo Carbonara Marine Park, drive to Nuoro and see the murals of Orgosolo and masks of Mamoiada, Phoenician and Roman archaeological ruins at Nora, Sant’ Antioco and the pre-Roman Catacombs and Nuragic sites, hike one of the walking trails at Monte Arcosu natural heritage reserve run by the World Wildlife Fund A fantastic destination for both culture and sunshine, Olbia lies on the northeast coast of Sardinia. Its pleasant squares, such as the Piazza Matteotti, are home to cozy cafés and excellent eateries, while a number of ancient archaeological sites dot the surrounding countryside. Noteworthy sites are the Holy Well of Sa Testa, the Walled Roman Farm of S’Imbalconadu and medieval Pedres Castle. Olbia also boasts some amazing beaches and palm tree-lined waterfronts. Visitors can partake in everything from snorkeling, swimming and scuba diving to windsurfing, sailing and casual sunbathing. Car Rental Locations: Olbia Airport (OLB) Day Drives: Costa Smeralda coast, Palau and Maddalena Archipelago National Park, Alghero, Bosa old town on the Temo River, Stintino and Asinara national Park, small coastal town of Santa Teresa Gallura, San Teodoro and the Cala Ghjlgolu marine reserve, beaches and medieval stone village of Budoni Set on the eastern coast of Sicily, Catania is a historic port town in the Mediterranean. It has a wonderful central square, the Piazza del Duomo, which as its name suggests is home to the Catania Cathedral. Other points of interest on this charming urban space is the Fontana dell’ Elefante and the bustling La Pescheria fish market, featuring numerous seafood eateries. Additionally, Catania is also at the foot Mount Etna, an active volcano dominating the Sicilian landscape that’s popular for hiking. Rental Car Locations: Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), Catania Port Day Excursions: active volcano of Mount Etna, village of Aci Costello and its Norman coastal castle built in 1076, Palermo, Castelmola and Taormina, small baroque cities of Modica and Ragusa, ancient Greek towns of Syracuse and Noto, Alcantara Valley, Valley of the Temples UNESCO World Heritage Site The capital of Sicily, Palermo is an ancient city home to many amazing architectural attractions. Grand architecture includes, but is not limited to, the imposing Norman Palace, the Palermo Cathedral, and the Teattro Massimo. Palermo is also a busy market city—don’t miss the Vucciria market near the harbor and the Ballaro street market. Home to an airport and ferry port, Palermo is the gateway to the rest of Sicily. After arriving, you can easily find a car rental near Palermo and head out for an unforgettable road trip. Hire Car Locations: Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO), Downtown, Cinisi, Palermo Railway Station Day Trips: white sand beaches of Mondello, Monreale on the slopes of Monte Caputo, old town of Cefalu on the Mediterranean Coast, Piazza Armerina and the ancient Roman mosaics, Mafia history of Corleone, Salt Flats of Trapani and the Egadi Islands, hill-top town of Erice with spectacular views and medieval fortresses, Temples of Segesta, Marsala is renowned for Marsla wine and spectacular views of the salt flats, Agrigento and the Valley of Temples Treviso lies in northeast Italy, just north of Venice. Just like its much more famous neighbour, this city also boasts a network of beautiful canals. The Palazzo dei Trecento dominates the central Piazza dei Signori, while the striking Treviso Cathedral houses a Titian painting and a Romanesque crypt. Venice makes for a great day trip with a car rental from Treviso, if you want to avoid staying with the crowds in Venice. Car Hire Locations: Treviso Airport (TSF), Treviso City Day Drives: Venice and the Rialto Bridge, Padua is one of Italy’s oldest cities and where Galileo was educated, romantic Verona was the setting for Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet”, Vicenza and the Teatro Olimpico designed by Andrea Palladio, the Dolomites National Park, Venetian Villas at Padova and Asolo, Udine and Trieste near to the border with Slovenia The capital of the Piedmont region in northwestern Italy, Turin distinguishes itself through its fantastic culinary scene and stylish architecture. Historic cafés and elegant Baroque structures line and surround impressive squares like Piazza San Carlo and Piazza Castello, as well as the city’s avenues. Another prominent landmark in Turin is Mole Antonelliana, an old tower that now houses the National Cinema Museum. The Egyptian Museum, on the other hand, exhibits all things Ancient Egypt, from ancient papyrus scripts to sphinxes and mummies. At the St. John Cathedral, you might get lucky and get to see famous Shroud of Turin, said to be the burial shroud of Jesus himself (although it’s displayed irregularly). From Turin, road trip destinations include the vineyards of Piedmont and Gran Paradiso National Park. Auto Rental Locations: Turin Airport (TRN), Downtown, Turin Porta Nuova Railway Station, Turin Porta Susa Railway Station, Ovest, Reiss Romoli, Lingotto Day Tours: Allessandria, Milan and the gothic Duomo, Genoa on the Ligurian Sea, Parma has a long history with fascinating museums, Gran Paradiso was Italy’s first National Park, Monza and the Formula One Race Track, Lake Como and the old town of Como, Fenis Castle in the Aosta Valley, wine region of Piedmont When it comes to sheer architectural beauty, few cities on this planet can match Venice. This is truly one of the most spectacular places in the world. Home to countless canals, a maze of alleyways and impressive churches and palaces, Venice is a place you simply must visit once in your life. And lots of people do, in fact. Venice can get so busy that you’ll simply want to get out. If that’s the case, go for day trips to other islands in the Venetian Lagoon, such as Murano or Burano. Alternatively, find a car rental near me and spend a couple of days exploring northeastern Italy or even nearby Slovenia. Auto Hire Locations: Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), Mestre, Santa Croc Day Drives: Lake Garda, Verona is the setting for Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet”, Padua, Prosecco wine growing region, historical town of Vicenza, Amarone and Recioto in the Valpolicella Valley wine region, San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dolomites, world famous mosaics in Ravenna, the Venetian villas of Padova and Asolo, Trieste The Great Dolomite Road is one of the most scenic driving roads in Europe. From Venice pick up your auto hire car and follow the Great Dolomite mountain road from Cortina d’Ampezzo to Bolzano, before driving on to Verona, Brescia or Milan. Situated in the Veneto region of northern Italy, Verona’s history goes back to Roman times, which is visible in its large Roman amphitheater dating from the 1st century. It’s still in use as an opera and concert venue today. Other historic buildings include the San Zeno Basilica, the Verona Cathedral, the Museo di Castelvecchio, and the Roman-era Ponte Pietra. Bustling squares are prevalent, too, especially Osteria Sottocosta and Piazza delle Erbe. That all being said, Verona is arguably most famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”. A major highlight is a 14th-century house with a small balcony that’s claimed to have been the house of Juliet. Easily reachable after picking up your car rental nearby, Verona lies close to gorgeous Lake Garda. Car Rental Depots: Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN), Verona Railway Station Day Tours: Venice canals and islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello, see the Synagogue and stroll through the old ghetto in Padua, Valpolicella Valley and Prossecco wine regions, Vicenza and the view from Santuario di Monte Berico, Dolomites National Park, Byzantine and Roman architecture in Ravenna, Venetian Villas in Asolo and Padova Situated between Estonia and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea, Latvia may be a tiny nation, but it does pack a punch. It’s incredibly varied. Especially its landscapes are stunning, ranging from wide sandy beaches to huge pristine forests. In terms of cultural attractions, too, Latvia is a wonderful place to visit. Its capital of Riga has a gorgeous Old Town, while several centuries-old castles and fortresses dot the rest of the country. International Rental Vehicle Companies: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Keddy by Europcar, Sixt Rent a Car Local Car Hire Agencies: Ace Rent a Car, Green Motion Latvia, Nu Car Rental, Surprice Car Rentals Leading Car Rental Brands: Toyota, Ford, Pugeot, Mazda, VW, Skoda, Nissan, BMW, Audi, Mercedes Benz Most Popular Hire Cars: Economy, Compact, Premium/Luxury, Medium Riga is the capital of Latvia, a center of culture in the Baltics and home to several great museums, concert venues and other attractions. The main tourist area in Riga is without question its Old Town, which dates back to the Middle Ages. This pedestrianized historic core is home to stunningly colorful houses, restaurants and shops, and bustling Livu Square. Riga’s location at the mouth of the Daugava River on the Baltic Sea coast also makes this a great destination for summer beach vacations. Outdoor activities include wakeboarding, swimming and boating. Additionally, all major Estonian tourist attractions are easily reached from Riga with a car rental. Rental Car Locations: Riga Airport (RIX), Riga Ferry Terminal, Riga Bus Station, Riga Railway Station, Jugla Day Trips: Rundāle Palace at Pilsrundāle is known as the “Versailles of the Baltic”, Kemeri National Park, Sigulda, Cēsis town and castle in Gauja National Park, Salaspils Concentration Camp and the Rumbula Forest Massacre Memorial, Liepāja The southernmost of the three Baltic countries, Lithuania borders Latvia, Poland and Belarus. Just like its Baltic counterparts, it boasts amazing historic towns and architecture and a surprising natural diversity for its size. The Baltic Sea coast has beautiful beaches and sand dune ecosystems, while inland you’ll find shimmering lakes and dense forests. Its capital is Vilnius, famous for the breathtaking architecture in its Old Town. International Car Hire Companies: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Keddy by Europcar, Sixt Rent a Car Local Car Hire Companies: Ace Rent a Car, Green Motion Lithuania, Surprice Car Rentals Top Rental Car Brands: Peugeot, Toyota, Renault, Opel, VW, Skoda, Nissan, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes Benz Most Popular Rental Vehicles: Compact, Economy, SUV, Station Wagon/Estate Lithuania’s capital is blessed with a truly gorgeous medieval Old Town. Best known for its baroque architecture, it is also home to buildings of different architectural styles, from neoclassical to gothic. Charming cobbled streets connect these historic highlights. The Vilnius Old Town is also the location of the marvelous Vilnius Castle Complex, encompassing buildings dating from the 10th to the 18th centuries. Beyond Old Town Vilnius, the modern part of the city has skyscrapers and the iconic Vilnius TV Tower with its observation deck. This city is also the natural starting point for excursions to other destinations in Lithuania. You won’t have any issues finding a car rental near me. There are numerous car rental options. Car Hire Locations: Vilnius Airport (VNO), Oldtown, Vilnius Railway Station, Vilnius Bus Station, Vilkpede, Day Drives: Kaunas medieval old town, Trakai Island Castle and the Karaite culture, Rumsikes Open Air Museum of Lithuania, Ninth Fort near Kaunas, scenic Panamune Road and Castles, Grūtas Park with Soviet era statues of Joseph Stalin and Vladimir Lenin, Hill of Crosses pilgrimage site near Siauliai, Lithuanian Museum of Ancient Beekeeping in Stripeikiai Village, Kernave Archaeological Site The northernmost country in Europe, Norway is absolutely spectacular. From ultra-modern design and architecture to sensational landscapes, it has everything and more to make it a great road trip destination. Its capital of Oslo is the country’s main hub of commerce, media, politics and economics and the place where most visitors arrive. Most tourists choose a car rental near me in Oslo and then head out to Norway’s breathtaking coastal landscapes, fjords, islands, valleys and mountains. International Car Rental Companies: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Keddy by Europcar, Sixt Rent a Car, Thrifty Hire Car Brands: Citroen, Toyota, Peugeot, Opel, VW, Ford, Skoda, BMW, Tesla, Mercedes Benz Most Popular Car Rentals: Compact, Economy, Station Wagon/Estate Bergen is a major city on the southwestern Norwegian coast. Norway’s second-largest city, it lies on half a dozen hills and in half a dozen valleys, characterized by inlets and generally meandering shores. Its historic Bryggen waterfront is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the Fløibanen Funicular brings people to epic views and hiking trails. Bergen is a popular stopping point on road trips and cruises alike. With no lack of options for a car rental near me, it’s the gateway to the majestic fjords of western Norway, including the famous Geirangerfjord and Sognefjord, the latter of which is the longest and deepest in the country. Auto Rental Locations: Bergen Airport (BGO), Asane Day Trips: Jondal, Lysøen Island, Fantoft Stave Church in Fortun, Scenic Hardangerfjord, Sundal, Sognefjord, Ulvik, Skudeneshavn, scenic drive to Flam, Undredal Not to be confused with another Norwegian city called Kristiansand, Kristiansund lies on the country’s west coast in between Molde and Trondheim. It’s the main city in the Nordmøre region, which is characterized by jaw-dropping coasts, cliffs, mountains and valleys. Kristiansund lies at the far end of the iconic Atlantic Road, one of the world’s most spectacular drives. The chance to island hop with a car is exactly why you should get a car rental near me when visiting western Norway. Car Rental Locations: Kristiansund Airport (KSU) Day Drives: Atlantic Road to Molde, fishing village of Grip The Atlantic Ocean Road between Vevang and Utheim makes up for its short length, with the spectacular scenery of the North Sea and Norwegian coast as it connects the Island of Averøy with a series of 8 bridges over a series of islets. With National Tourist Route status, it is the highlight of the road between Kristiansund and Molde. Nicknamed the “Town of Roses”, Molde is a small city on the sensational coast of western Norway. It boasts pretty historic houses and general breathtaking scenery—a popular stop on road trip along Norway’s west coast. Molde lies near the phenomenal Atlantic Road, which runs across several tiny islands and bridges just off of the mainland. Car Rental Locations: Molde Airport (MOL) Day Tours: Atlantic Road to Ålesund, Romsdal Mountains, Veoya Island, Hjertoya Island Nature Trail For spectacular mountain views and sharp hair-pin bends, the Trollstigen Mountain Road to the UNESCO listed Geiranger Fjord has some of the most dramatic views in Norway. This scenic drive can easily be done on the drive between Molde and either Bergen or Oslo. Set at the head of the Oslofjord in southern Norway, the country’s capital combines wonderful green spaces and excellent museums. Top attractions include the Norwegian Maritime Museum and the open-air Norwegian Folk Museum. Arguably Oslo’s greatest museum, however, is the Viking Ship Museum, housing 9th-century Viking ships. As the capital, Oslo is one of the best places to begin a road trip around southern Norway. Destinations include Bergen, Stavanger, Jotunheimen National Park and basically the entire fjord-lined south coast. Car Hire Locations: Oslo Airport (OSL), Downtown, Manglerud, Alnabru, Grorud, Oslo Railway Station, Ullern, Bjerke Day Excursions: Bygdoy Peninsula and the Norwegian Folk Museum, Ekeberg and the Petroglyphs, Lillehammer, Faerder National Park near Vestfold, Drøbak Christmas Town A city in Norway’s southwestern corner, Stavanger features the 12th-century Stavanger Cathedral, the Norwegian Petroleum Museum and a beautiful Old Town filled with white wooden houses. As pleasant a destination as Stavanger is, it’s main attraction lies to the east. That’s where you’ll find the world-famous Preikestolen, Pulpit Rock in English, easily reachable by rental car and a memorable place to visit. The Lysefjord below is a popular natural attraction, too. Car Rental Depots: Stavanger Airport (SVG) Top Day Trips: Lysefjord, Rennesøyhodnet hike, Utstein Monastery, Fjøløy Fort and Lighthouse near Utstein One of the most spectacular mountain roads in the world is the Lyseboten Road or Lysevegen Mountain Road. This can be done as a day trip from Stavanger, or as part of a longer drive through to Bergen. One of the world’s northernmost towns, Tromsø lies well above the Arctic Circle. Its’s a major cultural center in this remote corner of Europe. The city’s historic heart lies on the island of Tromsø and is home to wooden houses that are hundreds of years old. Other places of interest are the Arctic Cathedral, the Polar Museum and the Fjellheisen Cable Car. As such an important hub, the city offers plenty of car rental near me options. In winter, there are endless opportunities to see the Northern Lights, while summer brings 24-hour sunlight and epic hiking, cycling and kayaking fun. Rental Car Depots: Tromso Airport (TOS) Day Outings: Northern Lights, Reindeer Farm, Husky Sledding Trondheim lies on the shores of the Trondheim Fjord on the central Norwegian coast. A history-filled city dating back to the 11th century, its star attraction is the massive Nidaros Cathedral, one of Norway’s most important religious buildings. Other highlights include the Kristiansten Fortress and the beautifully colored houses visible from the Old Town Bridge. Trondheim also lies pretty close to the epic Atlantic Road and is the gateway to the beautiful yet less-visited central Norwegian coast. Hire Car Depots: Trondheim Airport (TRD), Heimdal Day Journeys: Røros, Levanger and Stiklestad, village of Hell, Oppdal ski resort Home to some truly gorgeous old cities, Poland is an Eastern European country on the Baltic Sea, a historic crossroads of Western and Eastern Europe. Visitors will be impressed by the architecture in Warsaw, Gdansk and, particularly, Krakow, while there are several World Way II-related sites as well. Not-to-be-missed places include the Warsaw Uprising Museum and the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. Nature lovers, too, will find Poland to be a fantastic destination. In addition to the Baltic Sea coast, there’s amazing hiking in the rugged Tatra Mountains and beautiful scenery in Bialowieza National Park, home to some of Europe’s last remaining primeval forest and European bison. International Rental Car Companies: Alamo, AutoEurope, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Keddy by Europcar, National, Sixt Rent a Car Local Hire Car Companies: SurPrice Car Rentals Rental Car Brands: Fiat, Toyota, Renault, Opel, VW, Nissan, Seat, Lexus, Mercedes Benz Most Popular Rental Vehicles: Economy, Compact, Station Wagon/Estate, SUV Situated in the province of Silesia in south-central Poland, Katowice has several interesting points of interest for tourists. From the super-modern Silesian Museum and Silesia Park to the Upper Silesian Ethnographic Park, the Museum of Katowice History and the Silesian Insurgents’ Monument, you’ll find enough to see and do here to fill a day or two. Popular road trip destinations from Katowice are Krakow, Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Tatra Mountains. Rental Car Locations: Katowice Airport (KTW), Katowice City, Katowice Railway Station Day Trips: Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp and Museum, Wadowice the birthplace of Pope John Paul II, Czestochowa and the Black Madonna painting, Ojcówski National Park, Eagles’ Nest Castles, Babia Gora National Park, Wroclaw One of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, Krakow attracts visitors with its phenomenal architecture and historic sites. Its Old Town features fortified city walls and is home to the gorgeous Market Square. Outside of the historic core, Wawel Castle and Wawel Cathedral dominate the cityscape, while the Jewish history of Krakow is visible at Oskar Schindler’s Factory and Kazimierz, the former Jewish district. Additionally, Krakow has many vehicle rental options, which make day trips to nearby places like Auschwitz-Birkenau or the Wieliczka Salt Mine very convenient. The majestic Tatra Mountains are easily accessible, too. Car Rental Locations: Krakow Airport (KRK), Krakow Main Railway Station Day Tours: Wieliczka Salt Mine, Zakopane Town and the Tatra Mountain National Park, Wadowice birthplace of Pope John Paul II, Dunajec River Gorge, Ojcówski National Park, Eagles’ Nest Castles, Calvary Sanctuary in Kalwaria – Zebrzydowska, Babia Gora National Park, Wooden Architecture Route in Malopolska, Morski Oko A huge city in the heart of Poland, Warsaw is the nation’s capital. It boasts a wide range of architectural styles in various different districts, reflecting the city’s long and turbulent history. From the medieval Barbican wall fragments to neoclassical palaces to Soviet-Era apartment buildings to ultra-modern skyscrapers, Warsaw is as fascinating a city as any in Europe. Its central location in Poland and international airport make Warsaw arguably the best place to start a journey around the country. All major destinations lie within easy driving distance. With a car rental, you can visit Krakow, Gdansk, Katowice and the primeval Bialowieza Forest. Car Hire Locations: Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW), Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI) Day Drives: Żelazowa Wola, Bolimów Landscape Park, Mazovia, Poznan, Torun UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kazimierz Dolny, Lodz, Wilanow Palace known as the “Little Versailles”, Lublin and Majdanek, Zamoyski Palace in Kozlowka Together with Spain, Portugal makes up the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. A historical seafaring nation, about half of a its coastline is along the Atlantic Ocean. The ocean plays an important role in its culture, from its major port cities to its amazing fish and seafood dishes. This coastal setting combined with relative affordability has also made Portugal a popular beach destination. Especially the beaches of the Algarve are famous for their beauty. Other tourist destinations include Lisbon, Faro and Porto, as well as the vineyards along the Douro River. The stunning Azores Islands are famous for their flowers, fruits and fishing villages, while verdant Madeira has wineries, epic hiking and botanical gardens. International Car Hire Companies: Alamo, AutoEurope, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Keddy by Europcar, National, Sixt Rent a Car, Thrifty Local Rental Car Agencies: Goldcar, Guerin Car Rental Solutions, Interrent, Rhodium Car Rental, Surprice Car Rentals Top Car Hire Brands: Fiat, Hyundai, Renault, Opel, VW, Smart, Mazda, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes Benz Most Popular Car Rentals: Economy, Compact The southernmost city in Portugal, Faro is the capital of the glorious Algarve region. The city itself has a few fascinating landmarks, such as the 13th-century Faro Cathedral, a gate that used to be part of a Moorish wall, and the Municipal Museum housed in a 16th-century convent. Nature lovers will certainly want to visit the nearby Rio Formosa Nature Park, an area comprised of lagoons, floodplains and mudflats. A bunch of amazing beaches lie in the vicinity, too, attracting large numbers of summer sun-seekers. Auto Rental Locations: Faro Airport (YYX), Montenegro Day Trips: Milreu Roman Remains and the Palácio de Estói, Ria Formosa, Loule medieval town and market, Beach and Flamingos at Praia da Quinta do Lago, Tavira is known as the “prettiest town in the Algarve”, Lagos beach and Silves in Western Algarve, Seville Situated on the central Atlantic coast, Lisbon is Portugal’s capital. It’s compact and hilly historic city center is absolutely wonderful, characterized by cobblestone streets, historic-looking trams, funiculars and generally lots of beautiful architecture. Of course, there are lots of auto rental choices, too. From Lisbon, you can go for scenic coastal drives to places like the Algarve and Porto. Auto Hire Locations: Lisbon Airport (LIS), Downtown, Hotel Tivoli, Gare Do Oriente, Rua Castilho, Antonio Augusto Aguiar, Praia Da Vitoria Day Tours: Pena Palace in the Cintra Hills, Cabo da Roca and Cascais, Fátima and Nazaré, Sesimbra, historical village of Óbidos, Cheleiros and Bucelas Wine Regions, the Knights Templar at Constância and Tomar, Évora and Palmela, Mafra, Aveiro and Ilhavo The island of Madeira is located off of the west coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. It’s one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal—the other one is the Azores Islands—blessed with a glorious subtropical climate and stunning natural scenery. Madeira’s capital Funchal is famous for its beautiful harbor and verdant botanical gardens, while the rest of the island features wineries producing the well-known sweet Madeira wine, pebble beaches and amazing hiking opportunities. Auto Rental Depots: Madeira Airport (FNC), Funchal Airport (FNC), Funchal Town Day Drives: Ponta de São Lourenço, Cabo Girão skywalk, Pico Ruivo hike from Pico do Arieiro, panoramic drive from São Vicente to Porto Moniz, mountain road from Funchal to Curral das Freiras, Parque Forestal de Queimadas, Monte Palace Tropical Garden, Vereda dos Balcões, Palheiro Gardens A relatively large city on the northwest coast of Portugal, Porto is most famous for its port wine production. Unsurprisingly, this is one of the city’s main tourist attractions. You can reach many vineyards by auto rental from Porto. Other highlights include the unmissable bridges across the Douro River, especially the Luís I Bridge, the stately Bolsa Palace and the São Francisco Church. Historic merchant houses, shops and cafés line the narrow streets in the medieval Ribiera neighborhood, situated along the river. Besides winery road trips, you might also want to visit Matosinhos, a fishing port with myriad fish and seafood restaurants. Auto Hire Depots: Porto Airport (OPO), Downtown, Porto Railway Station, Ave Boavista Day Excursions: Douro Valley, Peneda-Gerês National Park, Braga and Guimarães, Aveiro and Coimbra, Vinho Verde Province, Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Serralves Museum & Villa, Muralha Fernandina, Igreja do Carmo By far the largest country on Earth, Russia spans from East Asia and the Pacific Ocean to Eastern Europe and the Baltic Sea. It’s also an incredibly diverse nation, with landscapes ranging from tundra and vast forests to lakes and even subtropical beaches. The famous Trans-Siberian Railroad runs across much of the country, stopping at Lake Baikal, the deepest freshwater lake in the world. In terms of history and culture, most of Russia’s treasures lie in its western part. Specifically Moscow and St. Petersburg and fantastic tourist destinations, respectively home to the spectacular St. Basil’s Cathedral near Red Square and the Hermitage Museum, one of the world’s greatest and largest art museums. International Hire Car Agencies: Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt Rent a Car Major Rental Car Brands: Lada, Skoda, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, VW, Ford, Audi, BMW Most Popular Car Rentals: Economy, SUV The cosmopolitan capital of Russia, Moscow lies in the western, European part of this vast country. Its main tourist attractions are the Kremlin and Red Square, which is home to the State Historical Museum, Lenin’s Mausoleum and the phenomenal St. Basil’s Cathedral. The Bolshoi Theater is renowned for its opera and ballet. As the main city in Russia, Moscow is also an ideal place to find a car hire. Suggested day trips are the Borodino Battlefield, the towns of Kolomna, Zvenigorod and Sergiyev Posad, the Kubinka Tank Museum and Rostov Veliky. Car Hire Branches: Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO), Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME), Moscow Vnukovo Airport (VKO), Downtown, Moscow North, Moscow South Best Daytrips: Korolev, battle field of Borodino, Kolomna, Zvenigorod, Sergiyev Posad, Kubinka Tank Museum, Arkhangelskoye Estate, Rostov Veliky, Vladimir and Suzdal, Gorki Leninskie A historic port city situated on the Baltic Sea coast, St. Petersburg is the second-largest city in Russia, but it is the country’s cultural capital. This is where you can visit cultural icons like the State Russian Museum and the Mariinsky Theater. The star of the show here, however, is the Hermitage, one of the best and largest art museums on Earth. With a rental car, beautiful places like Pushkin, Vyborg, Shlisselburg and Peterhof await. Car Rental Branches: Saint Petersburg Pulkovo Airport (YYX), Downtown, Vitebsky Railway Station Best Day Trips: Pushkin and the grand imperial Catherine Palace, Vyborg near the border with Finland, Strelna and the Konstantin Palace, Shlisselburg, Peterhof Palace and fountain park, Pavlovsk Although it seems like a unified country, Spain actually consists of several culturally and geographically different regions, seventeen of which are autonomous. For example, Catalonia is renowned for the amazing architecture in Barcelona and glorious beaches, while the Basque Country has the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and mouthwatering food. The capital of Madrid is home to the massive Royal Palace, the iconic Prado Museum and lots of other highlights. Other places of interest range from the Pamplona, Santiago de Compostela, historic Toledo, Granada’s Alhambra Palace, the Canary Islands, Andalusia and Valencia. International Auto Rental Agencies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Keddy by Europcar, National, Sixt Rent a Car Local Car Rental Companies: Centauro Rent a Car, Goldcar Spain, OK Car Hire, Surprice Car Rentals Main Rental Vehicle Brands: Fiat, Abarth, Renault, Opel, VW, Seat, Nissan, BMW, Audi, Mercedes Benz Most Popular Hire Cars: Economy, Compact A harbor town on the Costa Blanca in southeastern Spain, Alicante lies scenically between the beach-lined Mediterranean Sea and rugged hills. The Puerto de Alicante is a popular cruise ship stop, as well as home to nightclubs, bars and seafood restaurants. The Old Town, known as Barrio de la Santa Cruz, features beautifully colored buildings and narrow alleyways. From the Old Town, you can climb the hill toward the Castillo de Santa Barbara, a medieval fortress. Other cultural sites include the Archaeological Museum of Alicante and the Contemporary Art Museum. There are numerous superb beaches in the area, too, accessible with a car hire in Alicante. Rentacar Locations: Alicante Airport (ALC), Downtown, Alicante Railway Station Day Trips: Altea, Benidorm, Guadalest mountain village and stop at Polop on the way, Villajoyosa, take a break at Busot on the way to Canelobre Caves, colourful old town of Murcia, coastal village of Cartagena with Roman Amphitheatre Located along the southeastern Spanish coast, Almeria is a pleasant city for road trips with a car rental to nearby Malaga or Granada. Almeria boasts a few amazing architectural highlights, most notably the impressive Alcazaba, a Moorish castle that overlooks the city below. Other recommended places to visit are the fortified Almeria Cathedral, the Museum of Almeria and the Civil War Shelters of Almeria. Rental Car Locations: Almeria Airport (LEI), Almeria Railway Station Day Tours: Sierra Nevada, Alpujarras mountain villages, Granada, Lecrin Valley, Nerja coastal town, Cartagena, Malaga Barcelona is the largest city in and capital of Catalonia, the fiercely independent region in northeastern Spain. This cosmopolitan city is best known for its unique and spectacular architecture, much of which was designed by Antoni Gaudi. Major Gaudi landmarks include the sensational Sagrada Familia Church, Casa Mila and Casa Batllo, and Park Güell. The medieval origins of Barcelona is still very much visible in its wonderful Gothic Quarter, while the always-busy La Rambla promenade is lined with cafés and restaurants. Additionally, there are myriad beaches in Barcelona, too, as well as a vibrant nightlife. With a car rental in Barcelona, you can explore the wonderful Costa Brava and beyond. Top Car Rental Locations: Barcelona Airport (BCN), Downtown, Mas Blau, Barcelona Railway Station, Sants, Diagonal Mar, Badalona, Viladomat, Corcega, Cornella de Llobregat Day Drives: Ancient medieval town of Girona, La Rocca shopping village, small fishing village of Cadaqúes made famous by Salvador Dalí, Blanes and the Costa Brava Coast, Bagi in Cadi-Moixero National Park, Montserrat, Andorra la Vella, Pyrenees, Priorat and La Conca de Barbera wine growing regions, Catalan villages of Vic and Rupit, mountain village of Siurana The capital of the Basque Country, Bilbao is a major city in northern Spain. This port city has a city center filled with skyscrapers, while historic Old Town is home to the bustling Plaza Nueva and a plethora of wine bars. The star attraction in Bilbao, however, is the phenomenal Guggenheim Museum. Designed by Frank Gehry, this architectural icon houses modern and contemporary artworks. Foodies, too, will thoroughly enjoy a visit to Bilbao—the city is packed with Basque-style eateries, seafood restaurants and tapas bars. Anyone looking for a car rental from Bilbao won’t have any issues finding one. With a rental car, the lush surrounding mountains and gorgeous coastline are within easy reach. Rental Vehicle Locations: Bilbao Airport (BIO), Downtown, Bilbao Railway Station Day Excursions: Lekeitio, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Mundaka fishing village and popular surfing spot, Castro Urdiales in Cantabria, Gorbeia Natural Park, Urdaibai World Biosphere Reserve Located about 100 kilometers from the coast of West Africa, Fuerteventura is one of the largest Canary Islands. Because of its year-round amazing weather, white sand beaches and amazing outdoor activities, it’s a popular destination in all seasons. Numerous beaches line the island, while its mountainous interior offers fantastic hiking opportunities. A variety of water sports attract people to this island, from sailing and fishing to scuba diving and marine wildlife watching. Hire Car Locations: Fuerteventura Airport (FUE), Caleta de Fuste, Antigua, Pajara, Corralejo, Costa Calma Day Outings: Inner Volcanic Mountains, Ajuy Sea Caves, Corralejo Sand Dunes Girona is situated in Catalonia in northeastern Spain. It’s one of the region’s main tourist destinations because of its numerous medieval buildings. Main places of interest are the walled Old Quarter, the remains of the Roman Força Vella Fortress, the Passeig Arquelogic, which follows the medieval walls and offers amazing views from the watchtowers. Other highlights include the imposing Girona Cathedral, the cobbled alleys in medieval El Call, the Jewish Quarter, and colorful houses along the Onyar River. Visitors who hire a car in Girona can go and discover the Pyrenees, nearby beaches and wonderful historic towns. Car Hire Locations: Girona Airport (GRO), Downtown, Girona Railway Station Day Trips: Port Lligat and Salvador Dali’s house, Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, Pyrenees, Can Ginebreda Forest and Erotic Sculptures at Banyoles, medieval towns of Pals, Besalú and Peratallada, Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol Located in Andalusia in southern Spain, at the Sierra Nevada foothills, Granada is world-famous for its phenomenal medieval architecture, which dates back to the times of occupation by the Moors. Its star attraction, by far, is the Alhambra, a vast fortified hilltop complex that consists of royal palaces, shimmering pools, orchards and fountains, and peaceful patios. It’s one of Europe’s premier historic buildings. Other highlights in Granada include the 16th-century Cathedral of Granada, the medieval Moorish Albaicín district, and the Granada Charterhouse. From Granada, road trippers can visit beautiful places like the Sierra Nevada, the Andalusia countryside, the coastal towns of Nerja and Marbella, and Seville. Rental Car Locations: Granada Airport (GRX), Granada Railway Station Day Drives: Sierra Nevada, Sacromonte Caves, Alpujarras mountain villages, photogenic mountain top city of Ronda, El Caminito del Rey hiking trail, Almeria, Lecrin Valley, Cordoba, Marbella and Malaga, Seville Gran Canaria is one of the most popular Canary Islands. It’s famous for its perpetually great weather, great beaches, volcanic landscapes and outdoor activities. Amazing beaches along the island’s southern coast include Playa del Inglés and Puerto de Mogán. On its northern coast lies Las Palmas, its capital, which is a popular stopping point of cruise ships. The island’s airport lies just south of the city and has lots of auto rental choices. Rentacar Locations: Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), Agaeta, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Meloneras – Playa del Ingles, Puerto Rico Day Tours: Agüimes, Artenara mountain village, Arucas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Maspalomas Famous (or notorious) for its vibrant nightlife in Sant Antoni and Ibiza Town, home to summer locations of major nightclubs in Europe, Ibiza is an incredibly popular summer destination among twenty-somethings. While partying is a main activity here, there’s also plenty of cultural and natural beauty to enjoy in Ibiza. Beyond the clubs, there are quiet villages, empty beaches and rocky coastlines. Historic sites include the Puig des Molins tombs and 16th-century cathedral in Ibiza Town’s old quarter of D’Alt Vila. Car Rental Locations: Ibiza Airport (IBZ), Downtown, Playa D’en Bossa Ed Algarb, Ibiza Port, Playa Portinatx, Cala Tarida, Sant Antoni de Portmany, Santa Eulalia del Rio Day Outings: Dalt Vila UNESCO Site, Ibiza Old Town and Cathedral, San Antonio, Santa Eulalia Lanzarote is a part of the Canary Islands archipelago, which is a Spanish region located off the West African coast. It’s well-known for its constantly beautiful weather, volcanic scenery and wonderful beaches. As such, it’s a super-popular tourist destination. Lanzarote attracts nature lovers and beach-goers alike. Timanfaya National Park is its natural star attraction, while the coves of Caletón Blanca are amazing for swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling. Rental Car Locations: Lanzarote Airport (ACE), Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise Day Excursions: Timanfaya National Park, El Golfo, Playa del Reducto, Castillo de San Jose, Cueva de los Verdes Also called A Coruña, the port city of La Coruña is the most northwestern city in Spain. Its star attraction is the Tower of Herculas, a massive Roman lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding coastline. La Coruña medieval Old Town is home to the arcaded Maria Pita Square, which is the location of the Maria Pita Statue commemorating a 16th-century woman who raised the alarm before an attack by Sir Francis Drake. Additionally, this vibrant city also has a few amazing beaches, most notably the Plaza de Riazor and Plaza de Orzan. La Coruña is also the perfect base to explore the rest of Galicia. Rentacar Depots: La Coruna Airport (LCG), La Coruna Railway Station Day Trips: Ferrol, Monfero, Cape Finisterre, Muros, Santiago de Compostela, Pontevedra and Combarro, Muxia, Cascada del Ezaro waterfall, ancient city of Lugo The capital of Spain, Madrid is characterized by countless plazas, elegant boulevards, large parks and majestic architecture. The Prado Museum houses an amazing collection of works by Spanish artists such as Velazquez and Goya, as well as other European artists, while the Reina Sofia Museum is home to famous paintings like Picasso’s Guernica. Squares like the Puerto del Sol and Plaza Mayor are not to be missed. Other highlights include the wonderful El Retiro Park, the massive Royal Palace, the El Rastro flea market and the myriad tapas bars. Madrid’s location in the heart of Spain also makes it an ideal starting point for long trips to anywhere on the Spanish mainland. You’ll find numerous options for a car rental near Madrid, whether you’re at the international airport or elsewhere in the city. Top Car Hire Locations near Madrid: Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD), Downtown, Nuevos Ministerios, Madrid Atocha Railway Station, Plaza de Castilla, Plaza de Espana, Chamberi, Salamanca, Chamartin, Barajas Day Excursions: Toledo the “City of Three Cultures”, Segovia with the “Aqueduct of Segovia” and the “Alcázar of Segovia”, Avila the “Town of Stones and Saints”, Salamanca, Las Rozas Shopping Village, San Lorenzo de El Escorial royal palace complex, La Mancha region, Royal Palace of Aranjuez, Hanging Houses of Cuenca, medieval town of Pedraza Located on the Costa del Sol—literally Sun Coast in English—in southern Spain, Malaga is a port and resort city. Home to numerous skyscrapers and high-rise hotels, the city also has a number of fascinating historic attractions. Two huge hilltop fortress lie just outside the city center, the ruined Gibralfaro and the Alcazaba. Another major landmark is the towering Catedral de la Encarnación de Malaga, while the Picasso Museum displays works by its namesake artist, who was born in Malaga in 1881. Truly sensational Costa del Sol beaches line both sides of the city, easily reachable with a rental car. Rent a Car Depots: Malaga Airport (AGP), Malaga Railway Station Day Trips: Gibraltar, Nerja with its beaches and caves, Marbella, Frigiliana, cliffside city of Ronda, Cordoba, Antequera, the Andalusian capital of Seville, Granada and the Alhambra Palace, Villanueva de la Concepción Also known as Minorca, Menorca is a Balearic island in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s much quieter and peaceful than its rowdier neighbors Mallorca and Ibiza. Home to gorgeous beaches, rocky bays filled with azure-blue water, pine forests and charming towns, it’s the perfect destination for an island getaway. The star attractions on this island aren’t cultural and historical, but natural—although there are thousands of prehistoric monuments on the island. There are superb swimming and snorkeling opportunities, while hiking, horseback riding and cycling trails crisscross the inland hills. Main Car Rental Locations: Menorca Airport (MAH), Menorca Port, Cala Santa Adria, Calan Bosch, Son Bou, Coves Noves, Cala Galdana, Santo Tomas, Mahon – Punta Prima, Cale en Blanes Day Drives: Ciutadella de Menorca on the West Coast is renowned for the old town and medieval streets, Mahón the capital of Menorca, Son Bou village and resort, coastal village of Binibeca with white-washed houses, Fornells village, Cala En Porta beach and resort Palma de Mallorca Palma is the largest city and capital of the Balearic islands of Mallorca (also known as Majorca). While the island is notorious for its nightlife, there are also numerous cultural and historical sites to explore. Palma de Mallorca is home to some impressive architecture, from Santa Maria de Mallorca Cathedral-Basilica to the Royal Palace of La Almudaina and the medieval hilltop Bellver Castle. The Parc de la Mar is a wonderful seaside park, while the Museu Fundación Juan March houses works by Salvador Dali and other Spanish painters. For island exploration, you can pick from several car rental locations in Palma de Mallorca. Rentacar Offices: Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), Palma de Mallorca, Playa de Palma Day Tours: Gardens of Alfàbia, Ruins of the Roman city of Pollentia at Alcudia, Sóller railway, road to Cap de Formentor, capital city of Palma, Drach Caves at Porto Cristo, Mondragó Natural Park, hilltop village of Fornalutx, Valldemossa, Santanyí Santiago de Compostela Santiago de Compostela lies in the northwestern corner of Spain and is the capital of Galicia. It’s most famous for being the end point of the legendary Camino de Santiago pilgrim’s route. The majestic 13th-century Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, unquestionably the city’s star attraction, is said to be the burial place of apostle St. James. Several plazas and museums surround the cathedral, which lies within the Old Town’s city walls. Car Rental Locations: Santiago Airport (SCQ), Downtown, Santiago Railway Station Day Outings: Vigo on the Galician Coast, Cies Islands from Vigo, Cape Finisterre and “the End of the World”, Pontevedra is one of Galicia’s most picturesque small cities, Combarro is a charming small fishing village on the Galician coast, old Roman city of Lugo, Muxia is an ancient pilgrimage site at the end of the Camino de Santiago, La Coruna, village of Ezaro and the Cascada del Ezaro waterfall, Cambados is popular with wine aficionados Also known as Donostia-San Sebastian, this is a resort town in the Bay of Biscay. It’s in the Basque Country, a mountainous region in northern Spain near the French border. San Sebastian attracts large numbers of sun-seekers in summer, while its world-class restaurants, cobbled Old Town and excellent wine bars will delight culturists, too. Hire Car Pick Ups: San Sebastian Airport (EAS) Day Trips: Hondarribia, Monastery of San Ignacio de Loyola, Urederra Park in Navarra Located in the southwestern corner of Spain, Seville is the capital of Andalusia. The city is chock-full with spectacular architecture. Its most famous landmarks are the Royal Alcazar of Seville, the Plaza de España, the 18th-century bullring Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza, and the magnificent Seville Cathedral, which is home to the grave of Christopher Columbus. Other highlights in Seville include the Museum of Fine Arts with its works by Velazquez and El Greco, its flamenco dancing culture and the numerous tapas bars. Home to an airport and a wealth of car hire locations and companies, Seville is arguably the best base for Andalusia road trips. Main Hire Car Locations: Seville Airport (SVQ), Seville Downtown, Seville Railway Station, Poligono la Negrilla, Mairena del Aljarafe Best Day Trips: Pueblos Blancos or the “White Villages”, Ronda, Granada and the Alhambra, Sanlúcar de Barrameda and Doñana National Park, Córdoba, Carmona, Cadiz and Jerez de la Frontera, El Caminito del Rey, Setenil de las Bodegas, roman ruins of Baelo Claudia The largest of the Canary Islands, which lie off the west coast of Africa, Tenerife is a volcanic island home to dormant Mt. Teide, the tallest mountain in Spain. It’s a popular beach destination thanks to its multi-colored sand beaches. A plethora of coastal resorts offer everything from amazing cuisine and nightlife to golfing, diving and water sports opportunities. Nature lovers should focus on Teide National Park, which encompasses much of the island’s interior, including the three volcanoes, an ancient forest and lava fields. There are several vehicle rental offices in Tenerife near the South Airport. Major Car Rental Locations: Tenerife South Airport (TFS), Tenerife North Airport (TFN), Los Cristianos – Las Americas, Puerto de la Cruz, Reina Sofia, Los Gigantes – Puerto de Santiago, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Costa de Adeje, Santiago del Telde Top Day Trips: Teide National Park, La Laguna old town, El Medano Beach, old town of El Orotava, Anaga Rural Park, Teno Rural Park, Siam Water Park, El Sauzal Where the Turia River flows into the Mediterranean Sea, Valencia sprawls. This large port city in southeastern Spain is famous for its arts, science and culture, boasting both historic and ultra-modern architecture. Founded by the Romans, Valencia has several old buildings, such as the medieval Serranos Towers, the 16th-century Silk Exchange and the Valencia Cathedral. The city’s modern side features futuristic architecture at the City of Arts and Sciences and the huge L’Oceanogràfic aquarium. Several beaches surround Valencia, too, while convenient car rental locations near me Valencia allow visitors to explore further afield. Major Hire Car Locations: Valencia Airport (VLC), Downtown, Valencia Railway Station, Aldaia, Manises, Pista de Silla Top Day Tours: Roman City of Sagunto, Xàtiva, Morella and the hilltop castle, Requena-Utiel region, Altea, Peñiscola One of Europe’s largest countries, Sweden spans from the Baltic Sea to the Arctic, encompasses many different landscapes. It has thousands of coastal islands, while its inland regions comprise of rugged mountain ranges, countless lakes and ponds, and pristine forests. Sweden also has tons of cultural heritage to explore, from the historic buildings of Stockholm to ancient farmlands, Viking culture, and arts and design. International Rental Car Companies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Thrifty Local Car Hire Companies: Green Motion Top Car Rental Brands: Seat, Renault, Opel, Volvo, Kia, Volkswagen, Skoda, Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz Most Popular Hire Cars: Economy, Station Wagon/Estate, Compact A limited number of Hyundai Ioniq electric rental cars are now available. The availability and number of electric hire vehicles is expected to improve quite quickly. One of Sweden largest cities and most important seaports, Gothenburg lies in the middle of the country’s southwest coast. This thriving and vibrant city has wonderful tree-lined avenues and some beautiful canals and lively waterfronts. A popular way to see Gothenburg is with the Paddan tour boats. A major highlight of a visit to Gothenburg is the Fish Market, housed in a late-19th-century building and home to amazing seafood restaurants. Other attractions include the Haga neighborhood with its fortress and candlelit taverns, and the Götaplatsen square. Thanks to its many vehicle rental locations, Gothenburg is also the perfect starting point to explore the rest of southern Sweden. Main Rental Car Locations: Gothenburg Landvetter Airport (GOT), Gothenburg City Airport (GSE), Gothenburg City, Graviska, Sodra Vagen, Molnlycke, Gothenburg Railway Station, Molndal, Hisings Backa Best Day Tours: Jönköping on Lake Vättern and the Matchstick Museum, Borås murals and street art, spa town of Marstrand on the west coast, Koster Islands and Kosterhavet Marine National Park Situated near the southernmost tip of the Swedish mainland, Malmö is connected to Copenhagen, the Danish capital, via the iconic Öresund Bridge. The city’s centerpiece is Lilla Torg, a historic cobbled square lined with stunning half-timbered houses, numerous cafés and local boutiques and craft shops. A second highlight is the 16th-century Malmö Castle. Constructed by King Christian III of Denmark, this fortress now houses exhibits about everything from nature to art and history. Major Rental Car Locations: Malmo Airport (MMX), Downtown, Malmo Central Railway Station, Malmo Hyllie Railway Station, Caroli City, Fagelbacken, Kabingatan, Hindby, Fosie Top Day Excursions: Lund Cathedral and the Kulturen open-air museum, Ystad is the setting for the stories of Kurt Wallander, Copenhagen in Denmark, Helsingborg, Halmstad Sweden’s capital and largest city by far, Stockholm overflows with amazing historic, cultural and natural sights. Its medieval Old Town boasts hundreds of beautiful houses, churches and other buildings, as well as several superb museums. As a major center of transportation in Scandinavia, home to an international airport, bus and train stations, Stockholm’s accessibility makes it a popular base to explore the rest of Sweden. If you’re planning a Swedish road trip, finding a car rental near me in Stockholm will be extremely convenient. Recommended day and road trip destinations are Lake Vättern, Gothenburg, Uppsala and even Copenhagen. Main Car Hire Locations: Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYA), Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA), Stockholm City, Taby, Kista, Barkaby, Vallingby, Sveavagen, Ostermalm Best Day Excursions: Broby Bro and the Jarlabanke runestones and their Viking history, Sigtuna and St Olaf Church, Stockholm Archipelago, Sörmlandsleden hiking trail, Drottningholm Palace, Gävle, Gripsholm Castle at Mariefred near Lake Mälaren, university city of Uppsala, Lake Mälaren and Gripsholm Castle at Mariefred A landlocked country in the Alps, Switzerland has plenty to offer to road trippers. In the country’s main towns, including Bern, Geneva and Zurich, you’ll find a wide range of auto rental choices. So, wherever you’re staying in Switzerland, a search for car rental near me should provide plenty of results. Switzerland, of course, also boasts some spectacular scenery, from jagged alpine peaks to glorious meadows, lakes and valleys. International Car Rental Companies: Alamo, AutoEurope, Avis, Budget, Dollar Rent a Car, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt Top Hire Car Brands: Seat, Fiat, Renault, Opel, Volvo, Volkswagen, Skoda, Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz Most Popular Rental Vehicles: Compact, Economy, SUV, People Carrier/Vans A vibrant small city along the Rhine River in northern Switzerland, Basel (Basle) lies near the border of both Germany and France. It’s a financial and artistic hub, home to a beautiful medieval Old Town. Its touristic focal point is the Marktplatz, Market Square in English, the location of the striking 16th-century Town Hall. Another important landmark is the Basel Minster, a 12th-century Gothic cathedral housing the tomb of Erasmus, a renowned Dutch scholar. Basel also makes for an excellent starting point for scenic drives to Zurich, Bern, Lucerne and the spectacular Swiss Alps. Major Car Hire Locations: Basel Airport (BSL), Dreispitz, Binningen, Basel City, Prattein, Basel Railway Station Top Day Drives: old medieval town centre of Bern and the Zytglogge clock tower, Zurich and picturesque Lake Zurich, medieval town of Lausanne and Lac Leman, Strasbourg Cathedral, Interlaken, learn about the culture and traditions of Switzerland in Appenzell, Lucerne, Schaffhausen and the Rhine Falls, Jungfrau region Basel is a good place to start exploring the Alsace Wine Area. From Basel you can drive through to Mulhouse and follow the Alsace Wine Route through Thann all the way to Strasbourg in France. Situated in the westernmost corner of Switzerland on the south end of large Lake Geneva, Geneva is famous for being the headquarters of both the Red Cross and Europe’s United Nations. It lies on the border with France and French cultural influences are apparent, including Geneva’s cuisine and language. Premier attractions range from the 140-meter-high Jet d’Eau Fountain in Lake Geneva to the cobbled Old Town and the St. Pierre Cathedral. Additionally, both the Jura Mountains and the Alps surround Geneva—you can see majestic Mont Blanc from the city. After picking up your car rental, you can go for epic mountain drives. Top Auto Hire Locations: Geneva Airport (GVA), Downtown, Collonge Bellerive, Geneva Railway Station, Vernier, Meyrin Main Day Drives: Lake Geneva and Chillon Castle, Annecy is known as the “Venice of the Alps”, French Alpine resort of Chamonix, fortified village of Yvoire, village of Montreux, Lavaux wine region, Gruyeres is renowned for cheese and chocolate, Lausanne, Basel Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich is a fantastic tourist destination. Situated along the banks of the Limmat River, its Old Town is filled with photogenic centuries-buildings. Because of its amazing nature and parks, too, Zurich is often included in overviews of the world’s most livable cities. On top of that, Zurich has plenty of options to rent a car, allowing visitors to explore the rest of the country and its amazing landscapes and towns. Top Auto Rental Locations: Zurich Airport (ZRH), Downtown, Wallisellen, Zurich Railway Station, Kloten, Hardturm, Volkiland, Schlieren, Duebendorf, Glattbrugg Major Day Drives: Jungfraujoch, village of Grindelwald, Interlaken, picturesque Lucerne and the iconic Kapellbrücke bridge, Mount Pilatus, Engelberg baroque monastery, Appenzell village, Fribourg, Gruyere including Gruyeres Castle, St Gallen A tiny country in northwestern Europe, the Netherlands is world-famous for its canals, flat landscapes, windmills, tulip fields and bicycle-friendly towns. The Netherlands also has some beautiful beaches and wonderful historic cities, including Amsterdam with its amazing museums and architecture, and modern Rotterdam. International Hire Car Companies: Alamo, AutoEurope, Avis, Budget, Dollar Rent a Car, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt, Thrifty Local Car Rental Companies: Goldcar Netherlands, Green Motion, Rhodium Car Rental Top Auto Rental Brands: Fiat, Citroen, Peugeot, Opel, VW, Suzuki, Volvo, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes Benz Most Popular Auto Rentals: Economy, Compact, Station Wagon/Estate One of Europe’s most famous cities, Amsterdam boasts amazing gabled houses, a maze of canals and tons of cultural heritage. Home to the Netherlands’ main international airport, Schiphol, Amsterdam also has lots of car hire options, including most major rental car companies like Hertz, Avis, Europcar and Enterprise. From Amsterdam, it’s only a short drive to beautiful destinations like Giethoorn, Utrecht, Rotterdam, the windmills of Kinderdijk and the tulip-filled gardens of Keukenhof. Top Auto Rental Locations: Amsterdam Airport (AMS), Centrum, Amsterdam Central Railway Station, Zuid, Amstel Business Park, West, Zuidoost Best Day Outings: Keukenhof tulip gardens, Zaanse Schans and Edam, Marken and Volendam fishing villages, Bruges and Brussels in Belgium, Giethoorn, Delft, The Hague, Van Gogh paintings in Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Kinderdijk windmills, Gouda, Utrecht A large city in the southern part of the Netherlands, close to the Belgian border, Eindhoven is an important design, technology and transportation hub in the country. It’s home to both stunning centuries-old buildings and ultra-modern architecture, especially the UFO-shaped Evoluon conference center. This is the headquarters of Philips, a leading electronics company in the world. Visitors can learn about the company’s history and inventions at the Philips Museum. Another recommend museum in Eindhoven is the Van Abbe Museum, which has art and design exhibits. Eindhoven is home to an international airport, one of the gateways to the southern Netherlands and Flanders. From Eindhoven, a car rental can take you to beautiful cities like Rotterdam, Maastricht, Antwerp and Brussels. Top Auto Hire Locations: Eindhoven Airport (EIN), De Hurk, Eindhoven Railway Station, Best Main Day Outings: visit the old harbor in Rotterdam, Amsterdam canals, picturesque village of Giethoorn, the Hague is the home of the Dutch royal family and parliament, Van Goch paintings at Kröller-Müller Museum in Hoge Veluwe National Park near Otterlo, windmills of Kinderdijk, Gouda and on every Thursday morning the Gouda Cheese Market, university town of Utrecht and the De Haar Castle, historic Valkenburg in the Geul Valley, Bruges and Brussels in Belgium A history port city, Rotterdam is home to one of the world’s largest seaports. Seafaring is an intrinsic aspect of this vibrant city—visitors can lean all about it at the excellent Maritime Museum. Additionally, at the 17th-century Delftshaven district, picturesque canals, shops and historic sites entice tourists. Of particular interest here is the Pilgrim Fathers Church, a popular place of worship of emigrants before they embarked toward America. Rotterdam is also renowned for its bold, futuristic architecture, which sets it apart from all other Dutch cities. Noteworthy structures include the yellow Cube House, the Erasmus Bridge and the Euromast. Home to a large airport, train station and cruise port, this is a popular tourist destination. For further exploration of the Netherlands, plenty of car rental opportunities are present. Main Hire Car Locations: Rotterdam Airport (RTM), Downtown, South Rotterdam Main Day Trips: see the Hall of Knights and Grote Kerk in the Hague, Delft for beautiful blue and white pottery, Zeeland’s dikes, taste Edam Cheese in the scenic town of Edam, Efteling amusement park in Kaatsheuvel, Ghent and Brussels in Belgium The United Kingdom encompasses (parts of) two islands in the North Sea off the coast of Western Europe. It consists of four separate countries. England, Scotland and Wales on the British Isle and Northern Ireland on the island of Ireland. This is a nation steeped in history, filled with superb historic sites and home to spectacular landscapes. From bustling London to the Lake District, from Glasgow to the Highlands, the U.K. is a road tripper’s dream destination. There are several major international airports, excellent public transportation and countless car rental pick-up locations. International Car Rental Companies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Keddy by Europcar, National, Sixt Local Auto Hire Companies: Easirent Car and Van Hire, Green Motion, Arnold Clark Car and Van Hire Top Car Hire Brands: Vauxhall, Skoda, Opel, Ford, VW, Volvo, Nissan, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Tesla Most Popular Rental Cars: Economy, Compact Located in the heart of England, Birmingham is one of the largest cities in the U.K. Its former wharfs and canalside warehouses have been transformed into trendy shops, vibrant bars and cozy cafés. Several museums retrace the city’s history or displays amazing works of art. Birmingham is also home to a major airport, which results in the presence of numerous car rental companies. It’s a main gateway to central England. Famous destinations like the Peak District, the scenic Cotswolds and Wales’ Snowdonia National Park are within easy reach with a car hire. Major Auto Hire Locations: Birmingham Airport (BHX), Birmingham City, Birmingham New Street Station, Birmingham International Railway Station, Solihull, Sparkhill, Edgbaston, Dudley, West Bromwich, Halesowen Top Day Trips: Stratford-upon-Avon, Lichfield, Black Country Living Museum in Dudley, Warwick Castle, Leamington Spa, Ironbridge, Cadbury World in Bourneville, Coughton Court in Alcester, Lickey Hills Country Park A market town since the 13th century, Crawley in West Sussex, a short distance south of London, is an unassuming English town. However, thousands of tourist pass by Crawley every day—Gatwick Airport, one of the busiest international airports in the U.K., lies on its outskirts. It’s not a huge surprise that all major car rental companies are present here. Auto Rental Locations: London Gatwick Airport (LGW), Crawley Town Major Day Trips: Roman City of Chichester and Chichester Cathedral, Battle Abbey and the site of the Battle of Hastings, Arundel Castle and Cathedral, the National Trust property of Nymans and the Wall Garden in Spring, Elizabethan House of Wakehurst with the Botanical Gardens, market town of Sevenoaks, Ramsgate and the World War II tunnels from the Battle of Britain, Rochester Castle and Cathedral, Godinton House and Gardens at Ashford, Dover and the White Cliffs Located along the River Derwent in the very heart of England, Derby is a town as typically English as they come. It’s home to large buildings in the classic English architectural styles. Particularly Kedlestone Hall, the Derby Cathedral and the National Trust – Calke Abbey are imposing buildings. In terms of museums, the Derby Silk Museum and Derby Museum and Art Gallery are worth stopping by at. Car Rental Locations: East Midlands Airport (EMA), Derby Railway Station, Allenton, Derby City, Alvaston Top Day Tours: Bakewell and the Peak District in Derbyshire, Roman spa town of Buxton, market town of Chesterfield, Stratford upon Avon and the home of William Shakespeare, York and York Minster, Warwick Castle A historic industrial city in Yorkshire, northern England, Leeds is a fascinating destination. Around Call Lane, a renovated industrial area now houses numerous bars and music venues located underneath railway arches. The glass-roofed arcades in Victoria Quarter and the Leeds Corn Exchange are home to respectively high-end brands and independent shops. Another top attraction is the Royal Armouries Museum, which displays the national artillery and arms collection. Nature lovers will undoubtedly want to grab a car hire in Leeds and drive over to nearby Yorkshire Dales National Park where beautiful scenery and great hiking trails await. Top Hire Car Locations: Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), Yeadon, Leeds City, Hunslet, Leeds Railway Station Best Day Drives: Settle and the Yorkshire Dales, Helmsley and Rievaulx Abbey, Wensleydale and the market town of Hawes, the Pennine Way walking trail, Haworth home of the Bronte sisters, Hebden Bridge, Beverley Minster in the East Riding of Yorkshire, Studley Royal Park and Rippon (England’s oldest city), medieval town of Knaresborough, spa town of Harrowgate Liverpool is a large historic maritime city on the west coast of England, situated at the mouth of the River Mersey into the Irish Sea. It used to be an important trade port and migration hub from the 18th to the beginning of the 20th century. Its three iconic mercantile buildings reflect this history—the Cunard Building, the Port of Liverpool Building and the Royal Liver Building. Moreover, Liverpool is also world-famous as the birthplace of the Beatles. Music lovers can take Beatles heritage tours and visit places such as the Cavern Club, the boyhood homes of the Fab Four, and Penny Lane. With its ferry connections and John Lennon International Airport, Liverpool is the gateway to northwestern England. From the moment you arrive, you’ll easily find a car rental nearby. Top Car Rental Locations near Liverpool: Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL), Toxteth, Liverpool City, Knotty Ash, Speke, Liverpool Lime Street Railway Station, Birkenhead, Bootle Popular Day Drives: Formby is a National Trust protected area with great beaches and walking trails, Lake District National Park with Windermere and Derwentwater, Peak District National Park, historic Port Sunlight Village on the Wirral, North Wales Coast including Colwyn Bay and Llandudno, Chester and the medieval covered Chester Rows walkways, Manchester The capital of England and the United Kingdom and one of the world’s largest cities, London is the center of commerce, media, culture and politics in the country. Tourists can spend weeks in this huge and bustling city, exploring all sights, but London also makes for a great vantage point for England road trips. Landmarks like the Tower Bridge, the Big Ben, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey are must-see structures, while phenomenal museums like the British Museum, Tate Britain and the National Galley will delight history and art lovers. London-Heathrow is the city’s main international airport, served by numerous airlines and with hundreds of connections. Facilities and services are available in sheer numbers, including countless vehicle rental deals and locations. Top Car Rental Locations near London: London Heathrow Airport (Terminals 1-4) (LHR), London Gatwick Airport (LGW), London Stansted Airport (STN), London City Airport (LCY), City, Westminster, Croydon, Hammersmith, Dartford, Enfield Best Day Trips: The Cotswolds, Canterbury, Brighton, Winchester, Stonehenge, Guildford, Cambridge, Chichester, Stratford-upon-Avon, Bath Located just north of London, Luton is large town that dates back to the 6th century when it was Saxon frontier settlement. Visitors with a rental car coming from London might want to visit attractions like the Wardown House, Museum and Gallery, the Stockwood Discovery Centre, Stockwood Park and the 12th-century St. Mary’s Church. Hire Car Locations: London Luton Airport (LTN), Luton Town Top Day Trips: Wrest Park Country Estate in Silso, Cambridge, Warwick Castle, Cotswolds, Windsor Castle, Oxford One of the largest cities in northern England, Manchester has a long and rich history as an industrial powerhouse. You can explore its textile manufacturing heritage at the Castlefield conservation area and the Museum of Science and Industry. Although it’s most famous for its football rivalries and industrial history, Manchester is also a superb base for road trips in this part of England. For example, gorgeous Peak District National Park lies at its doorstep, while the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District are to the north. Major cities like Liverpool, Sheffield and Leeds are also a quick drive away. Top Car Hire Locations near Manchester: Manchester Airport (MAN), City, Cheadle, Didsbury, Trafford, Stockport, Stretford, Manchester Piccadilly Railway Station, Salford, Oldham Top Day Excursions: The Laje District, Chester, Blackpool, Buxton in the Peak District, Saddleworth and the Pennines, Jodrell Bank and Tatton Park, Delamer Forest and Frodsham in Cheshire, Liverpool, Hayworth Newcastle upon Tyne Set along the banks of the River Tyne in the far northeastern corner of England, Newcastle upon Tyne is a modern university city with a long history in shipbuilding and manufacturing. It’s known for its many bridges of various designs and styles, among which the most famous is the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. Pubs, restaurants and bars dot riverfront Quayside and Grainger Town, Newcastle’s historic heart. History buffs will enjoy a visit to Newcastle Castle, overlooking the city below and built during Norman times. The star of the show in terms of historic sites, however, is Hadrian’s Wall. This former Roman border wall starts in Wallsend and runs all the way across northern England to the Irish Sea. Rent a car in Newcastle and explore this phenomenal UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rental Car Locations: Newcastle Airport (NCL), Newcastle Railway Station, Newcastle City Popular Day Drives: Lake District National Park, The Old Hall National Trust property at Washington in Tyne and Wear is where George Washington grew up, Gateshead, Arbeia Roman Fort and Hadrian’s Wall at South Shields, Whitehaven harbour and town, Whitley Bay, Durham, Northumberland Coast, Alnwick is popular with Harry Potter fans with its castle and gardens, Berwick-upon-Tweed on the Scottish border On the north coast of Cornwall in southwestern England lies Newquay, a popular beach destination. Its most popular beaches include Lusty Glaze Beach and Fistral Beach, while its seafront Blue Reef Aquarium has an underwater tunnel offering views of sharks, rays and other marine life above. Auto Hire Locations: Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY) Best Day Drives: St Ives fishing harbor and beach, St Austell and the “Lost Gardens of Heligan”, Penzance is Enland’s most westerly town, Falmouth with the National Maritime Museum and Pendennis Castle, Georgian and Victorian architecture of Truro, Bodmin with its Jail and historic country houses of Pencarrow and Lanhydrock, Tintagel Castle and the legend of King Arthur and “Merlin’s Cave” Southampton is a harbor city in the middle of England’s south coast. It has a variety of tourist attractions, from the magnificent Tudor House & Garden to the Solent Sky Museum, which houses a number of historic airplanes. Southampton’s main highlight, however, is probably the SeaCity Museum, home to an interactive model of the Titanic. This is, after all, the place where the iconic ship departed on its disastrous journey in 1912. Nowadays, Southampton is still a popular stopping point for large cruise ships. Visitors who rent a car in Southampton can visit iconic destinations like the New Forest and Stonehenge, while gorgeous Cornwall is easily reachable as well. Main Auto Hire Locations: Southampton Airport (SOU), Southampton Ocean Ferry Terminal, Southampton City Cruise Ferry Terminal, Bitterne Manor, Southampton City, Milbrook, Southampton Central Railway Station, Redbridge Top Day Excursions: Stonehenge, Winchester Cathedral and the Great Hall of Winchester Castle, Lymington, Lyndhurst and the New Forest, Andover and the Hawk Conservancy Trust, Farnborough and the Air Sciences Trust Museum, Fareham and Portchester Castle, Basingstoke Situated at mouth of the Dee and Don Rivers in northeastern Scotland, Aberdeen is known as the ‘Granite City’ because of its many long-lasting stone buildings. Iconic landmarks in Aberdeen include the Marischal College and St. Machar’s Cathedral, while the Aberdeen Maritime Museum retraces the city’s long seafaring history. Another great museum is the Gordon Highlanders Museum. With a rental car from Aberdeen, you can explore the surrounding area as well, which is home to a few amazing castles, or go hiking in the Cairngorm Mountains. Car Hire Locations: Aberdeen Airport (ABZ), Aberdeen City, Dyce, Aberdeen Railway Station Top Day Trips: Inverness and Loch Ness, St Andrews is home to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond, The Castle Trail and Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Stirling Castle and the site of the Battle of Bannockburn, see the Ospreys at Loch Garten near Aviemore The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a compact city situated on hills. Its main tourist points of interest are the medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town, as well as majestic Edinburgh Castle, which houses the Scottish crown jewels. Edinburgh has many car rental locations, which allows visitors to go for scenic drives to places like Glasgow and the iconic Scottish Highlands. Main Hire Car Locations: Edinburgh Airport (EDI), City, Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station, Newbridge, Corstorphine, Sighthill, Leith, Seafield Best Day Trips: Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands, Stirling Castle, St Andrews, Roslin, Lammermuir Hills, Wemyss Bay, St Abbs, Falkirk, North Berwick, Scone Palace and the Stone of Destiny in Perth Renowned for its magnificent Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture, Glasgow is one of the leading cities in Scotland. Attractions abound in Glasgow, from the striking Glasgow Cathedral and pedestrian Buchanan Street to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Riverside Museum. Thanks to the numerous car rental locations in Glasgow, the city is also an excellent place to start road trips around Scotland. Edinburgh is a quick jaunt to the east, while sensational Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park lies just to the north. Hire Car Locations: Glasgow Airport (GLA), Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK), City, Finnieston, Glasgow Central Railway Station, Bishopbriggs, Giffnock, Springburn, Rutherglen, Baillieston Best Day Tours: Loch Lomond, Pitlochry, Glencoe, Oban, Inverary, Ayrshire Coast and Kilmarnock, Trossachs, Culzean Castle, Dundee, Edinburgh City Inverness lies at the location where the River Ness flows into the Moray Firth. As the cultural capital of northern Scotland, it’s the gateway to the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. Find a car rental near Inverness and head out for an unforgettable time among castles, dramatic coasts, misty mountains and historic villages. A popular road trip destination is Loch Ness, overlooked by iconic Urquhart Castle. Inverness itself has some fascinating highlights, too, though. Especially Inverness Castle is a major attraction, while its Old Town is home to the indoor Victorian Market, the Old High Church and Inverness Cathedral Car Hire Locations: Inverness Airport (INV), Inverness Railway Station Top Day Tours: Loch Ness and “Nessie” the Loch Ness Monster, Urquhart Castle, Culloden Moor site of the Culloden Battlefield and nearby Clava Cairns, Isle of Skye, Aviemore and the Ospreys at Loch Garten, Aberdeen, Northern Scottish Highlands to Thursoe, Fort William and Ben Nevis Cardiff is the capital and largest city in Wales, located at the mouth of the River Taff in the Severn Estuary. Its touristic centerpiece is the renovated Cardiff Bay waterfront, which encompasses a marina, the Wales Millennium Centre, Mermaid Quay and a plethora of shops and eateries. In the appropriately named Castle Quarter, visitors can take a peek inside medieval Cardiff Castle, constructed atop an ancient Roman fortification. For more history, visit the St. Fagans National History Museum or the National Museum Cardiff. Cardiff is the gateway to the rest of Wales and western England. Pick up a car rental in Cardiff and visit memorable destinations like the Brecon Beacons National Park, the Gower Peninsula and Snowdonia National Park. Auto Rental Locations: Cardiff Airport (CWL), Grangetown, Cardiff Railway Station, Cardiff City, Roath Top Day Drives: Brecon Beacons and Caerphilly Castle, Wye Valley, Gower Peninsula, Pembrokeshire Coast, Aberystwyth, Swansea, Newport, Bristol and the Avon Gorge, the historic Roman spa city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Cotswolds Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, home to a few striking highlights, most notably the Belfast City Hall, Belfast Castle and the Titanic Quarter, which includes the dockyards where the Titanic was built and the impressive Titanic Belfast museum. Road trippers won’t have any trouble finding a car rental near Belfast and go for scenic drives to places like the Giant’s Causeway and the Mourne Mountains. Car Hire Locations: Belfast International Airport (BFS), Belfast City Airport (BHD), Belfast City Best Day Trips: Giants Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, the Gobbins Cliff Path, Dunluce Castle, Derry (Londonderry), The Sperrins, Dark Hedges on Bregagh Road and Winterfell Castle were made popular in the Game of Thrones TV series, Enniskillen and Lough Erne, Donegal, Mussenden Temple Comprised of no fewer than 17,000 islands, Indonesia offers countless opportunities for adventure. It’s one of the most ethnically varied countries on the planet, but in terms of sheer natural diversity, too, it stands out. In Indonesia, you’ll find volcanoes and beaches, islands home to huge Komodo dragons and pristine jungles inhabited by tigers, elephants and orangutans. Some of its most famous islands are Java, Borneo and Bali. International Hire Car Companies: Avis Hire Car Brands: Toyota Most Popular Rental Vehicles: Intermediate, People Carrier/Vans Bali is arguably the most famous tourist destination in Indonesia. This is an island, though, so there’s lots to explore by Avis car hire—there are various vehicle rental offices on the island. From cultural heritage like dance, music and arts to iconic temples, stunning beaches and inland farmlands, Bali has something for everyone. Car Rental Locations: Denpasar Airport – Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), Denpasar Town Top Day Trips: Ubud Monkey Forest, Tegenungan Waterfall, Mt Batur Japan is an incredibly varied country made up of thousands of islands, the largest of which are Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku and Hokkaido. It’s an extremely populous nation, thanks mainly to massive Tokyo, but it also has abundant natural beauty, from the coniferous forests of the northern islands to volcanoes like Mount Fuji and the (sub)tropical coral reef in its far south. International Rental Car Companies: Hertz, Europcar Local Car Hire Companies: Nippon Rent a Car, Niconico Rent a Car, Nissan Rent a Car, Times Car Rental Hire Car Brands: Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Suzuki, Honda Most Popular Rental Vehicles: Economy, People Carrier/Vans, Compact, Station Wagon/Estate SUV hire cars also have good availability. A few Toyota Prius hybrid/electric rental cars are available. Japan’s largest and capital city, Tokyo is where most visitors arrive. This vast city, home to more than 13 million people, has enough attractions and things to do to keep tourists occupied for weeks on end. People with a heart for exploration, can find plenty of amazing deals for car rental near me in Tokyo with Hertz, Europcar and local auto hire companies Nippon & Nissan Rent a Car, to go on road trips to destinations like Hiroshima, Kyoto, Osaka and Mount Fuji. Major Car Rental Locations near Tokyo: Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT), Chiyoda, Roppongi, Toshima, Tokyo Ikebukuro Railway Station, Shibuya, Railway Stations at Shinjuku, Ueno, Shinagawa & Tachikawa. Top Day Drives: Hakone Hot Springs, Kamakura, Nagano for Macaque Monkeys, Yokohama, Nikko UNESCO World Heritage Area, Mt Nogogiri (Sawtooth Mountain), Mt Takao, Todoroki Valley, Chichibu, Mt Fuji Occupying parts of Borneo and the Malay Peninsula, Malaysia is famous for its cultural variety, amazing food, dense rain forests and glorious beaches. Visitors can explore pristine national parks, but also immerse themselves into the many cultures that thrive in or have left their influences on modern-day Malaysia. If you just want to tropical beach vacation, that’s entirely possible, too. International Auto Rental Companies: Avis, Sixt, Hertz, Europcar, Keddy by Europcar Local Car Hire Companies: Galaxy Car Rental, Gosocar, Green Matrix, Hawk Rent a Car, Kasina Rent a Car, Khaimal Car Rental, Klezcar Malaysia, Merge Car Rental, Pacific Rent a Car, Paradise Cars Top Auto Hire Brands: Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai, VW, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Proton, Perodua Most Popular Hire Vehicles: Economy, People Carrier/Vans, Compact For driving in big cities or short distances, rental mini-cars are a popular option. Malaysia’s capital and arguably most popular tourist destination is Kuala Lumpur with Europcar, Hertz, Avis and Sixt car hire agencies. This huge metropolis has everything you can expect from a major city in Southeast Asia, including lots of vehicle rental options. From colonial buildings to ultra-modern architecture like the world-famous Petronas Twin Towers, bustling shopping areas and vibrant markets, Kuala Lumpur is a top destination in this part of the world. Main Car Hire Locations: Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL), Kuala Lumpur City, Mont Kiara, Segambut, Ampang, Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, Wangsa Maju, Cheras Batu 9, Kuala Lumpur Sentral Railway Station Top Day Drives: Batu Caves, Kuala Selangor, Genting Highlands, Cameron Highlands, Malacca, Bentong, Taman Negara, Bukit Tinggi, Ipoh, Frasers Hill A city-state located on an island just off the Malaysian coast, Singapore is a phenomenal destination for various reasons. It is home to landmarks from various cultures, from its Chinatown to British colonial architecture. In addition to its historic buildings, Singapore also boasts some breathtaking modern architecture. Famous examples are the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark and the Gardens by the Bay. Unsurprisingly for such a modern city/country, Singapore boasts a huge number of auto rental pick-up locations. International Car Rental Companies: Avis, Sixt, Hertz, Europcar, Budget Local Auto Hire Companies: Hawk Rent a Car Major Hire Car Brands: Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Honda, VW, Peugeot, Ford, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Chevrolet Most Popular Rental Cars: Compact, Economy, Intermediate Rental Car Locations: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), Downtown Singapore, West Singapore, East Singapore Top Day Trips: Jurong Bird Park, Chinese Garden, Singapore Zoo, Tree Top Walk, Botanic Gardens Occupying the southern half of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia, South Korea is an incredibly varied country. It’s well-known for its lush, forest-covered countryside, as well as countless temples, historic palaces and high-tech cities like Seoul. This is a destination that appeals to road trippers of all kinds. Culture lovers will relish the chance to explore ancient cities and charming fishing villages, while nature enthusiasts can enjoy everything from swimming at subtropical islands to hiking to waterfalls and visiting volcanoes. International Rental Car Companies: Avis, Hertz, Sixt Car Hire Brands: Kia, Hyundai Most Popular Rental Vehicles: Economy, Compact, People Carrier/Vans The capital of Jeju Island, south of the Korean mainland, Jeju City has a wealth of history and culture to explore. It’s the gateway to the rest of the island. With a car rental in Jeju, you can enjoy seawater saunas at the coastal Yongduam Haesu Spa, while Jeju Horse Park showcases the island’s equestrian history. Nature lovers should head toward Hallasan National Park in the middle of the island, where volcanoes dot the landscape around Mount Yeongjusan. Hire Car Locations: Jeju International Airport (CJU) Top Day Trips: Osulloc Tea Museum, Yongmeori Coast, City of Seowigpo and its three waterfalls: Jeongbang, Cheonjiyeon and Cheonjeyeon, Seongsan Ilchulbong (volcanic peak), Hyeopjae Beach A vast metropolis, Seoul is the South Korean capital, a city where ultramodern skyscrapers and cutting-edge subways co-exist with historic palaces, ornate temples and bustling markets. Seoul has a major international airport and you’ll have no trouble finding a car rental near me upon arrival. From the city, the rest of the southern peninsula beckons. Popular road trip destinations include Busan, Jeju Island, Tongyeong and Sokcho. Top Car Rental Locations: Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN), Mapo District, Guro District, Gangnam District, Yeongdungpo District, Seocho District Main Day Drives: Hahoe Folk Village, Buyongdae Observatory, Hwaseong Fortress, Paju Book City (center for Korean book publishing industry, with cafes, galleries, bookstores and museums), Jayu Park (with popular Chinatown and 15-meter statue of General MacArthur), Ganghawado Island Renowned around the globe for its mouthwatering food, almost impossibly beautiful beaches and islands, and stunning temples and Buddha statues, Thailand has become a massively popular holiday destination. This is where you’ll find everything from ancient palaces and floating markets to party islands and remote jungles and farmlands. International Car Hire Companies: Avis, Sixt, Hertz, Europcar, Budget, National Local Rental Car Companies: Thai Rent a Car Car Rental Brands: Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Honda, Mercedes Most Popular Hire Car Vehicles: Economy, SUV, Compact The second-largest island in Thailand, Koh Samui lies off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus. This is one of the world’s greatest tropical beach destinations, a place characterized by palm tree-lined sand beaches, high-end resorts and family-run guesthouses, wonderful inland rain forests and azure-blue waters. One of its main attractions is the 12-meter-tall Big Buddha statue. Compare rates from one of the many car rental offices in Koh Samui, then take time to really explore the local area in your rent a car. Rental Car Locations: Koh Samui Airport (USM), Downtown Koh Samui Top Day Trips: Grandfather & Grandmother Rocks, Fisherman’s Village at Bophut, Laem Sor Pagoda, Na Muang Waterfalls, Big Buddha Pattaya is a coastal city just south of Bangkok famous for its beaches, nightlife, resorts and shopping malls. There are also many high-end golf courses, fantastic street food stalls and the sacred Wat Phra Yai Temple. Hire Car Locations: Downtown Pattaya Best Day Trips: Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens, Koh Samet, Chanthaburi, Ko Si Chang A historic crossroads nation between the Middle East and Europe, Turkey has a wealth of history and culture to discover. The metropolis that is Istanbul is where you’ll find the famous Hagia Sophia and the amazing Blue Mosque, while ancient sites include Ephesus and Troy. Turkey also has some fantastic natural destinations—which are great for scenic road trips. Those include the remarkable travertine hot springs of Pamukkale and the “fairy chimneys” of Cappadocia. The Turkish Riviera, on the other hand, is home to resort towns, great beaches and beautiful coastal scenery. International Hire Car Companies: Avis, Budget, Sixt Local Car Rental Companies: Green Motion Hire Car Brands: Dacia, Fiat, Ford, Nissan, Renault, Seat, Volkswagen, Volvo, BMW, Mercedes Most Popular Rental Vehicles: Economy, SUV, Compact, Premium/Luxury In the Anatolia region of northern Turkey lies Ankara, the country’s capital. It’s home to several national institutions, as well as numerous historically and culturally significant sites. Thanks to its central location, Ankara is a fantastic place for Turkish road trips. Consider renting a car in Ankara and visiting places like the Hattusa UNESCO World Heritage Site, the first Ottoman Empire capital of Bursa, and historic Safranbolu. Rental Car Locations: Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB), Downtown Ankara Top Day Drives: Kizilcahamam (hot springs and spas), Abant Lake, Gordion Museum, Konya (Sufi pilgrimage destination; place to see whirling dervish ceremonies) Bustling Antalya is the gateway to Turkey’s Turquoise Coast on the Mediterranean Sea. It has several sites dating back to Roman times, but the city is mainly a popular seaside resort nowadays. Holidaymakers who are looking for an alternative to the beach can rent a car in Antalya and visit numerous great local destinations. Great examples include the famous Pamukkale Hot Springs, the ancient City of Hierapolis and the Kuzdere Passage. Hire Car Locations: Antalya International Airport (AYT), Antalya Domestic Airport (AYT), Belek Major Day Drives: Ruins of ancient city of Perge, Mount Tahtali (with aerial tram), Side (resort town with beaches and Greco-Roman ruins) Gulluk Mountain Termessos National Park, Alara Castle and Han (Byzantine fortress and ancient caravan stop), Kursunlu Waterfall A massive, bustling city on both side of the Bosphorus Strait between Asia and Europe, Istanbul is one of the world’s greatest cities. It’s home to a huge number of historic and cultural sites, most notable the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, as well as the Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace. Thanks to its international airport and numerous options for successful car rental near me searches, there are some epic road trips from Istanbul. Suggested destinations are the Gallipoli War Cemeteries, the ruins of Troy, the historic city of Bursa and the remains of Ephesus, one of the world’s greatest Roman sites. Top Car Rental Locations: Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST), Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), Bahcelievler, Taksim, Kadikoy, Atasehir, Kartal Major Day Excursions: Kilyos (also known as Kumkoy; seaside resort), Belgrad Forest, Anadolu Kavagi (quaint seaside village), Edirne (heritage city, second capital of the Ottoman Empire), Iznik (formerly known as Nicea) United Arab Emirates The country of the United Arab Emirates lies on the Arabian Peninsula and consists of seven different emirates. The capital is Abu Dhabi, which is home to the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, while Dubai is famous for its Burj Khalifa Tower. Other emirates include Sharjah, Fujairah and Ajman. In addition to the U.A.E.’s iconic, ultramodern architecture, it also has a rich history and many beautiful natural destinations, such as desert sand dunes, oases, mountains and beaches. International Auto Hire Companies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Europcar, Keddy by Europcar, National, Sixt, Thrifty Local Auto Rental Companies: Fast Rent a Car, Interrent, Payless Car Rental Top Auto Rental Brands: Toyota, Chevrolet, Opel, Mitsubishi, Ford, Kia, Nissan, Jeep, Toyota, Cadillac Most Popular Auto Rentals: Economy, SUV, Compact, Intermediate Dubai distinguishes itself with its impressive modern architecture, most notably the 830-meter-high Burj Khalifa, the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab and The Palm. This is a shopping and eating paradise, home to world-class malls and fantastic restaurants, as well as high-end resorts. While Dubai is certainly worth exploring, it’s also a great base for road trips around the United Arab Emirates. With a Dubai car rental, visitors can head to Khasab, Fujairah, Dibba and Jebel Hafeet, which is a stunning mountain drive. Main Dubai Auto Rental Locations: Dubai International Airport (DXB), Dubai Al Maktoum Airport (DWC), Jebel Ali, Al Quoz, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai Marina, Deira, Dubai Trade Centre, Dubai Internet City, Bur Dubai Best Day Tours: Abu Dhabi, Musandam Peninsula, Al-Ain (“the Garden City”), Hili Archaeological Park, Jebel Jais, Sharjah, Hatta Dam and Heritage Village, Al Jazirah Al Hamra (“Ghost Town”) Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. Located on an island in the Persian Gulf, it’s home to ultramodern skyscrapers and enormous shopping centers. Its star attraction, however, is the iconic white-marbled Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Home to a major international airport, there are also plenty of car rental locations in Abu Dhabi, making it one of the best places to start a drive around the emirates. Major Auto Hire Depots: Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), Abu Dhabi Downtown, Abu Dhabi Tourist Club Area, Musaffah Industrial Area, Al Maqta, Saadiyat Island, Al Safarat, Yas Island, Masdar City, Al Danah Top Day Drives: Dubai, Sharjah, Al-Ain (“the Garden City”), Al Jazirah Al Hamra (“Ghost Town”), Hili Archaeological Park, Jebel Jais The unofficial cultural capital of the United Arab Emirates, Sharjah lies just north of Dubai. It’s home to excellent museums and art galleries, a huge marketplace and a beautiful waterfront. Sharjah is a popular day trip destination from other emirates like Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Top Sharjah Rental Locations: Sharjah International Airport (SHJ), Sharjah City Centre, Abu Shagara, Al Majaz, Al Nahda Best Day Trips: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Bidiyah Mosque and Al Bidiyah Fort, Wadi Shah, Al Jazirah Al Hamra (“Ghost Town”), Hili Archaeological Park, Jebel Jais An increasingly popular destination in Southeast Asia, Vietnam boasts both vibrant cities and remote mountain villages, peaceful beaches and party islands, historic temples and French-colonial landmarks. On road trips from major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can explore gorgeous destinations like Ha Long Bay, the Mekong Delta, Hoi An and Hue. International Car Hire Companies: Avis Rental Car Brands: Toyota, Audi, Mercedes Most Popular Hire Cars: SUV, People Carrier/Vans, Intermediate, Premium/Luxury The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is chock-full with ancient architecture, pagodas, temples and narrow maze-like streets. Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences are clearly visible, while a couple of imposing monuments commemorate the Vietnam War. With a car rental in Hanoi, visitors can head for the ultimate northern Vietnamese road trip. Amazing destinations include Ba Be National Park, Mai Chau and the terraced hills of Sapa. Vehicle Hire Locations: Hanoi Airport (HAN), Hanoi City Top Day Tours: Ninh Binh (picturesque small village on Red River Delta), Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve, Cuc Phuong National Park, Xuan Son National Park, Ba Vi National Park, Tam Dao National Park, Ho Citadel, Duong Lam Ancient Village Ho Chi Minh City Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect base to explore southern Vietnam. The city itself is renowned for its French-colonial landmarks and Vietnam War sites, while nearby natural destinations include the beautiful Can Gio Biosphere Reserve. Additionally, Ho Chi Minh City is a popular starting point for one-way road trips to Hanoi. Vehicle Rental Locations: Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN), Ho Chi Minh City Top Day Drives: Black Virgin Mountain, Cu Chi Tunnels, Vung Tau (seaside resort town), Cai Be Floating Market, Ben Tre (town famous for coconut candy) Situated in the middle of southern Africa, Botswana is one of the continent’s best safari destinations. This is where you’ll find the magnificent Okavango Delta, a place unlike anywhere else on the planet, as well as the Kalahari Desert. Both are home to vast numbers of wildlife, from elephants and hippos to leopards and lions. International Car Hire Companies: Avis, Europcar, Hertz, AutoEurope Rental Car Brands: Toyota, VW, Hyundai, Nissan, Audi, Mercedes Most Popular Hire Cars: Economy, Compact Premium/Luxury rental cars are popular auto hire options to book. A small town in the far north of Botswana, Kasane lies near the so-called Four Corners point—a spot where Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia nearly meet. As the administrative center in the Chobe District, it’s a superb place for excursions to Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta and even Victoria Falls. Auto Rental Car Locations: Kasane Chobe Airport (BBK), Downtown Kasane Main Day Drives: Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls The “tourism capital” of Botswana, Maun lies in the central-northern part of the country. It’s expanded greatly in recent years and is now home to hotels, bars, restaurants and shopping malls. But more than anything else, it’s the safari and airplane charter headquarters of the country, boasting Avis, Budget, Europcar and Auto Europe car rental offices. It’s the premier gateway to the Okavango Delta. Auto Hire Car Locations: Maun Airport (MUB) Top Day Drives: Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta One of the most well-known and most visited countries in all of Africa, South Africa abounds in amazing tourist attractions. From the urban delights of Cape Town to the sensational Garden Route and the Cape Winelands to the Kalahari Desert and the enormous Blyde River Canyon, this is an incredibly diverse destination. Visitors can partake in all sorts of outdoor adventures in South Africa, but arguably the number one thing to do here is going on a safari with a wide range of SUV and 4WD vehicles you can compare and book online. Its many nature parks, such as Kruger National Park, are home to the “Big Five”. International Car Rental Companies: Budget, Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Dollar, Keddy by Europcar, Thrifty Local Rental Car Companies: Bidvest Car Rental, CABS Car Hire, Firefly Car Rental, First Car Hire, Tempest Car Hire, Woodford Car Hire Top Auto Rental Brands: Toyota, VW, Hyundai, Nissan, Kia, Honda, Suzuki, Datsun, BMW, Mercedes Benz Most Popular Auto Rentals: Economy, Compact Known as the “City of Roses”, Bloemfontein is the judicial capital of South Africa. Although it’s a major city, it does have a wonderful small-town feel to it. Bloemfontein is easily one of South Africa’s friendliest and relaxed cities. Its excellent restaurants and less-known attractions make it a nice place to hang out for a couple of days. Nearby nature parks include the Soetdoring Nature Reserve and Rustfontein Nature Reserve. Additionally, Bloemfontein is also a fantastic place to start trips to Lesotho Main Hire Car Offices: Bloemfontein Bram Fischer International Airport (BFN), Bloemfontein Downtown Top Day Excursions: the historic town of Kimberley in the Diamond Fields is home of De Beers, Mokala National Park is South Africa’s newest wildlife reserve and is “where Endangered Species Roam”, Golden Gate Highlands National Park and the Maluti Mountains foothills, Lesotho and the Maseru region South Africa’s oldest city, Cape Town oozes history, charm and life. It’s famous for its picturesque harbor and iconic natural landmarks like Cape Point and Table Mountain. Other major attractions include Robben Island and the stunning Cape Floristic Region. It’s one of the country’s most popular destinations, both for its own highlights and its ideal location as a starting point for South Africa road trips. Home to a major airport, Cape Town also has numerous car rental offices and pick-up locations. As such, locating an affordable car rental near me in Cape Town is super-easy. Top Car Hire Locations near Cape Town: Cape Town Airport (CPT), Cape Town City, Rondebosch, Milnerton, Parow, Bellville, Durbanville, Somerset West, Strand Best Day Drives: BoKaap, Stellenbosch Wine Route, Paarl, Franschhoek, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape of Good Hope, Camp’s Bay, Paternoster, Hermanus, Aquila Private Game Reserve, For a longer drive take the Garden Route one way through Mossel Bay to Storms River, before driving on to Port Elizabeth or Durban, where you can drop your hire car off. Durban is a major port city on the southeast coast of South Africa. It’s often considered one of the largest tourist hubs in the country. Enjoying a subtropical climate and featuring large beaches, the city is a fantastic summer holiday destination. Additionally, it’s also quite a modern city—it was recognized as the New7Wonders Cities in 2015. Top Durban Car Rental Locations: Durban King Shaka Airport (DUR), Durban Downtown, Pine Town, Mobeni, Umhlanga, Amanzimtoti Best Day Trips: Valley of a Thousand Hills, Midlands Meander, Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve, Margate From Durban you can drive over the challenging Sani Pass, with it’s hairpin bends in a 4×4 rental vehicle. However you will need travel documents if you cross over into Lesotho, and check that your car rentals terms and conditions. Located on the Eastern Cape coast on the Indian Ocean, East London is home to gorgeous beaches, cultural and archaeological sites and sights, and offers easy access to several game reserves. The East London Museum has artifacts from the Xhosa people as well as fossilized animal and human footprints. With a rental car, you can go for game drives and see iconic wildlife like lions, zebras and elephants. Top Car Rental Branches: East London Airport (ELS), East London Downtown Popular Day Drives: Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve, Mpongo Private Game Reserve, GARDEN Route National Park, George, Addo Elephant National Park, Mountain Zebra National Park, Khaya La Bantu Cultural Village George lies on the coast of the Western Cape, right on the world-famous and gloriously scenic Garden Route. Nature lovers should visit the Garden Route Botanical Garden with its pleasant trails through fynbos vegetation, while the Seven Passes Road offers great views in the Outeniqua Mountains. In town, you can see vintage cars and steam trains at the Outeniqua Transport Museum. Top Car Hire Locations: George Airport (GRJ), George City Centre Best Day Drives: Garden Route National Park, Mossel Bay on the Garden Route, Addo Elephant National Park, Bontebok National Park, Knysna Elephant Park, Port Elizabeth The largest city in South Africa, Johannesburg is not a traditional tourist destination in the country. Home to a major international airport, however, it is a popular connecting point for flights to Durban and Cape Town. There are several attractions in the city, though. In the vicinity, visitors can visit the Cradle of Humanity UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Krugersdorp Nature Reserve. A bit further afield, yet still easily reachable with a rental car, lies epic Kruger National Park. Top Johannesburg Car Rental Locations: Johannesburg Tambo Airport (JNB), Johannesburg Lanseria Airport (HLA), Downtown, Johannesburg Railway Station, Rosebank, Kempton Park, Randfontein, South Best Day Trips: Kruger National Park, Soweto, Pilanesburg National Park, Pretoria, Magaliesberg, Rustenberg, Sterkfontein Caves, Krugersdorp, Cullinan, Bloemfontein The capital of KwaZulu-Natal province, Pietermaritzburg has tons of cultural heritage and contemporary characteristics. After a successful car rental near me search in Pietermaritzburg, you can use the city as a base to explore the Midlands Meander and Drakensberg. Drives to the coastal city of Durban are a great option as well. Top Hire Car Locations: Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB), Pietermaritzburg City Best Day Trips: Valley of 1000 Hills, Midlands Meander, Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve, Sani Pass and Lesotho, Golden Gate Highlands National Park Located at the eastern end of the marvelously scenic Garden Route, Port Elizabeth has plenty of tourist attractions, include the Route 67 walking trail and the Donkin Heritage Trail. Nature lovers can find many car rental discounts and go for drives to nearby Addo Elephant National Park. Another popular activity is whale watching along the coast. Daredevils can even go cage diving with sharks! Major Car Hire Locations: Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ), Port Elizabeth Downtown Main Day Trips: Addo Elephant Park, Tsitsikamma Coast National Park, Karoo, Bathurst South Africa’s administrative capital, Pretoria has several 19th-century buildings, including the Ou Raadsaal and Palace of Justice. The Voortrekker Monument commemorates Afrikaans settlers from the Cape Colony in the 19th century. With a rental car, you can visit nearby game reserves and nature parks, such as the Reitvlei Nature Reserve and the Groenkloof Nature Reserve, home to rhinos, wildebeest and other wildlife. Top Rental Car Locations: Pretoria Wonderboom Airport (PRY), Hatfield, Pretoria North, Pretoria East, Menlyn Best Day Excursions: Pilanesburg National Park & Game Reserve, the Cradle of Humankind Visitor Centre at Maropeng, Sun City, Marakele National Park and the Waterberg Mountains, Johannesburg, Ludwig’s Roses, Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Center at Brits, visit Lesedi Cultural Village and experience traditional African culture Kruger National Park is a long day trip from Pretoria, as a result we recommend spending at least 2 nights there to make best use of your time. Argentina is an enormous country in the south of South America. It encompasses both the towering Andes Mountains and the Pampas grasslands. The latter is the ideal grazing grounds for Argentina’s world-renowned beef cattle, while the country is also famous for its music and tango dance. It’s the spectacular nature, however, that sets Argentina apart from most other countries and makes it a phenomenal place to explore with a car rental. Epic sights include the Petito Moreno Glacier and Los Glaciares National Park. Patagonia’s Tierra del Fuego is a rugged archipelago famous for whale watching, while, on the border with Brazil, Iguazu Falls is nothing short of sensational. International Hire Car Companies: Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Keddy by Europcar, National, Sixt Popular Car Hire Brands: Fiat, Nissan, Chevrolet, Renault, Ford, VW, Toyota, Peugeot Most Popular Hire Vehicles: Compact, Economy, Intermediate Situated in the Patagonia region in southwestern Argentina, close to the Chilean border, Bariloche (full name is San Carlos de Bariloche) is the capital of Argentina’s Lake District. It’s the gateway to Argentinian Patagonia’s several epic national parks and long-distance hiking routes. Besides its location amid towering mountains, Bariloche has a couple of other European Alps-type features. It’s home to wonderful Swiss-style architecture as well as chocolate shops along the central street of Calle Mitre. Car Hire Locations: Bariloche Airport (BRC), San Carlos de Bariloche Top Day Trips: Villa La Angostura (picturesque lakeside resort town), El Bolsón (bohemian riverside town with many outdoor activities), Lanín National Park, Colonia Suiza (heritage village with Swiss chalets), Laberinto Patagonia (maze), Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, Cerro Campanario (cable car to famous mountaintop view) The capital city of Argentina, Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan city filled with both historic and modern architecture. Its heart is the Plaza de Mayo, which is surrounded by monumental buildings from the 19th century, including the iconic Casa Rosada presidential palace. Another super-popular area in Buenos Aires is La Boca, its Italian district, famous for its vibrantly colored Caminito Alley and the La Bombonera football stadium. If you’re looking for a car rental near me in Argentina, Buenos Aires has a wealth of deals, discounts and locations. Popular road trip destinations include the cattle ranches of southern Argentina and even Iguazu Falls and Patagonia. Main Rental Car Locations: Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport (EZE), Buenos Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP), Downtown Buenos Aires, Tigre, Puerto Madero, Belgrano Top Day Tours: Don Silvano Ranch (working cattle ranch), Tigre (popular tourist destination, gateway to the Paraná River delta), Santa Susana Ranch (Argentinian “Wild West” experience), San Antonio de Areco (picturesque colonial town), Temaiken Eco Park and Zoo, Lujan (home of the gothic Basilica of Our Lady Lujan) Located in the middle of Argentina, Cordoba is a great destination for lovers of culture, architecture and history. Various Spanish colonial buildings dot the city, from the 17th-century Jesuit Block complex to the Iglesia del Sagrado Corazon and Plaza San Martin, the centerpiece of Cordoba. You’ll also find plenty of auto rental opportunities here. From Cordoba, you can go for drives to the wineries of Mendoza or Buenos Aires. Car Rental Locations: Cordoba Airport (COR), Downtown Cordoba Top Day Drives: Mina Clavero (sandy beaches, rocky landscape), Quebrada del Condorito National Park, Capilla del Monte (small town known for its “energy vortexes” and chance to meet extraterrestrials atop Cerro Uritorco), Laberinto de Nono (maze) Wine lovers should put Mendoza on their to-visit list. This verdant city lies in the very middle of Argentina’s premier wine region, renowned for its red wines like Malbecs. Numerous bodegas offer winery tours and wine tastings. Thanks to its setting at the foot of the Andes Mountains, Mendoza is also a popular base for hiking and skiing holidays, as well as scenic drives. On Argentinian road trips, Mendoza is often combined with Cordoba and Buenos Aires. It’s also close to Santiago, Chile. Car Hire Locations: Mendoza Airport (MDZ), Downtown Mendoza Main Day Trips: Cuidad Fantasmal Paramillos (ghost town), Bosque Fosil Araucarias de Darwin (petrified forest discovered by Charles Darwin), Puente del Inca (natural bridge formation), Aconcagua Provincial Park, Christ the Redeemer of the Andes (bronze statue at border with Chile), O Fournier Bodega (winery), Embalse Potrerillos (reservoir with kayak rentals) A massive country that takes up a large part of South America, Brazil is famous for its amazing Carnaval parades, samba dance and music, and beach culture. Although not its capital, Rio de Janeiro is Brazil’s most well-known city, home to iconic Copacabana Beach and the huge Christ the Redeemer Statue. In São Paulo, on the other hand, you’ll find major cultural institutions, galleries and restaurants. In terms of natural scenery, Brazil harbors the largest part of the vast Amazon rain forest. Iguazu Falls on the border with Argentina is one of its most popular natural attractions, while the Maranhão sand dunes in the far north are an impressive sight as well. International Rental Car Companies: Avis, Budget, Hertz Local Hire Car Companies: Localiza Brazil Rent a Car, Movida Rent a Car Top Rent a Car Brands: Fiat, Dacia, Chevrolet, Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, Ford, Volkswagen, Renault, Jeep Most Popular Rental Vehicles: Economy, SUV, Medium Brasilia is a planned city in the highlands of south-central Brazil. It was built specifically to serve as the country’s capital, which it effectively became in 1960. Surrounding the central, institutional and governmental part of the city, there are public parks, numerous hotels, restaurants, shops and car rental offices. Brasilia’s location in the middle of Brazil makes it a great starting point to explore this relatively undiscovered part of the country. Suggested destinations range from Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park to the Chapada Imperial Ecological Reserve. Hire Car Offices: Brasilia Airport (BSB), Downtown Brasilia Major Day Trips: Cristalina (rustic town specializing in semi-precious stones), Salto do Itiquira (waterfall and park), Brasilia National Park, Poço Azul (natural area with waterfalls and hiking trails), Pirenópolis (town with waterfalls and Portuguese colonial architecture), Caldas Novas (city with thermal baths; longer drive, 4 hrs) Rio de Janeiro Brazil’s most famous city, Rio de Janeiro is home to many iconic landmarks. First and foremost, it’s renowned for its festival, samba and beach lifestyle, epitomized by Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches. Towering behind the waterfront, imposing Sugarloaf Mountain is topped by the 18-meter-tall Christ the Redeemer Statue, one of the world’s greatest statues. After picking up their car rental near me in Rio, visitors can also explore nearby Tijuca National Park. This lush national park features mountains covered with rain forest and waterfalls, and possible toucan sightings. Top Car Hire Locations: Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport (GIG), Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), Barra da Tijuca, Galeao, Copacabana, Niteroi, Andarai Main Day Excursions: Petrópolis (city known as a mountain retreat), Serra dos Órgãos National Park, Prainha Beach, Cabo Frio (colonial beach town), Paraty (well-preserved colonial town; longer drive, 4 hrs), Armação dos Búzios (resort town with 23 beaches) Although it’s not the capital or the most famous city in Brazil, Sao Paulo is the country’s most populous metropolis and a major cultural and artistic hub. Landmarks are plentiful, ranging from the neo-Gothic Sao Paulo Cathedral and Pinacoteca do Estado de Sao Paulo art museum to huge Ibirapuera Park, Paulista Avenua with its many museums, and the upscale Jardins district. Sao Paulo is surrounded by lush nature, lots of parks, and located pretty close to the coast. With a Sao Paulo car rental, you can explore places like the iconic Pantanal and National Park da Bocaina. A hugely popular road trip is from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro (or vice versa). Top Rent a Car Locations: Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU), Sao Paulo Congonhas Airport (CGH), Campo Belo, Santana, Consolacao, Butanta, Chacara Santo Antonio, Santo Amaro, Vila Nova, Barra Funda Main Day Drives: Socorro (city with adventure sports and former mining cave), Zu Lai Temple (largest Buddhist temple in South America), Roteiro do Vinho (tourist route through 10 traditional wineries), Embu das Artes (city known for concentration of arts, crafts and music), Boituva (hot air balloons, skydiving, paragliding), Guarujá (coastal town known for its beaches) An almost impossibly long and narrow country on South America’s west coast, Chile has an incredible 6,000 kilometers of coastline along the Pacific Ocean. It’s home to a few vibrant cities, notably its capital of Santiago, but also colorful Valparaiso. Chile is also characterized by both desert and mountains, respectively the huge Atacama Desert and the Andes. Arguably Chile’s most popular natural destination is Chilean Patagonia, home to the majestic towers of Torres del Paine. Additionally, Chile is also a leading wine producer in the world and features numerous amazing wineries in different regions. This variety makes it extremely attractive to road trip enthusiasts. Car rental near me options are plentiful. International Rental Car Companies: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Keddy by Europcar, National Local Hire Car Companies: Bonzi Rent a Car, Chilean Rent a Car, Econorent Car Rental, Interrent Chile, Koyer Rent a Car, Mitta Rent a Car & Leasing Operativo, Nu Car Rentals, O’Clock Rent a Car, Rosselot Rent a Car, United Rent a Car Main Car Rental Brands: Nissan, Dongfeng, Toyota, Great Wall, Dodge, Ssangyong, Baic, Peugeot, Hyundai, Chevrolet Most Popular Rental Vehicles: Economy, SUV Antofagasta is a regional hub and coastal city in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. It’s one of the gateways to this vast desert, home to urban attractions like the Plaza Colon old town square, a 19th-century pier, and the Museum of Antofagasta. Around the city, you can visit various points of interest with a rental car, from the huge and iconic Hand of the Desert to an impressive natural rock arch known as La Portada. South of the city lies the Cerro Paranal, topped by the Very Large Telescope. Rental Car Locations: Antofagasta Cerro Moreno Airport (ANF), Downtown Antofagasta Major Day Trips: La Chimba National Reserve, Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), Calama (gateway to the Atacama Desert), Atacama Salt Flat (longer drive, 4 hrs), Puritama thermal baths (longer drive, 4 hrs), Valle del Arcoiris (Rainbow Valley), Mirador Geoglifos Chug-Chug (geoglyphs), Pukara de Lasana (archeological site) Concepcion is a vibrant university city on the central Chilean coast. Tourist attractions include the Natural History Museum, the Concepcion History Gallery and Ecuador Park. After finding a car rental near me, you can also head to nearby Lota, south of the city, to visit the Devil’s Blast, an out-of-commission coal mine that extends under the Pacific Ocean. Rent a Car Locations: Concepcion Carriel Sur Airport (CCP), Downtown Concepcion Major Day Tours: Parque Pedro del Río Zañartu, Ramuncho (scenic beach), Nonguén National Reserve, Playa de Colcura, Lota (historic coal mining town), Parque Jorge Alessandri, Saltos del Laja (large waterfalls), Botanical Garden University of Talca, Laguna del Laja National Park A coastal city in the north of Chile, Iquique is to the west of the Atacama Desert. Once a thriving saltpeter mining location, nowadays the city is an enjoyable vacation destination. There’s waterfront casino, a tax-free harbor district and some great beaches. Scenic road trip destinations from Iquique are nearby Pampa del Tamarugal National Reserve and Volcan Isluga National Park. Hire Car Locations: Iquique (Diego Aracena Aguilar) Airport (IQQ), Downtown Iquique Top Day Drives: Atacama Giant (one of the world’s largest geoglyphs), Arica (Chile’s northernmost city, “City of Everlasting Spring”), Humberstone and Santa Laura (nitrate mine ghost towns), Geoglifos de Pintados (geoglyphs), Mamiña (village with many hot springs), Geoglifo de Tiliviche (geoglyph) La Serena lies on the coast of the Coquimbo region. It’s home to beautiful, long sandy beaches and some amazing colonial and neo-colonial architecture. Its main landmark is the Faro Monumental Lighthouse at El Faro Beach. The city also has its fair share of museums, such as the Archaeological Museum and the President Gabriel Gonzalez Videla Historical Museum. La Serena is a popular destination on Chilean coast road trip from cities like Valparaiso and Santiago. Car Hire Locations: La Serena (La Florida) Airport (LSC), Central La Serena Main Day Excursions: Astronomical Observatory Cerro Tololo, Gemini Observatory, La Silla Observatory, Punta de Choros (village with beach and boats to Humboldt Penguin Reserve), Llanos de Challe National Park, Fray Jorge National Park, Pisco Elqui (town where pisco is distilled, within picturesque Elqui Valley) People visiting Chilean Patagonia might pass through Puerto Montt at some point. This port city lies in Lake District of Chile and is one of the main gateways to the Andes Mountains and the spectacular fjords of Patagonia. With a car hire, visitors can head out to enjoy southern Chile’s spectacular landscapes. Nearby attractions include the active Calbuco volcano, while the Plaza de Armas square and the Caleta de Angelmo Market are cultural highlights. Rental Car Locations: Puerto Montt Airport (PMC), Puerto Montt Township, Cardonal Top Day Excursions: Puerto Varas (lakeside colonial town), Todos Los Santos Lake, Osorno Volcano, Petrohue Falls, Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, Senda Nativa Romahue (wildlife conservation and refuge park), Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon), Llanquihue National Reserve, Alerce Andino National Park Located close to the southernmost tip of Chilean Patagonia, Punta Arenas is a coastal town on the Strait of Magellan. This is a popular base for explorations and excursions into the surrounding wilderness and even to Antarctica. Car hire companies in Punta Arenas allow visitors to enjoy these absolutely spectacular landscapes at their own pace. There are few cultural attractions here, but one that is worth visiting is the Nao Victoria Museum, which houses a replica of one of Fernando Magellan’s galleons. Car Hire Locations: Punta Arenas Airport (PUG), Downtown Punta Arenas Top Day Drives: Torres Del Paine National Park, Estrecho de Magallanes Park, Parrillar Laguna National Reserve, Puerto del Hambre (Port Famine ruins), Mylodon Cave Natural Monument, Porvenir (gateway to Tierra del Fuego, reached by ferry from Punta Arenas or Tres Puentes) The capital of Chile, Santiago is a valley between the towering Andes Mountains and the Pacific Coast. Its historic heart, the Plaza de Armas, has two major historic landmarks—the 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral and the 19th-century Palacio de Real Audiencia. Santiago also has numerous car rental near me options and is the perfect starting point for roads trip through gorgeous Chile. Top Rent a Car Locations: Santiago Airport (SCL), Downtown Santiago, Bellavista, Las Condes, Providencia, Vespucio, Lo Barnechea, La Dehesa, Isidora, Maipu Popular Day Trips: Valparaíso (funiculars; Pablo Neruda’s home, now a museum), Pomaire (famous for pottery), Isla Negra (coastal town with another Neruda home/museum), Cajón del Maipo (picturesque gorge, outdoor activities), Viña del Mar (refined coastal resort town), Reñaca and Concón (beach towns, near Viña del Mar but more relaxed), El Colorado (snow sports; season is June through October), Aguas de Ramón Park, Río Blanco National Reserve (condors and pumas), Paidahuen Archeological Park (petroglyphs) Peru is easily one of South America’s most popular countries to visit. There are various reasons for that. The number one reason, however, is the fact that Peru is home to Machu Picchu, the world-famous ancient Inca city located high in the Andes Mountains. That whole area is dotted with archaeological sites, from the iconic Inca Trail to the Sacred Valley and the historic city of Cusco. Its capital city, Lima, is home to a gorgeous and well-preserved colonial old town, as well as museums housing pre-Columbian art. Additionally, people exploring Peru with a car hire might also want to visit amazing places like Lake Titicaca, the Nazca Lines, and Colca Canyon with its superb hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities. International Rental Car Companies: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt Main Car Hire Brands: Kia, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Chevrolet, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Ssangyong, Suzuki Most Popular Vehicle Rentals: Economy, Medium, Compact, SUV, Intermediate Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is now the heart of one of the world’s greatest archaeological regions. It boasts both Incan ruins and Spanish colonial buildings. Major landmarks include the central Plaza de Armas, the 17th-century Cusco Cathedral, and the Sacsayhuaman hilltop complex. Most importantly, however, Cusco is the gateway to other phenomenal ancient Inca sites, such as the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail and, above all, Machu Picchu. From Cusco, all southern Peru can conveniently be explored after picking up a rental vehicle. Car Rental Locations: Cusco Airport (CUZ), Cusco Town Major Day Drives: Huchuy Qosqo (Incan ruins), Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, Chonta (mountain village with wildlife spotting, including condors), Saint Peter the Apostle of Andahuaylillas (“Sistine Chapel of the Andes”), Pikillacta Archeological Park (pre-Columbian ruins), Killarumiyoc Archeological Site (Incan ruins), Pisac (handicrafts market, Incan ruins), Maras Salt Mines (ancient terraced salts pools and Incan ruins), Lares Hot Springs (functioning thermal spa built by Incans) Located on the dry Pacific coast of Peru, Lima is the country’s capital. Thanks to its international airport, it’s the most common arrival point of tourists—finding a car rental near me in Lima is super-easy. Lima has a beautiful colonial center, home to the Convent of San Francisco, the Torre Tagle Palace, and the amazing Plaza de Armas with the Lima Cathedral. From Lima, you can easily get to iconic Peruvian destinations like Cusco, the Nazca Lines and Lake Titicaca with a car rental. Main Hire Car Locations: Lima (Jorge Chavez) Airport (LIM), Miraflores, San Isidro, Villa El Salvador Major Day Drives: Caral (ruins of one of the most ancient city of the Americas), Huacachina (desert oasis surrounded by tall dunes; longer drive, 4 hrs), Lunahuana (valley town known for white water rafting; Incan ruins), Paracas National Reserve, Ica (coastal city known for wine), Pucusana (quaint fishing village with beaches), Punta Negra (numerous popular beaches)

Cycle Salute kicked off on the weekend, bringing three weeks of riding pleasure to North East Victoria. There was something for everyone, as the saying goes, from the 24-hour MTB race the Thule B24 and the Strava Smackdown, the Vineyard Back Road and Tour De Gourmet In a Day. Saturday saw a stunning spring day in Beechworth where riders from Beechworth, Melbourne and beyond took to their pushies for Patch to Patch Pedal, a tour of nine veggie gardens where locals shared their experience growing fruit and vegetables, and visitors were able to pick up tips on pest control, chooks, beekeeping, composting and everything in between. Bridge Road Brewers proved the perfect spot to mull over the day’s inspiration after the ride with a craft beer. The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail was also busy with many riders taking the option of a longer ride and finding lunch or dinner at one of the local eateries, such as the Plough Inn at Tarrawingee with the option of a shuttle service from Riding High making the hill-climb back to town just that much easier. While over at Yackandandah, the local primary school kids were busy training for their the Yackandandah Unicycle Challenge held on Sunday. Cycle Salute is on over the next three weeks and there is plenty to choose from, from road riding, hill challenges, unicyle lessons, MTB or a meeting of the tribes to gourmet, vineyard rides or family friendly. Time to get on your bike!

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors. If the experience of sheltering in a pandemic has taught us anything, it is the outscaled importance of that other 10%. “Being in nature drops our cortisol levels, makes us calmer, reduces anxiety and improves our mood,” said Bea Pila-Gonzalez, an interior designer in Miami. “It’s a physical yearning. We are hungry for the experience of what the outdoors brings to us.” This appetite is the subject of a newly released book, “Biophilia: You + Nature + Home.” The author is Sally Coulthard, an interior designer and writer based in North Yorkshire, England. She recounts how biophilia, the idea that humans are viscerally wired to feel a communion with the natural world, has shifted from a hypothesis espoused by biologist Edward O. Wilson and others to the emergence of urban beekeeping, increasingly diverse city gardens, and wild ideas for residences and workplaces. “Companies here are creating gorgeous lighting schemes that either incorporate plants into their design,” so you have “lighting that mimics the sky, or uses natural materials in some new or interesting way,” Coulthard said of Britain. “Others are using moss walls or are bringing large trees into indoor environments.” One of her subjects even makes home air filters from living plants. The biophilic compulsion to unite indoors and outdoors is leaping beyond the familiar tropes of eco-sustainability — natural fibers, salvaged lumber and the war against carcinogens and toxins. Adherents want not just personal and environmental health but also psychological and spiritual well-being. “A lot of people who come to me are seeking tranquility and a meditative feeling,” said Gennaro Brooks-Church, the owner of Brooks-Church Living Walls in New York, which designs and installs the vertical panels of plants that an increasing number of U.S. residents have in their homes and offices. He said that from 2018 to 2019, he received a 67% increase in commissions. But a slice of the outside does not come cheap. He charges $20,000 for a 10-by-10-foot wall, for which he uses more than 600 plants, including philodendrons, orchids, African violets and xanthium. “Each is purposely placed to create a visual ordered chaos,” he said. The “colors, natural patterns of the plants and textures are something we deeply resonate with.” The tug of biophilia also means that plant matter used to cover interior surfaces has broadened beyond the living wall’s garden-variety ferns and succulents. Innerspace, a company in Cheshire, England, designs feature walls consisting of preserved moss, foliage, bark and charred timber. In 2019, it created about 250 of these for homes, offices and hospitals — twice the quantity of the previous year, said Ian Lamb, the company’s managing director. For a day care center in North London, it fashioned bark and moss into a two-dimensional tree that surrounded an interior doorway; to move from room to room, the children must walk through the trunk, which suits them just fine. A number of biophilic projects pay special attention to the transition between exterior and interior. The Canopy, a residential tower in Hong Kong by Boutique Design, offering 54 luxurious duplexes, each surrounded by a private garden of about 525 square feet, references in its cylindrical form a tree amid the city’s striking natural landscape. Even more unusual is the plant-studded structure that pierces the two-family Stairway House in the Shinjuku ward of Tokyo, rising through several floors. “There are four seasons in Japan, and living in a space exposed to these seasons has become a luxury,” said Miho Okuyama, a representative of Nendo, the Japanese studio that designed the house. In the case of Temple Beth Tzedek, in Amherst, New York, near Buffalo, the transition is visual rather than physical. After merging with a neighboring conservative synagogue last year and absorbing new members, the temple expanded its footprint with a 10,000-square-foot addition situated in a wooded area. A window behind the altar in the sanctuary is 60 feet wide and 35 feet high, giving the congregants a feeling of praying in the forest. Gazing out, worshippers see “one particular tree toward the middle left that seems to just reach for the sky — which makes you look up toward the heavens,” said Harvey Sanders, chair of the temple’s project committee. The ark admits daylight through glass, and the use of timber, including huge glued laminated arches, creates warmth and recalls the style of historic synagogues in the Polish-Lithuanian commonwealth. “The wood looks to the past and a more sustainable future,” said Moe Finegold, a principal at Finegold Alexander Architects, which spearheaded the project. “We created space within a space. You’re in a small world but looking out into the universe.”

Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges said 71 Montgomery County Community College students, including 23 who live locally, were among its most recent inductees. More than 50 area residents, including those from Pottstown, Royersford, Limerick and Linfield, were inducted last week into National Honor Society chapters at Montgomery County Community College. Warwick County Park, south of Pottstown off Route 23, has scheduled a mid-June presentation on honeybees and beekeeping. Today is Primary Election Day in Pennsylvania. Local elections are at stake. If you're eligible to vote, you're encouraged to participate in the beauty of democracy. Here's where to find your polling place. Montgomery County Community College won an award Wednesday for what the Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association called its environmental leadership. Monocacy's fire company plans the spring season's favorite meal as a fund-raiser. The state plans to give away Pottsgrove Manor on Saturday ... to Montgomery County, which has been operating the museum for years. The deed transfer will be part of the manor's annual May Fair fun. Several police departments surrounding the borough of Pottstwn are open for your participation in today's National Take-Back Day to rid households of unwanted, unneeded or unused pharmaceuticals.

In its first two decades of existence, the Government of Kyrgyzstan (officially known as the Kyrgyz Republic) transformed the core sector of its economy – agriculture – by abolishing state-owned and collectively operated production enterprises in favor of privately owned and operated smallholder, peasant farms and garden plots. This transformation was accompanied by rapid rates of growth in agricultural output, confirming the wisdom of the radical reform path that the country’s leaders, and especially its first President, Askar Akaev, had charted for this small, landlocked and mountainous country. These reforms, which were strongly supported by international donors, defined Kyrgyzstan as a market-oriented economy and enabled it to be reasonably successful in giving all Kyrgyz citizens a stake in the country’s future. While the post-Soviet period was ushered in by a short period of economic collapse, after the more privatized agricultural operations were established, average rates of growth were among the best in Central Asia. Poverty levels, while still significant, began to decline in the late 1990s. Growth in Kyrgyzstan faltered during the 2008–2009 global economic downturn, and an outbreak of political instability in 2010 raised uncertainties about the future. While water and land use issues had reportedly fueled earlier conflicts between Uzbek and Kyrgyz populations, the cause of the 2010 conflict was in the view of some reporters more complex, reflecting broader concerns related to political power and economic opportunity. However, a new government has made efforts to restore order and is likely to continue to respond to what seems to be a strong consensus that new initiatives are needed to boost agriculture-based economic growth to levels high enough to further reduce poverty. For this to happen, greater attention to issues of both property rights and resource governance will be required. The agricultural sector remains important as a source of income for the majority of the 5.3 million Kyrgyz people, with agriculture accounting for more than 30% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, regaining an upward-growth trajectory will require: greater investment in production and processing technologies; better management of common resources (especially irrigation water and pastures); and focused efforts to increase the competitiveness of Kyrgyz products and their access to the markets of neighboring countries. Further, critical sources of economic growth are now expected to lie in expanded exploitation of Kyrgyzstan’s non-agricultural natural resources: gold; hydropower; and coal. Such expansion will require the Government to address the question of foreign investors’ access to these national assets. USAID and other donors have directed significant efforts toward: introducing market mechanisms in rural land-management practices; stimulating effective rural and urban land markets; and promoting sustainable use of agricultural lands. More than 2.7 million real estate units are now registered in both rural and urban areas. Nearly 100,000 mortgages (mostly in urban areas) were registered by 2010. Ongoing projects supported by the international community are continuing to strengthen the overall system of property rights and institutional capacities for management of registration. But further assistance may be necessary to: maintain transparent land-market development while averting interventions that would raise issues of corruption or nepotism; advance sustainable development initiatives in agriculture, energy, and mining; and address issues in border areas that are particularly vulnerable to conflict over resources. Key Issues and Intervention Constraints The privatization of property in Kyrgyzstan has not eliminated gender as a determinant of land rights. Kyrgyzstan has a relatively progressive formal legal framework supporting women’s equality, but customary law, which places strong emphasis on the maintenance and support of the household as a unit, continues to support male domination in social, economic and political spheres. Many of the programs relating to land reforms, legal literacy and development of local governance-capacity have recognized the need for particular attention to women’s rights. In many cases, however, program achievements have not ultimately released women and their families and communities from the grip of customary law and traditional practices. USAID and other donors with experience in a variety of land-reform initiatives and natural resource governance programs are particularly well-placed to work with the Government of Kyrgyzstan (GOK) and with local women’s non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to help women and girls understand, assert and enforce their rights under the formal law – especially their rights to land and other natural resources – and work with communities, local officials, governance bodies and decision-makers to develop the mechanisms and institutions needed to enforce those rights. The division of authorities and responsibilities for managing access to grazing lands has been one of the causes of unsustainable over-use of pastureland close to farming areas and under-use in more remote areas. Local government has recently been given the authority to manage pastures, but the system for management, collection of income, and reinvestment has not been developed. Donors, and perhaps especially USAID, can build upon recent legislation to support pasture-user associations, increase knowledge of and access to sustainable management practices and promote equitable access to pasturelands. In addition, if the sector is to contribute to rural economic growth, markets for animals and animal products (e.g., wool, hides) will require particular attention. Inefficient and poorly maintained irrigation infrastructure, water quality and conflicts over water use, distribution and access remain problematic. Despite investments in all of these areas, the sustainability of ongoing and future projects is questionable unless institutions and organizations involved in the water sector are better able to consider and plan for the ecological, economic and social dimensions of water use. Donors could assist Kyrgyzstan in its progress toward Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), perhaps by focusing on a group of communities currently experiencing the full weight of existing water constraints, developing IWRM plans and providing support for their implementation. The forestry sector has not been well attended to in Kyrgyzstan. The legislative framework is an unwieldy series of laws and resolutions that are disconnected from principles of sustainable forest management and participatory forest management approaches. Enforcement of forest laws is weak, and unsustainable and illegal forest use continues despite government decrees issuing moratoriums on logging and suspending allocations of land for community forestry. Donors can assist the government in developing a forest management plan that can be successfully implemented and help support the desire for community forest management with program design and support for pilot programs. At the time Kyrgyzstan achieved independence in 1991, the country’s incoming President, Askar Akaev, envisioned the country as ―the Switzerland of Central Asia.” The characterization reflected the country’s geography as a small, landlocked mountainous country, but not the steep challenges that Kyrgyzstan would have to meet to establish an independent economy capable of trading successfully in international markets (Schmitt 1997, 1). Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and Kyrgyzstan’s Independence, the state-dominated economy of the Soviet era quickly collapsed; national income dropped by 74% between 1991 and 1994, and rates of poverty rose. The incoming government chose a path of radical market-based reforms, starting immediately with the restructuring of state-owned and collectively operated agricultural enterprises into cooperative or corporate farms, and continuing a few years later with efforts to privatize ownership of all land and to institute other market-based reforms. Although agricultural growth has been positive since the mid-1990s, poverty levels have remained relatively high. Within Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan is second only to Tajikistan in terms of poverty rates. More than 56% of Kyrgyzstan’s land is technically classified as agricultural. However, most of this land is suitable only for livestock production and much of it is located relatively far from areas of year-round rural residence. Much of the land classified as arable (constituting slightly less than 7% of total land area) is irrigated cropland in the fertile Ferghana Valley. Only 0.4% of total land area is in permanent crops. Forestland covers 4.5% of the land and is home to rare and endangered species such as the giant buzzard and the snow leopard. Kyrgyzstan has the world’s largest natural-growth walnut forest. Farm output now consists largely of commodities consumed in Kyrgyzstan and neighboring countries (wheat, barley, dairy, potatoes and fruits and vegetables), although cotton and tobacco are also produced for industrial processing and export. Production of sheep and cattle has recovered from steep declines in the early 1990s, but productivity remains low. Poor nutrition resulting from the overuse of degraded pastures near residences and farms, disease and poor livestock management combine to constrain growth of the livestock sector. Prior to independence, all land was state property, with use rights granted to occupants. In rural areas, most land was allocated to large, state-owned agricultural enterprises where production was carried out in accordance with principles of central planning. Small household plots were allowed, however, and accounted for a large share of local food production. More than a decade of reforms privatized most of the country’s arable land, which is held by 2.7 million peasant farmers and households. The GOK controls pastureland and 25% of arable land (held in the Land Redistribution Fund or LRF), with legislation devolving authority to local government bodies. Kyrgyzstan’s land reform program has reorganized and strengthened the system of land administration, streamlined procedures, and facilitated the registration of more than 2.7 million landholdings. The reforms continue, and include adoption of zoning regulations and revision of land allocation procedures to improve transparency. Sixty-four percent of the population resides in rural areas. However, urban centers have seen rapid, unplanned growth. Migrants from rural areas seeking urban employment are populating informal settlements on the periphery of the cities. Much of Kyrgyzstan’s urban population now lives in slums illegally located on public or private land. Under the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic, women and men are considered equal. However, the application of customary law, which places strong emphasis on the maintenance and support of the household as a unit, leaves women in an unfavorable position in terms of land rights in the event of marriage, divorce or death of a spouse. Kyrgyzstan’s abundant water resources include glaciers, lakes, rivers, and groundwater. Water resources are unevenly distributed across the country, however, and irrigation is necessary for intensive cropping. Water pollution, inefficient and poorly maintained irrigation infrastructure, and international agreements directing shared use and development of water resources challenge the sector. Kyrgyzstan’s increased use of water resources to generate power has increased tensions with other Central Asian countries. Kyrgyzstan’s forestry sector has not been well attended to. Despite legislation to improve forest management, there has been little positive impact on forest resources. Illegal logging continues despite a moratorium on timber harvesting and sales, and Kyrgyzstan’s forestry resources are deteriorating. Allocations of land for community forest management have been suspended until issues of sustainable forest management and procedures for land allocation can be resolved. Kyrgyzstan has high mineral potential, a long mining tradition, and well-trained technical personnel. Gold exports from the Kumtor Mine have been an important source of earnings since 1997, and exploration for and exploitation of further gold deposits, oil and gas reserves and other minerals has been increasing. However, poor environmental management of mines during the Soviet era has left Kyrgyzstan with heavy contamination of former mining sites and their surrounding communities. Some of the waste is radioactive. Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked, mountainous Central Asian country covering approximately 192,000 square kilometers. The country has an average altitude of 2750 meters; about 40% of total land is over 3000 meters, three-quarters of which is under permanent snow and ice. Parallel mountain ranges run west to east and divide the country into three main zones. The northern zone includes the Talas and Chu river valleys, the southern edge of the great Kazakh steppe, and the upland tectonic basin. The central zone includes mountain ranges, high river valleys, upland steppe, and alpine and sub-alpine pastures and meadows. The southern zone includes the fertile Ferghana Valley and agricultural lowlands (FAO 1997). Of Kyrgyzstan’s 5.3 million people (2008), 36% reside in urban areas and 64% in rural areas. The population is ethnically diverse, composed of Kyrgyz (65%), Uzbek (14%), Russian (13%), Dungun (1%), Tajik (0.9%) and other ethnic groups (7%). The country’s 2008 GDP was US $4.4 billion, comprising 34% agriculture, 19% industry, and 48% services. More than half of the population works in agriculture. Kyrgyzstan is one of the poorest countries in the world, ranking 109th of 168 countries on the 2010 Human Development Index. Approximately 40% of the population lives below the poverty line, and 75% of the country’s poor people live in rural areas, often in remote, mountainous regions with limited infrastructure and market access (World Bank 2009a; USDOS 2009; UNDP 2010). Fifty-six percent of total land in Kyrgyzstan (10.7 million hectares) is classified as agricultural land. Forest land comprises 4.5% of the country’s total land area, and deforestation is occurring at a rate of 0.3% a year. About eight million hectares (75%) of agricultural land is pasture, and livestock has accounted for 44% of the country’s agricultural sector growth in the 1992–2004 period. However, the growth has been attributed to high prices; productivity levels are quite low, a consequence of poor nutrition, disease and parasites and poor animal management. Traditionally, Kyrgyz herders used a transhumant system, grazing mixed herds at higher altitudes in the summer, middle altitudes in the spring and fall, and on low-lying pastures in the winter. In an effort to increase homogeneity in stocks (primarily sheep) the Soviets introduced a centrally controlled intensive livestock-production system that included a winter feeding program using imported feed. At independence, 80% of Kyrgyzstan’s estimated eight million sheep were owned by state and collective farms. As the large agricultural enterprises were liquidated, the sheep and other livestock were distributed to households, but the loss of a guaranteed market for Kyrgyz wool, combined with low wool prices and high meat prices, resulted in a rapid reduction in the country’s sheep (loss of 75–80%) and cattle (loss of 30%) herds (World Bank 2009a; World Bank 2007a; UNDP 2009). Individual households have been rebuilding Kyrgyzstan’s livestock numbers: the 2003 Livestock Census reported about two million sheep, three million cows, and one million horses – totaling 6.2 million sheep equivalents, 96% of which are owned by households and peasant farms. The individualization of livestock holdings, which resulted in large numbers of households with small numbers of animals (averaging 15 head/household), coupled with a distrust of professional herd management and fragmented administrative control over pastures, has concentrated grazing to local pastures year-round. As a result, remote pastures have become underutilized. An estimated 33% of the pasture near farms and settlements is substantially degraded, 19% suffers from erosion and inedible weeds have overtaken 33%. Experts believe that current animal numbers are below the pastures’ actual carrying capacity, assuming the land is used efficiently and sustainably. If constraints to productivity – especially the use and management of pasture – are addressed, the subsector’s growth potential is high (50–70%) (World Bank 2007a; Fitzherbert 2000; Akramov and Omuraliev 2009; USAID 2007). Roughly 13% (1.4 million hectares) of agricultural land is classified as arable land. An estimated 0.4% of total land (77,000 hectares) is in permanent crops. More than 70% of the arable area depends on irrigation for its productivity. The country’s main crops are wheat, barley, maize, potatoes, melons, oilseed varieties, vegetables and fodder. Sugar beets are cultivated as a cash crop in the Chui and Talas provinces (oblasts). Cotton and tobacco are grown as cash crops in the southern Ferghana Valley. Crops yields are generally low due to: lack of quality seeds and fertilizer; inadequate and poorly maintained machinery, equipment and processing plants; declining soil productivity; a decline in public spending for agriculture; and limited availability of agricultural services (World Bank 2009a; Fitzherbert 2000; Akramov and Omuraliev 2009; Light 2007). Prior to independence, all land in Kyrgyzstan was held in state ownership; individuals and groups of individuals had use rights. In the late 1980’s, between 500 to 700 state farms (souhozes) and collective farms (kolkhozes) held 96–98% of the county’s 1.4 million hectares of arable land. Hundreds of thousands of individual households had small household plots that collectively accounted for the 2–4% balance of arable land. Between 1991 and 2009, the GOK implemented a three-phased land reform process: - Beginning in 1991, Phase I of the land reform eliminated state subsidies for agricultural inputs and deregulated agricultural markets and prices. The government also restructured the state and collective farms into peasant farm associations and cooperatives, but the effort had little impact: control continued to be exerted by large agricultural enterprises, agricultural productivity dropped, and poverty increased. - In Phase II (1995–2003), the GOK privatized the state and collective farms. In 1994–1995, the GOK liquidated 262 state farms and 190 collective farms and distributed 75% of agricultural land (with the exception of pastureland) to individuals based on the size of the state farm and the farmer’s employment, experience, and proximity to the farm. Twenty-five percent of the land was transferred to the LRF as a reserve. Individuals received 99-year transferrable use rights for land shares ranging from 0.1 to 1 hectare. In 1998, a constitutional amendment allowed for private land ownership, and all land use certificates were transformed into landownership certificates. A 1999 provision of the Land Code (subsequently lifted in 2001) saddled the ownership rights with a 5-year moratorium on land sales in an effort to prevent ill-advised or premature sales by peasant households and land speculation. During this period, 78% of agricultural land was transferred to private ownership. - The third phase of the land reforms began in 2004 and focuses on providing support for agriculture through: (1) development of peasant farms and agribusinesses; (2) development of farmer associations and cooperatives; (3) encouragement of agricultural sciences and extension services; (4) development of marketing, processing, and export systems for agricultural products; (5) improvement of water and pasture management; and (6) social development of rural areas. Unlike the first two phases of land reform, the GOK has had difficulty implementing the Phase III initiatives. (Akramov and Omuraliev 2009; Lerman and Sedik 2009). Kyrgyzstan’s land reforms succeeded in privatizing 75–80% of the country’s arable land. In 1988, about 500 state and collective farms, with an average size of 2500–3000 hectares, controlled 1.3 million hectares of arable land. Hundreds of thousands of households controlled the remaining 60,000 hectares. As of 2008, roughly 2.7 million households (80% of the rural population) held 940,000 hectares of cultivated arable land in 900,000 household plots (averaging 0.13 hectares) and about 300,000 peasant farms (averaging three hectares). Women own about 14% of the peasant farms. Various types of agricultural enterprises hold an average of 220 hectares and control between 350,000 and 400,000 hectares of cultivated arable land. However, land distribution is still concentrated: the largest 10% of farms in Kyrgyzstan control about 80% of arable land (Akramov and Omuraliev 2009; Lerman and Sedik 2009; UNIFEM n.d.; ILC 2004). The 20–25% of arable land that was not privatized is held by the GOK’s LRF. The LRF was intended as a reserve to provide land to those who for a variety of reasons did not receive land rights during the initial round of reforms. The LRF also leases land to farmers who need more land and are willing to accept a short-term lease. However, its system of allocating leases is reportedly characterized in some areas by a lack of transparency, a lack of information that would help set lease prices, and corruption. The LRF is managed by the aiyl okmotu, self-governing rural communities comprising up to 20 small settlements. Some observers report that in some areas the aiyl okmotu councils have distributed much of the LRF land to elites. Pasturelands have not been privatized and are presently managed by three levels of government, as follows: local government (aiyl okmotu) manages close-in pasturelands; district government (raions) manages intensively used pastures; and provincial government (oblast) manages distant pastures. The 2009 Law on Pastures, which awaits implementing legislation, and 2009 amendments to the 1999 Land Code consolidate control of pastureland with the local governments (aiyl okmotu) (ARD 2005; GRM 2008; Lerman and Sedik 2009; Chemonics 2008; ILC 2004; ARD and Checchi 2005; GOK Land Code 1999b). Kyrgyzstan’s urban land and commercial buildings were state-owned during the Soviet era. At Independence, urban residents were presumed to have rights to their residential property but the legal framework did not support the rights, especially to multi-unit residential structures. Parcel boundaries were not recorded, records were often poorly maintained, and land administration services were inadequate and often corrupt, creating a high level of tenure insecurity. With the support of numerous donors, by 2008 the GOK’s land reform efforts had successfully overhauled and strengthened the land administration system and privatized and registered about 1.3 million of the 1.4 million urban properties (Cook 2008; Chemonics 2008; World Bank 2010c). Kyrgyzstan’s urban areas have been experiencing steady population growth. With the support of donors, city planners have been filling gaps in the governance framework by passing zoning laws, creating land use plans, and modernizing procedures. The efforts are helping to support investment in urban areas, but housing shortages are common, and much of Kyrgyzstan’s urban population lives in informal settlements. Many of the settlements were illegally constructed on land held by the Land Redistribution Fund and private parties, including agricultural land under cultivation. The squatter settlements are unplanned and commonly lack basic services such as sanitation and improved water sources. The number of squatters is disputed: for example, NGOs assert that at least 300,000 people live in settlements outside Bishkek, while the government estimate is 35,000 to 50,000 people. All agree, however, on the need to regularize residents’ land rights, and the GOK’s 2009–2013 Land and Real Estate Registration Project includes plans for systematic registration of plots in informal settlements (novostroiki) in 2011 (Cook 2008; Cox 2010; Chemonics 2008; Undeland et al. 2010; Mayevka 2010; UNECE 2008; World Bank 2010c; IWPR 2010). The Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic (1993, as amended in 1998, 2003, 2007, and 2010) recognizes private property rights and protects rights to private property. The principal law regulating land ownership is the Land Code (1999), which has been amended annually since 2000 and most recently in 2009. The Code governs: agricultural land; settlement areas (towns, urban areas and rural settlements); industrial land; forests; and specially protected natural territories and reserve land. A 1999 amendment placed a 5-year moratorium on the sale of privately owned land. The moratorium was lifted in 2001 (GOK Constitution 1993; Chemonics 2005; GOK Land Code 1999b). Other formal laws and directives governing land rights in Kyrgyzstan include the following: - Regulation on Process of Allocating Land Shares to Citizens (1994), establishing the process for redistributing collective farm land to citizens via land shares; - Regulation on Reorganization of Agricultural Enterprises (1994), setting out the process for reorganizing collective farms; - Law on Peasant Farms (1997), establishing procedures for registering and operating a peasant farm, and procedures for combining land shares to form an association and other types of farming organizations (1997); - Law on State Registration of Rights to Immovable Property and Transactions, creating a single land registration system and requires registration of all transactions (1998); - Law on Administration of Agricultural Land (2001), governing procedures for the administration of land transferred through sale, purchase, pledge, inheritance and gifts; - Regulation on Sale and Purchase of Agricultural Land Parcels (2001), setting out the process for the purchase and sale of agricultural land and lifting the 5-year moratorium on the sale of land; - Law on Local Self Government (2002), providing procedures for leasing out land of the LRF and certain pasture lands; - Regulation on Lease and Use of Pasture Land (2002), establishing the procedure for lease and use of pasture land (repealed by the 2009 Law on Pastures); - Model Regulation on LRF (2002), setting out the procedures and requirements for leasing and use of LRF land; - Model Regulation on Allocation of Ownership and Lease Rights to Urban Land, establishing the procedures to allocate urban land for lease or into private ownership (2004); and the - Law on Pastures (2009), transferring responsibility for pastures management of all near, intensive and distant pastures from the provincial government and regional government to the local government and local pasture users through the establishment of pasture user associations at the aiyl okmotu level. Implementation of the law is awaiting development of complementary subordinate legislation regulating the legal relationships of the parties. (Chemonics 2005; HTSPE 2008; Scalise 2009; GOK Pastures Law 2009a; Kalikova and Associates 2007). Customary institutions and practices reemerged after Independence, and customary law influences the application and implementation of legal rules regarding land rights, the resolution of local disputes and the extent of villagers’ observance of the written law. For example, formal law recognizes common property (individuals owning land in common) but does not specifically recognize land held by families or households, which in rural areas is the prevailing understanding of how property is held. When land disputes are resolved by traditional courts (aksakals), family property predominates over the notion of individual property rights. Thus, where conflicts exist between customary law and written law, customary law generally prevails in the villages because written law often fails to reflect the reality of the villagers’ lives (Giovarelli and Akmatova 2002; Scalise 2009). Land in Kyrgyzstan is classified as private land or state land. Private land includes land owned or leased by individuals or legally registered to private enterprises or associations. Group or communal rights to private land are recognized (Chemonics 2008; Lerman and Sedik 2009). Kyrgyzstan recognizes the following land tenure types: Ownership. Under formal law, landowners in Kyrgyzstan have the right to exclusive possession of land and can freely transfer the land by sale, lease, mortgage or gift. By 2008, ownership rights to more than 2.7 million landholdings were registered. Amendments to the Land Code in 2009 prohibit private ownership of pastureland (Chemonics 2008; Cook 2008; GOK Land Code 1999b). Leasehold. Under formal law, private and state land can be leased, with the terms subject to negotiation by the parties. Leases for commercial land and industrial development generally range from five to 50 years, depending on the extent of land and investment. Most state leases of pastureland and land held by the LRF tend to be for periods of five years (pasture) or less (arable land). Leases are usually arranged and negotiated through the aiyl okmotu council, which sets the lease rate and may share proceeds with raion or oblast authorities. Informal leases of agricultural land are common, with terms subject to negotiation. Between 11% and 20% of rural landowners lease land (ILC 2004; Lerman and Sedik 2009; Fisher et al. 2004). Informal use and occupancy. In the period following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, land use and occupancy have in some areas occurred informally and outside the requirements of formal law. For example, although the formal law required permission and payment for use of pastureland, most herders used pastureland informally, without obtaining permission or making payment. Similarly, many migrants to urban areas have squatted in informal settlements without paying fees for land use or services. Many of the settlements have been illegally constructed on land held by the Land Redistribution Fund or private parties (World Bank 2007a; Chemonics 2005; Chemonics 2008; IWPR 2010). SECURING LAND RIGHTS Citizens can obtain land in Kyrgyzstan through purchase, lease, inheritance or gift. Foreigners are not allowed to purchase land in Kyrgyzstan but can obtain long-term lease rights to some classifications of land. Under formal law, all landownership rights and leases of three years or longer must be registered. The state has engaged in large-scale systematic registration of parcels in Kyrgyzstan and guarantees registered rights through the consolidated and unified State Registration Service. Systematic registration is free of charge to the individual landowner. The land administration system also supports sporadic (demand-driven) land registration. Sporadic registration requires payment of 2.3% of the property value. The process requires four steps but takes only about five days, compared to a regional average of 38 days (World Bank 2010a; ILC 2004; Undeland 2007). As part of its systematic registration process, the GOK adjudicated and regularized rights to roughly 650,000 holdings with disputed rights or ambiguous documentation. The sporadic registration process does not include adjudication of disputed rights to land; disputes must be resolved by agreement of the parties or are otherwise referred to the courts (Cook 2008; Chemonics 2008; ILC 2004). An estimated 17% of Kyrgyzstan’s urban labor force who lost their jobs due to factory closures after the dissolution of the Soviet Union moved to rural areas and took up farming full time. In the initial years of land reform, many of these new rural residents received land allocations. As the economy gained strength, private ownership was recognized and rural communities sought control over landholdings; agricultural land purchases were restricted to those who had lived in an aiyl okmotu for at least two years. The restriction limited the ability of urban residents and others who were unable to satisfy residence requirements to buy land (Light 2007; ARD 2005; GOK 2001). Many landholders access land through formal and informal leasing. In the formal sector, the GOK leases pastureland for 5-year terms, and the aiyl okmotu council leases land held by the LRF. The LRF was intended to provide land access to agricultural enterprises, individuals who were excluded from initial land reforms and farmers seeking additional land. The aiyl okmotu council has been accused by local communities as lacking transparency, showing favoritism and bias and operating under conflicting policy priorities. With donor support, the GOK adopted model procedures designed to address the weaknesses in LRF allocations, the extent to which the reforms have been implemented, and their impact, is not yet known (USAID 2009; Lerman and Sedik 2009; ARD and Checchi 2005). Informal leases are common in the rural sector. An estimated 20% of peasant farms have leased land in their holdings, and 11% of households lease additional land for cultivation and livestock-rearing. Informal leasing usually occurs between mutually trusted members of communities who, in lieu of executing formal agreements, rely on community self-policing as a guarantee of property rights and contractual obligations. If a transaction involves a party who in new to the community, a written agreement is more common (USAID 2009; Lerman and Sedik 2009; ARD and Checchi 2005). In the years following Independence, procedures for urban land purchases and leases were incompletely conceived, leaving gaps that created ambiguity and allowed for corruption and rent-seeking by officials. Rules for auctions and land leases for commercial property were often not applied uniformly and procedures not published; permissible land uses and development were subject to negotiation rather than strategic urban planning. As part of its land reform program, the GOK is undertaking initiatives designed to revise and modernize the mechanisms and institutions for urban land access and regularization of rights to plots in informal settlements (World Bank 2010d; Chemonics 2008; Chemonics 2005). INTRA-HOUSEHOLD RIGHTS TO LAND AND GENDER DIFFERENCES Kyrgyzstan’s women lost a significant amount of economic, social and political power in the years following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and the country’s women and girls have disproportionately suffered many of the effects of poverty. Prior to Independence, an estimated three-quarters of women in Kyrgyzstan were in the formal labor force, including many who worked on the former state and collective farms. In the transition to a market-led economy, at least half the employed women lost their jobs; public services such as childcare and nursing disappeared; and women and girls shouldered much of the burden of providing the social and family services that had been part of the Soviet system. Girls’ rates of school attendance fell. The rates of women in public office also fell, and discriminatory traditions and customs – including bride theft and polygamy – reemerged in many areas (ADB 2005). Advocates for women’s rights reacted strongly to women’s disempowerment and the adverse impact on well- being of women and their families, and these advocates were instrumental in helping to pass a number of formal laws supporting women’s rights. The Constitution mandates equality between women and men and prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. The law entitled On Basics of State Guarantees for Ensuring Gender Equity (2003) grants equal rights and opportunities in social, political, economic and cultural spheres without regard for sex and guarantees gender equality in governance structures. The 2003 Family Code provides that both spouses are responsible for household labor and recognizes a marital couple’s ability to contract regarding marital property rights (ADB 2005; GOK Constitution 1993). In practice, however, Kyrgyzstan’s formal law has not in most cases been successful in protecting and improving women’s rights, including rights to access and own land. For example, under the Civil Code and Land Code, rights to house plots are held by the owners of the residence. If the house is jointly owned by both spouses, the plot is similarly owned by both spouses. However, despite gender-neutral language in the Land Code, most household plots are registered solely in the name of men, because custom and tradition assume they are the heads of household and usually control the households’ productive assets, including land (GOK Constitution 1993; UNIFEM n.d; GRM 2008; ADB 2005). Customary law and traditional practice have also prevented many women from receiving the benefits of land distribution, despite support for their rights under formal law. Under the land distribution procedures applied during the privatization of state and collective farmland, women and girls received approximately 51% of land shares granted, and their names appear on the land titles. Legislation stipulates that family shares cannot be physically divided, but family members have the right to the monetary value of their portion of the family’s land. When women marry in Kyrgyzstan, they leave their birth family and the family land to live with their husbands. However, although the formal law gives them the right to sell their land share to their birth family and receive compensation, women seldom do so because such a demand would be considered shameful. In one survey, while the majority of women had received their official share of land during de-collectivization, 25% of respondents had given their land away without compensation – often to their parents when the respondents married (Prosterman et al. 2009; GRM 2008; Giovarelli 2004). Similarly, Kyrgyzstan’s formal succession law does not discriminate on the basis of sex; both daughters and sons have equal rights to inherit. However, under customary law when male children marry they usually receive a house and household plot from their parents; female children typically receive a dowry. The dowry, which may include household goods, clothing and cash, is the woman’s personal property but is usually not equivalent to the value of the house and houseplot. Upon widowhood (without children) or divorce, women return to their parents’ home, taking only their dowry with them. The community disapproves of women’s claims to other property because customary law places strong emphasis on the maintenance and support of the household as a unit, even where the principle undermines individual rights. Divorced women have an especially difficult time asserting their right to a portion of the household land or its value. While formal law favors women’s rights, only a small percentage of women are likely to have the means or confidence to pursue a claim in court; women have no guarantee that the court will apply the principles of equality contained in the formal law and may instead find themselves bound by an unfavorable judgment based on customary law (GRM 2008; World Bank 2010b; Giovarelli 2004). The GOK has undertaken several efforts to address the inequality of women, including the adoption of a series of national action plans beginning in 1996. However, the state has been less successful in ensuring that the principles of nondiscrimination and support for women’s rights have been incorporated into national programs. Agricultural and food security programs have often failed to recognize women’s role as primary food producers and providers for their families. Even with state support and donor engagement, many programs nonetheless struggle to support women’s assertion of their rights in the face of customary law and tradition (ADB 2005; Giovarelli 2004). LAND ADMINISTRATION AND INSTITUTIONS At the time of Independence in 1991, Kyrgyzstan had several institutions that played a role in land reforms and land administration. These included the Republican Center for Land and Agrarian Reform (RCLAR), the State Property Fund, the Ministry of Agriculture, the State Agency for Land Tenure and Land Resources (Goszemagentstvo), and the State Institute for Land Resources and Land Engineering (Kyrgyzgiprozem). Each of these institutions also had raion-level subdivisions. Inter-agency cooperation was often poor, resulting in delays in issuance of land use documents, incomplete land documents, and procedural uncertainties. Corruption was common. Inefficiency and lack of transparency constrained land-administration processes (including the execution of formal land transactions) and inhibited land tenure security (Undeland 2007; ARD 2005; Cook 2008; Chemonics 2008). Responding to these challenges, in 1999 the GOK created a single land-administration agency, GosRegister, which integrated the various functions of the different agencies. In 2009, GosRegister became part of a consolidated State Registration Service. Operating through a central office in Bishkek and 50 regional offices, the State Registration Service is the hub for land-administration services, including cadastral surveying and mapping, land valuation and land registration. The agency’s development has been supported by several donors, including the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the World Bank, and USAID. Since 2000, data systems have been digitized, procedures have been streamlined and technical expertise expanded. Close to three million rural and urban landholdings have been registered. As of August 2010, despite government reorganization and political disruption, public confidence in the registration service had grown to 70% (Lauri 2005; Undeland 2007; ARD 2005; World Bank 2010c; Cook 2008). In 2009, the GOK created the Ministry of Natural Resources, which has overarching responsibility for setting policy governing the rational and effective use of land, maintaining the land registry, establishing the method for the taxation of land, and resolving disputes with neighboring countries regarding land use. Other institutions involved in the control and use of agricultural land include: the President’s Office; the Prime Minister’s Office, which has a dedicated section for agriculture; the National Parliament Committee for Land Use; the National Parliament Committee for Agricultural Industries; and the Ministry of Agriculture (GRM 2008; GOK Decree N. 734 2009b). LAND MARKETS AND INVESTMENTS The development of Kyrgyzstan’s formal urban land market has been constrained by: an inadequate legal framework; ambiguous procedures; poor land records; and lack of capacity and transparency in land administration services. Disputes in land ownership, required fees for owner-initiated land registration, and high turnover of local government staff with interest and expertise in urban land management have also been barriers to the development of the formal land market (Kaganova et al. 2008; UNECE 2008). With donor support, the GOK and a dozen municipalities across the country have taken concrete steps to address some of the barriers, including adopting zoning regulations and land valuation and appraisal standards. Coupled with the integration and strengthening of the land administration system, the reforms have supported an increase in the number of formal urban land transactions. In the cities of Osh, Jalalabat, Karakol, Cholponata, and Karabalta, where much of the land is privately owned, the real estate market is quite active. In 2006, 5.3% of all registered residential properties and 3.3% of non-agricultural land sites were sold. In addition, the annual number of mortgages doubled between 2002 and 2007 (from 22,387 to 43,001) and rose to about 100,000 in 2010; the value of those mortgages increased from US $85 million in 2002 to more than US $1 billion in 2007. The number of transactions increased through 2009, when a 1.4% decrease in sales was recorded. Observers believe the decrease to be related to the period of political unrest and economic recession; recovery is expected (Chemonics 2005; ARD 2005; World Bank 2010c; UNECE 2008; GRM 2008; Kaganova et al. 2008). The formal market in rural land has been slower to develop. The GOK granted private ownership rights to agricultural land in 1998, imposing a 5-year moratorium on land sales to allow new landowners the opportunity to benefit from the ownership and protect against land speculation and improvident sales. Under pressure from international donors to facilitate transferability of rural land, the state lifted the moratorium in 2001. Some of the legislative constraints on the market – including restrictions on land ownership and land valuation – have recently been lifted. Amendments to the Land Code adopt the market value of land and permit financial institutions to retain land obtained through foreclosure for periods up to one year, a liberalization that encourages banks to extend loans secured by land. Some restrictions, such as the permissible uses of agricultural land, remain (ARD 2005; GRM 2008: ILC 2004; GOK 2001; GOK Land Code 1999b). Kyrgyzstan’s formal and informal land-lease market in private and state land is active. Between 11% and 20% of rural landholders lease land, mostly on the informal market. The aiyl okmotu council is responsible for leasing land held by the LRF. About 50% of peasant farms and agricultural enterprises regularly lease LRF land, and procedures have been put in place to remove discretion and limit favoritism and bias in the allocation process (Akramov and Omuraliev 2009; GRM 2008; ARD and Checchi 2005). COMPULSORY ACQUISITION OF PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS BY GOVERNMENT Under the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic, property is inviolable. No one can be deprived of property arbitrarily, and all seizures of property must be undertaken in accordance with the law. Under the Land Code (1999), the state can expropriate land if: (1) land is not being used for its targeted purpose; (2) land is needed for state or public purposes; (3) land has not been used for agricultural purposes for three years; (4) land has not been used for agricultural purposes for a period of time stipulated in the original provision; (5) land taxes have not been paid; (6) social taxes have not been paid; or (7) the state annuls a license for mining. A court decision is required for expropriation on the first four grounds. Compensation is paid for lands expropriated on the first, third, and fourth grounds (GOK Land Code 1999b; GOK Constitution 1993). Public purpose is not defined in the law, and the Land Code’s provisions on targeted purposes for expropriation are vague. In addition, the very limited regulatory procedures governing land takings limit transparency and procedural protections. As of 2010, while incidents of land grabs and squatting on public and private land continued, there were no reported cases of significant expropriations of land by the state (ARD 2005; UNPAN 2000; IWPR 2010; Amnesty International 2010; USDOS 2010). LAND DISPUTES AND CONFLICTS Land disputes and conflicts in Kyrgyzstan take place among individuals within Kyrgyzstan, between individuals and the state, between state actors and across international borders. Disputes occur over: boundaries of distributed plots; perceived favoritism and corruption in land allocations; and the use of LRF land. There are also reported disputes between users of different categories of non-privatized land, which the public may seek permission to use, such as forest areas, distant pasturelands and protected areas. Administrative bodies, such as the raion and aiyl okmotu councils, may themselves dispute administrative boundaries and jurisdiction (ARD 2005; GRM 2008). Land disputes in Kyrgyzstan also take place on a larger scale and are closely related to ethnic conflict. Trans-border disputes in the Fergana valley between Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are ongoing, especially in areas where the border is not demarcated or where there is disagreement over the boundary lines. The border dispute between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan centers on Uzbekistan’s unilateral demarcation of the border and its alleged seizure of large tracts of Kyrgyz agricultural land. The GOK asserts that it loaned the disputed land to Uzbekistan for temporary use during the Soviet period but the land was never returned. In June 2004 Uzbekistan’s attempt to build a border fence in the Tuya-Moyun area in southern Osh cut into southern Kyrgyz territory by 60 meters. Self-help actions, such as the removal of a 2-meter section of the fence on the road between the southern Kyrgyz regional capital of Osh and the small provincial town of Aravon in January 2000, expose the local populations’ frustration with the disputed border. These transborder disputes have impacted trade between the two countries (with poor rural communities most affected), hindered transport links, and heightened communal tensions between the Uzbek minority in southern Kyrgyzstan and the Kyrgyz majority. In 1990, competition for scarce land led to violent conflict between Uzbek and Kyrgyz groups in the Fergana Valley. At least 170 people were killed and more than 5,000 crimes were committed as a result of this violence. Following the period of political upheaval in 2010, land access became a pressure point between landless Kyrgyz migrants and communities of Uzbeks and Tajiks, and the interim government was forced to send troops to prevent the escalation of violence (IRIN 2004; Anderson and Pomfret 2004; Tishkov 1995; Khamidov 2008; Osmonalieva 2010). Kyrgyzstan has a variety of informal and formal tribunals that hear land and resolve disputes. Aksakal courts regularly hear cases related to land rights, adjudicating the division of property between spouses, disputes between landowners and use of farmlands and pastures. The law permits these courts to apply customary norms that do not contradict formal laws. In rural areas these courts often act without supervision. Local village leaders and women’s councils also act as informal tribunals. Women’s councils are established under the organs of local self-governance and can sometimes be called to assist with the resolution of conflicts, especially disputes between women and men (GRM 2008). A 1995 decree, On Approval of Temporary Regulations on Courts of Elders in the Kyrgyz Republic, gives elders authority to resolve disputes. However, elders usually lack the technical expertise required to resolve complex disputes, and in at least one study community members stated that they would be more likely to seek the assistance of the aiyl okmotu council. In some cases the aiyl okmotu council has received specific training in dispute resolution and has expertise in land legislation; in others, experience may be limited. In addition, while the aiyl okmotu council has authority to hear disputes in which a complainant alleges wrongdoing by the aiyl okmotu council itself, it is unknown to what extent the forum is fair and impartial (GRM 2008; ARD 2005). Kyrgyzstan’s formal court system includes a Supreme Court and courts at the oblast, district and municipal levels. The courts have jurisdiction to hear land disputes and often consider cases related to property division between spouses, including land-share allocation. However, many members of the public are reluctant to use the court system, which has suffered from a lack of uniform procedures and administrative standards. Access to legal tools and legal training has been limited, and judges have historically been poorly paid, which increases the potential for corruption. While the independence of the judiciary is a constitutional mandate, the executive branch has been accused of exerting inappropriate control through judicial appointments and other mechanisms. With the support of the European Commission (EC), USAID and other donors, the court systems are being modernized. In the meantime, some parties elect to arbitrate their disputes in an effort to limit exposure to the potential pitfalls of litigation (GRM 2008; ARD 2005; ARD and Checchi 2005). KEY LAND ISSUES AND GOVERNMENT INTERVENTIONS Kyrgyzstan’s land reforms succeeded in de-collectivizing the agricultural sector, breaking up state farms and collectives, and giving landownership rights to an estimated 2.7 million rural residents. The reforms also modernized the land-registration system and instituted a systematic registration of urban land rights. The GOK was active in its support of the land reforms for at least thirteen years (1991–2004). The third phase of reforms, focused on improving agricultural productivity and strengthening local institutions, has proved more troublesome (Lerman and Sedik 2009; Akramov and Omuraliev 2009). A 2004 Presidential Decree set out a list of priorities that included: (1) development of cooperatives; (2) development of peasant farms and agribusinesses; (3) focus on credit cooperatives, mortgage financing and agricultural insurance; (4) determination of optimal plot sizes and registration; (5) promotion of agricultural sciences and consulting and marketing services; (6) development of marketing, processing and export systems for agricultural products; (7) improvement of water and pasture management; and (8) social development of rural areas. The GOK has made progress on some of its priorities, particularly in the areas of water resources management and a creation of a new legal framework governing pastureland. The GOK has also initiated several programs to provide agricultural support services for farmers, including: the Rural Advisory Service (RADS), which provides advisory (extension) services to peasant farmers; the Kyrgyzstan Agricultural Market Information Services (KAMIS), which supports farmers by providing market and price information; and Legal Assistance to Rural Citizens (LARC), a donor-supported institution that provides legal services to rural citizens. However, while the institutions have offices in most rural districts, observers note that few farmers (7–20%) appear to be aware of these institutions, and only a fraction of them (2–16%) actually use their services. Effective delivery of the inputs, services and public support needed to raise agricultural productivity has yet to be realized (Akramov and Omuraliev 2009; Lerman and Sedik 2009). Over the past 15 years, USAID has dedicated a significant portion of its technical assistance to land reform via legislative development, legal aid and public education. From 1999 to 2005, USAID funded the Kyrgyzstan Land Reform Project, which had three major components (rural land reform, urban land reform, and water law reform), with a focus on educating Kyrgyz citizens about their rights to obtain land and empowering them to participate in burgeoning agricultural and urban market opportunities. Achievements include the training of 45 land-rights counselors (demilgelchi) who provided land-rights information and services in rural areas. The project conducted over 1000 workshops reaching 60,000 citizens (30% women); published thousands of land reform bulletins; created a website; and sponsored a radio program that broadcast land reform information. Out of 45 demilgechi, 14 were women, some of whom struggled with and resolved their own land-rights issues through training they received from the project. In the urban sector, the project helped local authorities draft zoning laws and plans, market appraisal rules and transparent land-sale procedures. The project helped 12 cities adopt zoning laws and helped municipalities sell 926 parcels of land. The US $1.24 million profit from these sales went directly into cash-poor local budgets and was frequently used to support public projects (ARD 2005; Chemonics 2005). USAID’s follow-on Land Reform and Market Development Project (2005–2008; 2008–2010) facilitated the development of urban land markets and helped to increase knowledge of land rights among land users and the government; introduce agricultural mortgage; implement a land consolidation program designed to enlarge plots of land; and support continued land reform by strengthening land legislation. The project succeeded in: amending the Land Code and enacting a Model Regulation to encourage open and transparent management of LRF land; surveying and inventorying 33% of state-owned land; strengthening local government and helping improve revenue through project-facilitated land auctions; and supporting demilgechi networks covering 122 villages (Chemonics 2008; LARC 2006). The USAID-funded Program for a Legal Infrastructure for a Market Economy (2002–2005) was responsible for: helping the government draft a new law on pledges and mortgages; developing a framework for addressing issues adversely affecting the operation of the Land Redistribution Fund; creating a model regulation for LRF operations that was adopted by GosRegister; creating and expanding a database of judicial opinions; developing judicial reform initiatives; establishing the International Court of Arbitration; and developing a range of legal information products on Kyrgyz law and practice (ARD and Checchi 2005). The World Bank/IDA US $7.5 million Second Land and Real Estate Registration Project (2008–2012), implemented by GosRegister, supports the development of land markets and more intensive and effective use of land through promotion of a reliable and well-functioning system for registration of rights in immovable property. The project includes components to: help develop GosRegister and improve its services and resource management; expand spatial and legal land data; and support the development of education and expertise in topics such as real property economics, valuation, land management, land administration, land law, surveying and licensing arrangements. The project has helped the GOK reduce the average time for secondary transactions from three days to two days. Although sales transactions declined by 1.5%, the number of mortgages increased by 10%. The project has also presented a proposal to establish a single agency with consolidated finances and drafted a government directive to make digital spatial data accessible to the public, but implementation is delayed and some project restructuring will be required (World Bank 2008a; World Bank 2010d). World Bank’s US $24 million Agriculture Investments and Services Project (2008–2013) assists the GOK in: improving the institutional and infrastructure environment for profitable and sustainable crop and livestock production; reducing instability of food prices; and developing broad-based agricultural productivity for food supply and security. The project has established and mobilized pasture management committees and an initial round of legal training has begun. The community framework for pasture management has been established in accordance with the new veterinary law. Results from the Global Food Crisis Response Program emergency community seed funds show good yields, and farmer associations (koshuuns) have been mobilized and are starting to procure extension advice from designated service providers with project support (World Bank 2010d). The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is leading the Central Asian Countries Initiative on Land Management (CACILM), a partnership between Central Asian countries and the international donor community to combat land degradation, improve rural livelihoods, and help rural communities adapt to climate change in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. CACILM’s goal is to restore, maintain and enhance the productive functions of land in Central Asia, promoting improved economic and social well-being of those who depend on these resources while preserving the land’s ecological functions. CACILM operates through a 10-year (2005–2015) framework program focused on sustainable agricultural projects, integrated land use planning and sustainable pasture management. The Southern Area Agriculture and Development Project and Mountain Pasture Management in Susamir Valley Project (2007–2012), which is supported by UNDP and implemented by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is supported by CILM. The project seeks to develop economically beneficial and replicable mechanisms of pasture management (ADB 2010; GOK 2008). Phase I of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM)’s Strengthening Women’s Economic Security through the Land Reform in Kyrgyzstan project (2002–2003) included educational seminars and a media campaign intended to inform women of their land rights. In addition, 11 legal advisory offices provided legal advice to over 500 rural women. A description of Phase II and its results have not been reported (UNIFEM 2003). Freshwater (Lakes, Rivers, Groundwater) RESOURCE QUANTITY, QUALITY, USE AND DISTRIBUTION Kyrgyzstan has abundant freshwater resources, including an estimated 13.6 cubic kilometers per year of groundwater, of which about 11 cubic kilometers per year is part of its 18 cubic kilometers of annual renewable surface water resources. Kyrgyzstan’s surface water resources include lakes, rivers, glaciers, reservoirs and bogs. Glaciers originating in the Tien Shan Mountains account for 4% of the total land area and contain 650 billion cubic meters of freshwater. The country has close to 2000 lakes with a total surface of 6800 square kilometers. The largest lake is the Issyk-Kul, which covers 6236 square kilometers in the country’s northeastern region and is the world’s second largest alpine lake (after Lake Titicaca shared by Peru and Bolivia). Only 7% of the country’s lakes are located in the most densely populated regions; almost 90% of lakes are in higher altitudes and inaccessible to most of the population. The country also has an estimated 3500 rivers and streams, including the Naryn (534 kilometers) and the Chatkar (205 kilometers). Kyrgyzstan receives an average annual precipitation of 533 millimeters, varying from 150 millimeters in the plains to over 1000 millimeters in the mountains. About 10% of the country is classified as arid. Most precipitation falls during the winter season when temperatures are low, limiting the amount of rainfed agriculture. Overall, Kyrgyzstan’s water resources are unevenly distributed: the north has better access than the south, and urban areas generally have better access to water than rural areas (HTPSE 2008; Mamatov et al. 2007; FAO 1997; Anderson and Pomfret 2004; Slim 2002). Kyrgyzstan’s rivers drain to basins both within the country and in the neighboring countries of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, feeding the Aral Sea Basin. Soon after Independence, the five Aral Sea Basin countries (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan) agreed to maintain the water-sharing and distribution rules established during the Soviet era. They also agreed to establish the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (ICWC) as the body responsible for the definition of allocations in line with these rules. Under this international agreement, Kyrgyzstan has the right to 25% of the surface water in its territory, almost all of which it uses. Disputes over water access rights are common among members of the group (PA Consortium Group 2004; ARD 2005; World Bank 2005a; HTPSE 2008). Kyrgyzstan’s economically feasible hydropower capacity has been estimated at 55 gigawatts per year. The largest reservoir is at Toktogul, on the Naryn River. The Toktogul Power Plant has the capacity to produce 1200 megawatts per year, while four downstream power plants have the capacity to produce 1670 megawatts. When river flows are high, Kyrgyzstan has the ability to meet its internal demand, but when seasonal flow is reduced, the country must import oil and natural gas from neighboring Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to meet its energy needs. The government plans to increase production of hydroelectric energy by improving the capacity of the Tash-Komur and Shamaldy-Sai hydroelectric power stations, reconstructing the Uch-Kurgan hydro-power station, and constructing the Kambarata hydroelectric power stations. The Kambarata 1 power station project (estimated at US $1.7 billion) was in the feasibility assessment stage in 2010 and will have an estimated capacity of 1900 megawatts. The initial generating unit in the smaller Kambarata 2 power station began operation in September 2010 and has a capacity of 120 megawatts. The station will eventually have three generating units, with a combined capacity of 360 megawatts (PA Consortium Group 2004; Bogdetsky et al. 2001; New Europe 2010). Agriculture accounts for 94% of total water withdrawals, with the balance split between domestic and industrial use. The country has an irrigation potential of 2.3 million hectares, with roughly half of the potential developed. Irrigation is almost wholly surface irrigation, with water diverted from rivers into a system of 13,000 kilometers of canals and reservoirs. Irrigation has been developed mainly in the Syr Darya, Talas and Chu river basins and around Lake Issyk-Kul. Irrigation systems are old, designed for former state and collective farms, and prone to leakage. The systems have been poorly maintained; conveyance and distribution efficiency is estimated at only 55% (FAO 1997; HTSPE 2008; World Bank 2009a). Ninety-nine percent of the urban population and 66% of the rural population have access to improved water resources. Water in many rural areas can be contaminated by agricultural runoff and livestock waste. Aquifers near industrial and mining centers have been contaminated by heavy metals, oils and sanitary wastes. The areas of lowest water quality are the heavily populated regions of the Chu Valley and Osh and Jalal-Abad provinces, and areas along the rivers flowing into Issyk-Kul. The quality of drinking water from this aging system is poorly monitored, and water resource management funds are limited (HTPSE 2008; UNDP 2007; Mamatov et al. 2007; UNESCO 2006). Kyrgyzstan’s 2005 Water Code governs the rights, obligations, and management of Kyrgyzstan’s water resources. The Water Code provides that water resources – including land occupied by water bodies – are the exclusive and inalienable property of the state, and every person has the right to use water within the national borders in accordance with the Code’s provisions. The Code establishes seven principles of water management: (1) stakeholder participation is key to planning and decision-making processes; (2) decision-making should provide for the sustainability of water resources; (3) planning should take into account the economic value of water resources; (4) a person who pollutes water resources should pay for the injury caused; (5) absence of full scientific information should not be used to postpone effective action where there are risks of serious harm to water resources, the environment or human life; (6) the rights of water-users should be guaranteed; and (7) information on the condition and use of water resources should be accessible to the public (GOK Water Code 2005). The Water Code also: outlines the water resources governance system; calls for the development of water strategy and plans; requires regulation of uses of surface and underground water; identifies the need for provisions to govern emergencies and dam safety; calls for the establishment of a State Water Inspectorate; and requires recognition of obligations of international law (GOK Water Code 2005). In 1994, the Ministry of Agriculture and Water delegated ownership and responsibility for on-farm irrigation infrastructure to local councils. The Law on Unions (Associations) of Water Users (2002) authorizes establishment of water users’ associations (WUAs) to operate and maintain irrigation systems in rural areas (World Law Guide 2009). The Agreement on Cooperation in Interstate Sources’ Water Resources Use and Protection Common Management governs distribution of water among the five Aral Sea Basin countries. The Law on Interstate Use of Water Bodies, Water Resources and Water Structures of the Kyrgyz Republic (2001) defines the principles and regulations of interstate use of water bodies, water resources and water structures whose main purpose is to manage and regulate the principles of water supply by Kyrgyzstan to interested countries on reasonable and mutually beneficial grounds, taking into account market relations (World Law Guide 2009; Bogdetsky et al. 2001). The Water Code outlines the rights and obligations of water users and standards for the management of water resources. Surface and groundwater water can be used without Water Use Permission for: drinking and domestic purposes, watering livestock and household plots, and firefighting. Water Use Permission, which is issued by the Water Department, is required for industrial and commercial water uses; use of sewage and wastewater for irrigation; use of impounded or stored water for power generation, fishing, fish-farming or other economic activities; any diversion, restriction or alteration of the flow of water within a water body; alteration of the bed, banks or characteristics of a water body; or extraction of gravel and other materials from water bodies. Water Use Permissions are granted for up to 15 years, and a Special Water Use Permission can be granted for a 50-year period where the applicant is making a substantial, long-term investment in a dam, a drinking-water delivery system or an irrigation system (GOK Land Code 1999b). The Water Code provides for temporary and permanent suspension of water-use rights. Temporary suspension is applicable for certain forms of non-compliance, and natural disasters or emergencies. Permanent cancelation of a permit applies when it is necessary to reallocate water rights in the public interest, for non-compliance with the Code, lack of use, or liquidation or death of the holder of the right (GOK Water Code 2005). Under the Soviet Union, the flow of water resources between upstream water-rich and downstream cotton-producing countries was coordinated by Soviet planners. After the fall of the Soviet Union, coordination became the responsibility of the republics’ respective governments. Each country has competing demands for water and is reliant on the others for additional resources, such as oil and natural gas. The tension over resources has led to military buildups and verbal threats. However, as water scarcity increases and Kyrgyzstan seeks to capitalize on hydropower, water disputes could escalate if downstream countries are unable to meet their water needs (Dukhovny 2005; Karaev 2005). Within the country, water disputes are particularly pervasive in the Ferghana Valley. Existing water scarcity is exacerbated by the region’s high population density. In 1989, disputes between Tajik and Kyrgyz groups over water allocation led to riots in which several people were killed or injured. In 1999, Tajik and Kyrgyz groups were again in violent conflict over the allocation of water (Slim 2002). GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION AND INSTITUTIONS The GOK, through its Parliament and offices of the President and Prime Minister, is responsible for: developing, approving and amending water legislation; ratifying international agreements; approving annual subsidies for irrigation and drainage; and setting rates for water use. The GOK approves the boundaries of the principal water basins; establishes the Water Council; approves Basin Council regulations; designates specially authorized state bodies to implement the Water Code; establishes a water-resource monitoring system; develops and implements the state water-economy program; and approves Special Water Use Permissions (GOK Water Code 2005). The National Water Council in composed of heads of ministries, agencies, and other state bodies responsible for water resource management. The Council coordinates the activities of ministries, administrative agencies and other state bodies concerning the management of water resources; prepares the National Water Strategy for the approval of the GOK; prepares draft laws for presentation to the GOK; supervises the State Water Committee; and develops regulations and instructions for the implementation of the Water Code. Basin-level councils are made up of representatives of the Basin Water Administration, territorial bodies of the State Environmental Protection Body, local state administration bodies, NGOs, water users, and WUAs. Basin councils develop draft basin plans, coordinate activities in the water sector within the basin and approve the composition of the Local Irrigation and Drainage Committees (GOK Water Code 2005; GOK Decree N. 186 2010). The State Committee on Water Management serves as the secretariat for the National Water Council, participates in Basin Councils and undertakes tasks such as monitoring and planning, regulating the use of underground water and taking action to protect water quality. In the field of irrigation, drainage and other water-economy activity, the State Water Committee is responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair and rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage systems; the supply of water of fixed quality in accordance with contracts; the collection of fees from the water users in accordance with contracts for water supply; the preparation of plans of operation and maintenance of each irrigation and drainage system for presentation to the corresponding irrigation commission; and planting of forestry protection plantations along canals, and around state-owned reservoirs and other water storage and delivery structures. The territorial branches of the State Water Committee are the Basin Water Administrations (GOK Water Code 2005; GOK Decree N. 186 2010). The Department of Water Management within the State Water Committee is responsible for implementation of water-resources policy. The Department consists of three main governing bodies: the Department of Water Resources (DWR); the Irrigation and Systems Maintenance Department; and the Department of Economics, Finance and Registration. The DWR is responsible for operating and maintaining the nationwide, off-farm irrigation network and delivering irrigation water to farmers. The DWR is responsible for promoting institutional development of WUAs. The DWR is located in Bishkek, but has seven oblast offices and 43 raion offices (Sehring 2009; HTSPE 2008; GOK Decree N. 186 2010). Irrigation and Drainage Commissions are established at national, basin and local levels and are tasked with: reviewing the performance of relevant irrigation and drainage systems during the previous irrigation season and making recommendations regarding operation and maintenance in the following irrigation season; supervising the implementation of any recommendations made and the preparations for the forthcoming irrigation season; and serving as a forum for information exchange and coordination among irrigation-water users concerning irrigation (GOK Water Law 2005). WUAs are community-based organizations created to manage water resources for irrigation and irrigation infrastructure at the local level. Kyrgyzstan currently has 450 WUAs, 439 of which are formerly registered and about 90 of which are considered fully mature, having reached the seventh stage of institutional development. The WUAs have roughly 166,000 members and have authority over an area of about 710,000 hectares. Almost all WUAs have offices and functioning management systems, and observers report that, in general, the WUAs are allocating and distributing irrigation water consistent with equitable principles, collecting irrigation service fees and maintaining records. Water Support Units have been integrated into the DWR, creating a link between the WUAs and the DWR. Recent reductions in conflicts over water have been attributed to the establishment of WUAs. One of the greatest challenges facing the WUA system is financial sustainability. Most of the financial and technical support for the development of the WUAs and Water Support Units has been provided by donors. The fees collected by WUAs do not cover the costs of operation, and the GOK budget does not include sufficient support for the WUAs and Water Support Units. The World Bank’s Second On-Farm Irrigation Project, which runs through 2013, is one of several projects addressing the financial structure of the WUA system (GRM 2008; World Bank 2008b; Sehring 2009; HTSPE 2008; World Bank 2010d). GOVERNMENT REFORMS, INTERVENTIONS AND INVESTMENTS Kyrgyzstan faces three main issues related to water access, use and management: (1) trans-boundary water conflict; (2) water pollution and water quality; and (3) inefficient and poorly maintained irrigation infrastructure. The establishment of WUAs has been a significant step in the structural and institutional reform of irrigation systems. Some ambiguity was created by different jurisdictional standards (basin versus administrative boundaries), and the responsibilities of the WUAs and the DWR for the operation and maintenance of irrigation systems were not clearly defined. However, donor-funded projects focused on the creation and capacity-building of WUAs have helped clarify jurisdictional boundaries and roles (ARD 2005; Herrfahrdt 2006). Tariffs for irrigation water currently do not cover expenses. Between 2007 and 2010, the government introduced staggered rises in tariffs to a level covering operating costs. The WUAs will increase payment collection-levels from their current 78% to a minimum of 95% in 2010. Between 2010 and 2020, a full cost-recovery of the irrigation system should be achieved on a stage-by-stage basis. The GOK, with assistance from Russia, has been pursuing the development of the US $1.7 billion Kambarata 1 hydropower facility. The Government of Uzbekistan opposes development of the facility. The project stalled in March 2010 when Russia halted funding and insisted on an international study to examine potential environmental impacts (Shepherd 2010). DONOR INTERVENTIONS AND INVESTMENTS USAID has been present in the country since 1992 and has developed several initiatives related to water-resource management. In 2001, USAID launched the US $3 million Peaceful Communities Initiative to open lines of communication between cross-border communities in the area. In an effort to address specific sources of conflict, the initiative rebuilt the water distribution system in Jar-Kyshtak, a village of 2400 people bordering Uzbekistan in southern Kyrgyzstan. Current USAID initiatives also include programs to enhance agricultural productivity through improvements in agricultural practices, better management of the irrigation networks and access to inputs. USAID has also supported the development of trans-boundary basin planning tools for the Syr Darya River to facilitate decisions on the allocation and distribution of water and energy in the region and to facilitate trans-boundary water discussions between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The Land Reform Project, of which water was one component, funded numerous stakeholders’ meetings and input sessions relating to the drafting of the 2005 Water Code. USAID funded 10 separate white papers addressing a variety of issues raised by the new legislation and helped facilitate discussion and consensus. The Water Code replaced the very short list of water rights available under prior legislation with predictable, long-term water rights and provides incentivizes for water conservation. As the code progressed through draft phases, the project also educated citizens with a published bulletin (USAID 2010; Chemonics 2005). The World Bank’s 6-year (2006–2011) US $19 million Water Management Improvement Project was designed to: (1) rehabilitate and modernize irrigation infrastructure to secure water supply to around 85,000 hectares, serving 40,000 families; (2) achieve sustainable and efficient water resources management through implementation of the Water Code, support to the DWR and support to WUAs; and (3) organize the formation and development of WUA Federations and the transfer of minor irrigation schemes to WUAs, thereby alleviating some of the pressures on the DWR to operate and maintain these systems. Under the first component (as of early 2010), out of an estimated 18 schemes, 16 schemes have been contracted, and the project expects to complete six subprojects by the end of 2010. Most of the technical advisory packages on water governance under the second and third components have been completed. However, due to a planned restructuring of the DWR and changes in the government, implementation of the recommendations for improved governance are unlikely to begin until after elections are scheduled for October 2010 (World Bank 2010d). The World Bank is also funding the US $15 million Village Investment Project II (2006–2011). As of July 2010, the project had provided about half a million people in project areas with improved access to water resources and constructed 368 new water points. The second Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project (US $10 million, 2009–2013) was designed to improve rural access to drinking water and sanitation services but has been hindered by delays in the GOK’s adoption of more cost-effective and sustainable rural water supply standards and the unanticipated need to revisit rehabilitation and capacity-building systems installed by the first project. Project implementers anticipate that the project will be delayed a year and undergo restructuring (World Bank 2008b; World Bank 2010d). The World Bank’s US $20.5 million (2007–2013) Second On-Farm Irrigation Project, implemented by the Department of Water Resources, aims to improve irrigation-service delivery through further development of about 500 WUAs and rehabilitation and modernization of irrigation and drainage infrastructure country-wide. The project plans to deliver: components for WUA strengthening; rehabilitation and modernization of irrigation and drainage systems on about 51,000 hectares managed by an estimated 29 WUAs; and project management support for the Department of Water Resources. As of July 2010, 26 WUAs commanding around 62,000 hectares have been selected for rehabilitation, and five projects have already been completed. The slight drop off in the performance of WUAs is attributed to lack of government funding for WUA Support Units (SUs), which were integrated in the Department of Water Resources. Over the course of 2010, the project plans to work more actively with the GOK resolving this issue to ensure that adequate resources are dedicated to the proper functioning of the SUs (World Bank 2007b; World Bank 2010d). Trees and Forests RESOURCE QUANTITY, QUALITY, USE AND DISTRIBUTION About 4.5% of Kyrgyzstan’s total land area (869,000 hectares) is classified as forest. Forests are found throughout the country but are concentrated in the north and along the southern border. Although their extent is limited, Kyrgyzstan’s forests are diverse. One-third of all forests are juniper species, primarily found in elevations ranging from 1300 to 3200 meters. Spruce forests account for one-eighth of forestland and are found in roughly the same elevations. At lower elevations are nuciferous forests, which can include as many as 300 different species of trees, shrubs and grasses. The nuciferous forests include walnut, apple, plum, wild rose and maple trees. Pistachio and wild almond are found in the drier areas. The floodplains and riverine areas have tugai forests of willow, elm and poplar (Kouplevatskaya 2006; BIOM and GFC 2008). Kyrgyzstan is the most biodiverse of the Central Asian countries, and its forests are home to an estimated 500 different species of vertebrates, including 83 species of mammal and 368 species of reptiles. The country also has more than 2000 different fungi. The great buzzard, snow leopard, marbled polecat and dhole are among the 10% of Kyrgyzstan’s species that are rare or endangered (GOK 2008; BIOM and GFC 2008). Forestland is depended on by local communities for harvesting wood, livestock grazing and cultivation. The forests are rich in non-timber forest products, including nuts, fruits, fodder, mushrooms and medicinal herbs. Many local communities depend on forest products for cash income. Kyrgyzstan has the world’s largest remaining natural walnut forests, which grow on slopes rising from the southern lowlands. The forest department manages the walnut forests, usually leasing out parcels on one- to two-year terms. In a good year, the walnut harvest can provide a family with sufficient income for the year. However, late frosts destroy the crop and most decades only have two to four good harvests (Schmidt 2009). The country has six categories of protected areas: (1) state nature reserves (zapovedniki) devoted to conservation; (2) state national parks (prirodnye natsionalnie parki), which are zones for conservation and recreation activities; (3) state specialized reserves (zakazniki) are dedicated to the conservation of certain species or habitats; (4) objects of natural heritage, which include state and private property; (5) botanical and zoological gardens; and (6) natural areas for the promotion of health, such as places with mineral waters or therapeutic mud. Many of these protected areas are isolated and too small to maintain viable populations of plants or wildlife within their boundaries. With support from the international community, Kyrgyzstan has in recent years increased its protected areas. In 2006, an estimated 3.2% of the land was under some form of protection; as of 2008, the GOK classified about one million hectares (5.2% of total land) as protected. The extent of protected area exceeds the total amount of the country’s forest and includes land that is not classified as forest. An estimated 2–3% of the country’s protected areas are classified as forest (GOK 2008; BIOM and GFC 2008; Fitzherbert 2000). Despite the expansion of its protected areas, Kyrgyzstan’s forests are threatened with degradation of land and forest resources. Deforestation occurs at a rate of 0.3% a year. The primary causes of degradation and deforestation are: illegal logging; cattle-grazing; construction of settlements; clearing forestland for cultivation; road building; and overharvesting of non-timber forest products, primarily fuelwood, mushrooms and medicinal plants (World Bank 2008a; ILC 2004; GRM 2008). The GOK has taken steps to support the natural regeneration of forests by closing some areas to grazing for extended periods and has undertaken reforestation of valuable wood species. Historically, the government has not emphasized production, but, faced with the loss of forestland and pressure to supply wood, the country also has begun to develop plantations. As of 2008, an estimated 24,000 hectares were devoted to productive plantations, primarily fast-growing wood such as poplar. With small grant programs, donors have supported the development of plantations by local self-governance units, the ayil okmotu (GOK 2008; FAO 2007; BIOM and GFC 2008; Kouplevatskaya 2008). The primary legislation governing the country’s forests is the Forest Code of the Kyrgyz Republic (1999). The purpose of the Code and supporting legislation is to protect and regenerate forests and ensure their rational and sustainable use with the objectives of conserving biological diversity, increasing the ecological and economic potential of the forest and satisfying the public need for forest resources. Principles of forest management adopted by the Code are: forest preservation and conservation; forest regeneration and reforestation; rational use of forests to increase productivity; and increased efficiency in forest management and use. The Forest Code includes the following terms: - Kyrgyzstan’s forests are owned by the state. The only exception to state ownership is the recognition that landowners may grow artificial forests on their private land. Trees and scrubs on private land are considered to be the property of the landowner. Forest Fund plot-holders are entitled to take small deposits of common minerals available on the land surface. - All forested lands and lands allocated for forestry purposes, whether forested or not, are considered to be in the country’s Forest Fund (Goslesfund). Forest Fund land includes non-forested land (such as agricultural land and forestland used for public utilities) that is integrated into forestland. The state can lease forestland to territorial state management bodies (leshozes, known as State Forest Cooperatives during the Soviet era) for unlimited terms. Leshozes are authorized to lease forest plots to individual forest users or groups of forest users. - Leshozes are responsible for: forest planning; constructing roads and other infrastructure; allocating Forest Fund plots; supporting the establishment of forest enterprises; ensuring the protection and regeneration of forests; and carrying out forest maintenance tasks. - Permissible forest uses include: land cultivation; haymaking; collection of forest products; timber harvesting; scientific research; and recreation and tourism. Forest recreation and collection of fruits and berries, mushrooms and herbs for personal purposes are free of charge. Fees are imposed for other uses. (GOK Forest Code 1999a). The Forestry Code is supported by several additional laws and resolutions, including: (1) Law No. 53/1999 On Protection of Environment, which declares environmental protection and management of natural resources to be a national policy; (2) Law No. 54/1999 On Environmental Expertise, governing the process for environmental impact assessments, which are known as Otsenka Vozdeistviya na Okruzhayutchuyu Sredu (OVOS); and (3) Law No. 48/1999 On Biosphere Territories, which sets the rules for the establishment and operation of biosphere territories. Biosphere territories are protected areas where ecological systems provide a stable balance of biodiversity, economic development and protection of cultural values (GOK 2008; BIOM and GFC 2008). Resolution No. 226 (1997) governs leasing of forestland. The forest department can lease land in the Forestry Fund for (1) logging and collection of secondary forest materials (stumps, bark, stick and branches); (2) mowing, agriculture cultivation, bee gardens and gathering and processing of wild plants; (3) gathering fruits, nuts, mushrooms, berries and medical herbs; (4) gathering of moss, technical raw materials, leaves and reeds; and (5) operation of hunting and game reserves, implementation of scientific and research activity, recreation and tourism and sport actions. As of 2008, almost 11,000 households had leases for forestland and forest resources (BIOM and GFC 2008; GOK 2008). Resolution No. 377 (2001) provided the terms for the adoption of community forest management (CFM) (also known as collaborative forest management) as a method of managing the country’s forests. Under CFM agreements, local populations receive long-term use rights to forest plots. Community uses can include: gathering nuts, berries, medicinal herbs and other products; beekeeping; and livestock-grazing. With the income generated by the forest use, communities are expected to carry out forest management duties and projects. Communities patrol forests to prevent logging and forest fires and engage in afforestation and reforestation (GOK 2008; BIOM and GFC 2008). In 2006, in response to a trend toward increased deforestation, the President imposed a moratorium on logging, processing and sale of valuable wood (GOK 2008; BIOM and GFC 2008). Leshozes have a primary role in the allocation of forestland. Leshozes can lease all Forest Fund land within their boundaries, which may include pasture and agricultural land in addition to forested land. Leases are required to be in writing and to state: the boundaries of the forest plot; the types and volume of forest uses permitted; the financial status of the lessee; the lease period; obligations of the parties regarding conservation and forest protection; and the lease payment. The length of the lease and the rent are negotiable and depend on the nature of the forestland, the permissible uses, and status of the lessee. For example, in the leshozes with walnut-fruit forests, leases allow people to collect a certain amount of fuelwood, to obtain agricultural plots, to collect hay or to harvest walnuts or fruit for sale. In exchange for access to forest resources, forest users are usually expected to: pay a share of the walnut harvest (40–70%); make a payment in cash; or carry out certain tasks for the leshoz, such as collecting seeds or preparing and planting seedlings. In some cases, an individual may use forest resources free of charge in exchange for labor. In 2008, an estimated 9,400 hectares of land were leased (GRM 2008; Fisher et al. 2004; FAO 2005). Leshozes are also authorized to enter into agreements with local communities for community management of forestland. CFM agreements have an initial term of five years, with a possible extension to an additional 49 years. Under CFM, the forest user has rights to all forest products produced in exchange for meeting obligations to manage and conserve the forest. The GOK has identified about 45,000 hectares for CFM, of which 7200 were under various CFM arrangements in 2008 (BIOM and GFC 2008; GOK 2008; Fisher et al. 2004; Carter et al. 2003). In 2007, the GOK suspended any further allocations of land for CFM. The State Agency on Environmental Protection and Forestry (SAEPF) reported that problems with questionable forest management techniques (such as fencing), allegations of unfair allocations of forestland, noncompliance with agreements and poor understanding of conservation principles led to the suspension of new allocations until problems could be addressed (BIOM and GFC 2008; GOK 2008) Women are responsible for many household tasks requiring access to and use of forest resources, such as gathering forest products, grazing livestock and fetching water. However, men tend to dominate forest management activities, and women are less likely to attend public meetings or sign documents relating to forest rights and use. It is unknown whether any women hold forest leases or lead CFM groups (Carter et al. 2003). Conflicts related to the forestry sector occur mainly in two areas. First, there is persistent nonviolent conflict over communities’ access to forest resources in protected forests traditionally used by communities to supplement incomes. Second, many leshoz forest boundaries are not demarcated, and there is a reported lack of transparency in the allocation of leases (Fisher 2004; ADB 2009; Lovera 2008). GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION AND INSTITUTIONS The State Agency on Environmental Protection and Forestry (SAEPF) is the lead agency responsible for developing the country’s policies and strategic plans for: forest management; biodiversity conservation; environment protection; and development of forest enterprises. The Agency develops national and regional programs for the development of forests; distributes haymaking areas and pastures within the Forest Fund; makes zoning decisions governing forest uses; and organizes forest monitoring. Oblast-level state offices carry out statistical reporting on forest management activities; participate in the development of annual and long-term plans; help develop programs for the economic development of forestry; and regulate forest relations with the central level (GOK Forest Code 1999a; GRM 2008). More than 40 state forest agencies (leshozes) are responsible for the protection and management of the forests and of state-owned non-forested land located on leshoz territory – mainly in the form of pastures but also of arable land. A leshoz is typically made up of a central office with technical and administrative staff and several forest rangers; the leshoz reports to the oblast forest administration. Specific duties assigned to the leshozes are: allocating forest plots, drafting leases and managing relationships with lessees; issuing orders regarding the use of forest resources and requirements for forest conservation and regeneration; and organizing forest enterprises (Fisher et al. 2004; GOK Forest Code 1999a). GOVERNMENT REFORMS, INTERVENTIONS AND INVESTMENTS The GOK has adopted a series of programs and plans defining its forest sector objectives. Activities under the National Action Plan for Forestry (2006–2010), many of which were supported by donors, included the development or creation of: national forest inventory and mapping systems; an atlas of rare species; location-specific forest management plans; and a management system for municipal forests. The legal framework for the environmental protection of forests was also refined. Transboundary biosphere reserves were established in reserves in the Western Tien-Shan (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan) and Pamir-Alay (Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan), and the country joined the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (СITES) (GOK 2008). While the GOK has succeeded in implementing several portions of its forest plan, in general, sector governance is still weak. Capacity development has been constrained by a low budget, lack of sufficient staff, and inadequate incentives for adoption of sustainable forest management techniques by communities and other forest users. Laws governing protected areas are poorly enforced, and technical plans for sustainable management of various forest resources have not been prepared. Poaching and illegal logging have continued despite a government ban, and the public’s awareness of principles of conservation and sustainable forest use is low (GOK 2008). DONOR INTERVENTIONS AND INVESTMENTS The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has been supporting the development of the forest sector, forest conservation, and private investment in forests since 1995. The agency works with the GOK to develop national forest strategy and has supported the development of modern forest management tools and the establishment of community forest management programs. Phase V of the project is scheduled to be completed in 2010 (GOK 2008; Carter et al. 2003). A joint program funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the United Nations Development Programme (FOA/UNDP), Capacity Strengthening of National Assessment and Monitoring of Forest and Wood Resources (2007–2010), has provided technical assistance relating to the sustainable use of forest products. The team helped create a cross-sector commission that includes the SAEPF, the Ministry of Agriculture, and local self-governance councils to coordinate forest sector work (GOK 2008; BIOM and GFC 2008). The European Union (EU)’s Sustainable Management of Juniper Forests of the South Kyrgyzstan (JUMP) worked in Kyrgyz Ata Nature Park and 10 locations in the Osh and Batken regions. With the participation of local communities, the project created integrated management plans for sustainable management of the country’s juniper forests. Another EU-funded project in the western Tien Shan helped Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan create a transboundary park and launch programs to support the socioeconomic development of the communities living within buffer areas of protected areas. From 1997 to 2005, GTZ implemented its Biosphere Reserve Issyk-Kul project. Project activities included creating the legal framework for the development of the biosphere area, preparing a zoning plan to manage land use in the oblast, and establishment of an administrative framework for management of the biosphere (GOK 2008; BIOM and GFC 2008). RESOURCE QUANTITY, QUALITY, USE AND DISTRIBUTION Kyrgyzstan has significant deposits of gold, rare earth metals, coal, oil, copper, iron, mercury, tungsten, antimony, precious and semiprecious stones and arsenic. Eighty percent of the country is covered by geological surveys and mapping, and spending on geological exploration in Kyrgyzstan increased 34% between 2003 and 2004. Large mining companies are responsible for most of Kyrgyzstan’s production, but the country also has an artisanal mining sector that produces alluvial gold, tin, coal, and construction materials. Approximately 5000 people are involved in artisanal gold mining. Between 2000 and 2004, the minerals sector provided an average of 10% of GDP, and minerals accounted for an average of 41% of export revenue. (Note that the 41% number cited in this paragraph differs from the 3.6% number reported by the World Bank’s World Development Indicators (WDI), cited in Box 1, supra. The WDI statistics on mineral exports do not take into account fuels (12% of total exports) or those minerals categorized as raw agricultural products. Adding revenues from these two categories to the 3.6% reported by the WDI is still unlikely to account for the entire discrepancy in numbers, however. The 41% number is cited here because, apart from the WDI, several sources consistently report export revenues from Kyrgyzstan’s mineral sector at or near to 41% of the country’s export revenues.) (World Bank 2005b; Bogdetsky et al. 2001; Perez et al. 2010). Gold accounts for most of Kyrgyzstan’s production. However, foreign investment in exploration and investment in other mineral resources, including development of oil and gas reserves (about 4% of total mining production), rare earth and coal, are increasing. Companies from China, Canada, Russia, the US, Australia, and Kazakhstan are primary investors in geological exploration. In some areas, former Soviet mines are being reopened. The Canadian Stans Energy Corporation, for example, is reopening the Kutessay II mine (located 140 kilometers from Bishkek) as the first major rare earth mine outside China (Watts 2010; World Bank 2005b; BISNIS 2007; Mbendi 2010). Kyrgyzstan has an estimated 90 million ounces of gold reserves and began industrial production in 1986. Foreign investment in gold began in 1993, and in 1996 the Kumtor Gold Mine, located in the Tian Shan Mountains about 350 kilometers southeast of Bishkek, began production. Kumtor has estimated reserves of more than 300 tons of metal and an annual production capacity of 650 thousand ounces. Canadian-based Centerra Gold holds a 100% interest in the mine, which produced 7.2 million ounces of gold between 1997 and 2007 and is the largest gold mine in Central Asia operated by a western company. Exploration of the area surrounding the mine has produced promising results, and the company plans to expand operations (Centerra Gold 2010; World Bank 2005b). Kyrgyzstan has an estimated 24 billion tons of coal deposits, only 20% of which are under development. The country’s coal mining operations began in the latter half of the 19th century, and by 1913, 27 coal mines were providing coal for the whole Central Asia. Coal mining increased in the decades that followed (employing 60% of the industrial labor force in the 1980s), but fell off in the early 2000s as resources in some mines were depleted, competition from Kazakhstan increased, and profitability suffered. The country consumes about 1.9 million tons of coal annually, and the industry expects production to increase as investors have shown renewed interest in exploring cost-effective methods of developing the country’s coal deposits (Bogdetsky et al. 2001; World Bank 2005b; Perez et al. 2010). Because mining operations in Kyrgyzstan are located mainly in mountainous areas, mineral extraction often exacerbates natural processes characteristic of mountains, such as landslides, landslips and erosion of slopes. Road construction, drilling and increases in human population have damaged forests and grasslands. Increased hunting and destruction of ecosystems have put pressure on wildlife. Mining has also contributed to pollution of air, water and soil. The poor environmental management of mines during the Soviet era has left Kyrgyzstan with heavy contamination of former mining sites and their surrounding communities. Some of the waste is radioactive, and the GOK lacks funds to institute adequate safety measures (Bogdetsky et al. 2001; World Bank 2005b). In 1998, a truck accident on the road to the Kumtor Mine killed several people and caused 1.8 tons of sodium cyanide to spill into a river. Thousands of residents were evacuated from downstream communities, and a disputed number of people sought medical treatment. The government, which had a two-thirds interest in the mine at the time of the accident, and the company (a predecessor of Centerra) hired scientists to conduct a study of the spill’s impact. The study concluded that minimal damage had been done and sufficient compensation paid. Local communities assert that the spill caused significant adverse health impacts, including a high mortality rate. The communities have continued to stage protests and have pending claims for additional compensation (Norlen 2000; Mines and Communities 2005). Kyrgyzstan’s Law on Subsoil (1997) is the primary law governing the mineral sector. The law provides that the state owns the country’s mineral resources. Individuals and entities – including foreign entities – can obtain rights of exploration and exploitation through licenses and concessions. The Law on Subsoil imposes standards relating to geological studies and determinations regarding the optimal use of resources; requires accounting of extracted and non-extracted main and associate minerals; prohibits wasteful or harmful extraction practices; and gives the state the authority to determine mineral resource production levels (Bogdetsky et al. 2001; World Bank 2005b). Other laws governing the sector are as follows: - Law on Concession and Foreign Concessionary Enterprises in Kyrgyzstan (1992) is applicable to mining concessions and sets standards for foreign companies and terms of concessions. - Law on Coal (1999) provides subsidiaries to coal operations. - Law on Oil and Gas (1998) governs the exploration for and exploitation of petroleum and natural gas and imposes state standards on the exploitation of oil and gas reserves. - Resolution No. 563 (2000) devolves to local administrations the responsibility for: preparation of mineral development proposals; preparation of proposals for land-right allocations for mining; and development of environmental plans. Local administrations also have authority to resolve local disputes over mining operations. - Resolution No. 224 (2001) regulates alluvial gold prospecting. Regional administrations are responsible for issuing certificates authorizing individuals to engage in alluvial mining. Individual prospectors (gold-panners) are entitled to use only the gravity exploration method in the extraction of gold, and the use of strong toxic substances is prohibited. Small-scale enterprises and individual prospectors are required to pay an annual fee for the certification and must pay local and national taxes. - Law on Production Sharing Agreements (2002) permits private entities to enter into agreements with the government under which the government participates in the company’s profits and can take its earnings in the form of product. (Bogdetsky et al. 2001; Madykov and Ten 2009). Mineral exploration and extraction are also governed by laws regulating the Tax Code, the Labor Code, the Civil Code, and the Land Code. There is also a range of laws that directly regulate relations between government and mining manufacturers. The most important of these are the laws on deposits, coal, oil and gas, precious metals and precious stones. The principal environmental, health and safety laws applicable to the mining industry are: (1) Law on Environmental Review (1999); (2) Law on Environmental Protection (1999); and (3) Law on Industrial Safety of Hazardous Production Facilities (2001) (Madykov and Ten 2009; Bogdetsky et al. 2001). The state owns all mineral deposits in Kyrgyzstan and grants exploration licenses, mining licenses and licenses for construction and operation of subsurface structures. The government grants concessions on a competitive basis. Both foreign and domestic companies can obtain mineral and mining rights. Domestic companies conducting exploration of mineral resources must obtain temporary land use rights from local state administrations. The right of foreign companies to obtain temporary land use rights can be subject to further regulation by the government. Only small deposits of commonly found minerals on municipal or private land are exempt from the licensing procedure (Bogdetsky et al. 2001; Madykov and Ten 2009). Artisanal mining operation permits are obtained by registering with local authorities. Approximately 5000 people are involved in artisanal gold mining in Kyrgyzstan. Artisanal miners pay taxes to local and district authorities (Bogdetsky et al. 2001). The mining laws provide for suspension or termination of mining rights. In the event mining companies feel their rights have been violated, they can apply to domestic courts or, if the parties have an arbitration agreement, to domestic or international arbitration tribunals. Kyrgyz companies and government bodies tend to avoid arbitration as a dispute resolution mechanism and have been reluctant to sign agreements referring disputes to local or international arbitration (Madykov and Ten 2009). As of 2001, there were no reported conflicts related to the expropriation of land for mining interests (Bogdetsky et al. 2001). GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION AND INSTITUTIONS The Ministry of Natural Resources, which was created in 2009, is the main government authority responsible for the minerals sector. The Ministry assumed the duties formerly undertaken by the State Agency for Geology and Mineral Resources, including issuing licenses and executing license agreements. The Ministry is responsible for: preparing mineral forecasts and estimates; attracting investment; confirming reserves; monitoring mining company activity and the raw-material base for these companies; and ensuring that work in this sector is carried out satisfactorily. However, the Ministry’s ability to maintain geological information is hindered by a paper-based system. Although the Ministry has a substantial amount of information regarding the country’s minerals, its thousands of typed geological reports are difficult to access. In addition, reporting standards for license-holders have not been created, and the flow of geological information is not controlled. Industry observers report that the Ministry has been working to bring relevant regulations in line with international standards, but no detailed information about this effort is available (Madykov and Ten 2009; Mbendi 2010; World Bank 2005b; Bogdetsky et al. 2001; Madykov 2010; GOK Decree N. 734 2009b). The State Agency for Environmental Protection and Forestry is responsible for environmental protection relating to mining operations. The office of State Mining and Technical Control under the Ministry of Ecology and Emergencies oversees mining-company compliance with technical safety regulations (Madykov and Ten 2009; Bogdetsky et al. 2001). The joint stock company, Kyrgyzaltyn JSC, is the largest company in Kyrgyzstan specializing in the development of gold deposits. Kyrgyzaltyn JSC has created gold-receiving desks that support artisanal and small-scale gold miners by purchasing their mined gold on a commercial basis (Bogdetsky et al. 2001; Mbendi 2010). GOVERNMENT REFORMS, INTERVENTIONS AND INVESTMENTS Kyrgyzstan has high mineral potential, a long mining tradition, well-trained technical personnel and, in many areas, adequate to good mining infrastructure. However, the sector is constrained by: (1) a complicated, fragmented, and often contradictory legal framework; (2) insecure rights of exploration and extraction resulting from overlapping and contradictory laws, ambiguity regarding the impact of land law on mining rights and gaps in the legal framework; (3) high investment costs and risk due to significant state authority over operations and lack of exclusivity of rights; (4) limited accessibility of exploration data and mining records, which are maintained in paper archives; and (5) despite some reforms, relatively high taxes and royalties. Political unrest has also contributed to an unstable situation for potential investors (BISNIS 2010; Bogdetsky et al. 2001; World Bank 2005b). Kyrgyzstan is a candidate country for the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), a global initiative supporting the improvement of the management and effective utilization of natural resources through transparent accounting of revenue. Kyrgyzstan’s EITI implementation is coordinated by the Energy and Mineral Resources Department in the Office of the Prime Minister and overseen by a multi-stakeholder steering group. The GOK released its first official EITI report in 2004, but the process stalled in 2006 and 2007. The GOK appointed a new EITI Secretariat in 2008, and a decree reestablished the EITI steering group. Kyrgyzstan submitted its first Validation report in 2010, which the EITI Board reviewed. The EITI Board issued a statement in October 2010 that while the country was close to compliance, some validation indicators had not been met. The GOK has until April 2011 to respond to the Board’s suggested remedial measures. The World Bank has earmarked US $180,000 to support the Ministry of Finance and EITI Secretariat’s efforts to meet requirements (EITI 2010; World Bank 2009b). In an effort to encourage development of the mining sector, the GOK has been pursuing the following measures: simplifying the licensing process; reducing royalty rates; amending the Tax Code to include taxation of subsoil use; establishing an agency responsible for minerals and mines; revising decrees in order to reduce state interference in the industry; and reducing state shares in the mining industry (Bogdetsky et al. 2001). DONOR INTERVENTIONS AND INVESTMENTS The closure of the uranium mines formerly operated by the Soviet Union left an estimated 800 million tons of uranium enrichment waste in Central Asia. Kyrgyzstan’s share of the waste is estimated at 50 million cubic meters of highly toxic tailings spread over 30 different sites and posing a risk to the health, agriculture and ecology in the affected areas, including the Fergana Valley. Other mining operations have left tailings that contain toxic salts, mercury, lead, cadmium and arsenic. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), UNDP, EU, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC) are collaborating with the GOK to create sustainable solutions for the management and maintenance of the toxic waste sites. EurAsEc is focused on reclaiming hazardous wastes in Kyrgyzstan to reduce the potential risks associated with burying radioactive wastes (Levina 2009; Bogdetsky et al. 2001). Kyrgyzstan is the last remaining major supplier of mined mercury to the international marketplace, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is supporting a joint United Nations Environment Programme and United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNEP/UNITAR) project to assist the GOK in developing an action plan to reduce the release of mercury into the environment. As part of the overall project, project staff are conducting assessments to facilitate the involvement of donors (such as the World Bank and ADB) in initiatives to eliminate mercury mining activities and remedy mining-related contamination (UN 2009).

Are you part of the revolution? Browse main article categories The Co-operative is my supermarket of choice. Yes of course I’d like to lay claim to doing all my food shopping through small, local shops, but the Co-operative is the next best thing. They are member owned, have some excellent ethical policies and every year The Co-operative helps people to change the world by supporting thousands of initiatives. This week I learned through their new advertising campaign how the Co-operative came about. It was started by the Rochdale Pioneers in 1844. They were visionaries who designed a business based on democratic principles, owned by the customers and reinvesting in the community it served. This revolution was called The Co-operative! Now you are invited to Join the revolution of the 21st century and Get involved by becoming a “modern-day Co-operative success story” because the hunt is on for the best revolutions in the country. The most popular initiatives will get £5000 to boost their project. Do you have a burning ambition to change your local community for the better? Then why not apply? As long as your ‘revolution’ falls into one of their 4 categories you can apply: Combating climate change Benefiting the community Tacking global poverty Inspiring young people Close to me, the forest foundation have applied for help with planting and developing existing and new woodland. Their aim is to plant native deciduous and fruit trees, in order to develop small copses and woodlands. This initiative has been raised in light of the recent Government plans to sell off some of our ancient forests. Another fantastic initiative is Urban bees who encourage urban beekeeping by training and educating people to become responsible beekeepers in an urban environment. If you want to encourage bees to your garden this year, check out our bee friendly plants guide. If you want to keep up to date with the latest news, join the Co-operative Facebook page where you can take part in interesting discussions about the future of supermarkets. In Northern Europe, around 12 million people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Symptoms range from mild such as feeling a little… You’ve all been waiting patiently to begin making your own household cleaners. You know some of the nasties you want to avoid…

Flat Rate Shipping - $7.95 for all orders! Karen and Brian Thomson are graduates from Iowa State University with degrees in Horticulture. North Barrington, IL has been their home for 20 years. Karen & Brian have two sons who are also Iowa State University graduates. One is working in Washington D.C. and the other in Chicago. In 1975, Brian volunteered at the Cranbrook Nature Center in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, tending to the beehives. When he was 16, he started Thomson Assembled Beehives and sold beekeeping equipment ready to be used. At the time, ready to use equipment was was a new concept. He continued the business and maintained 10+ hives while teaching classes about beekeeping until 1984. Shortly after that time, Brian was busy with internships in his field of study (Turfgrass management) and had to sell the beehives and put his passion for bees on hold. In 2016, Ray and Brenda Bailey (Karen's sister), started keeping bees in Texas. Brian could not let his brother-in-law start keeping bees without him starting a few hives himself! The first year, Brian and Karen started 2 hives and by the second year they were up to 8 hives, with plans to add more the next year. As of June 2020, the Thomson's have 85 hives. Honey Lake, the inspiration behind our name, is a real lake in North Barrington, IL .The lake is located outside of Chicago. It is a 65 acre glacial lake. All of our beehives are located in and around North Barrington, IL.

The following collection of WordPress themes is suitable for all kinds of health and organic products related businesses striving to create their unrivaled presence on the Web. You’ll find some themes for eCommerce websites, some readymade designs for online magazines, and a bunch of well-made templates for online business cards. Enjoy! A Few Amazing Designs from Our Team Cafe and Restaurant WordPress Theme – SimpleCafe A perfectly designed premium WordPress theme suitable for building a fully functional website of a restaurant, café, pub, food delivery service or even confectionary. Use the theme either to create an engaging business card or sell dishes on the Web. WooCommerce compatibility makes it easy to use this professionally made design for creating your debut online store and get your profit right away. Business Multi-Purpose WP Theme | EliteMasters A powerful multipurpose WordPress Theme covering such services as construction, barber shop, spa salon, pets grooming, traveling, web development, photography, cleaning, lawyers, medical and much more. As the theme is simple to customize you can use it for building your custom website for organic products selling business. Visual Composer page builder plugin is included. Free WP Themes for Gardening and Organic Food Websites Green Garden Free WordPress Theme A free WordPress theme for a nature-lover seeking for a design that would convey the utmost care and appreciation for Mother Earth. The theme is also suitable for a photographer inspired by nature’s magnificence and wishes to share their landscape shots in a harmonious and balanced environment. 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Due to COVID-19, Farm Tours & Beekeeping Courses are cancelled for 2020. Canada: $90 CAD or more FREE SHIPPING!USA: $150 CAD or more FREE SHIPPING! Pure Beeswax Candle Raw Bee Pollen Dr. Bee Porcelain Spoon American Ginseng Root Powder Honees Menthol Eucalyptus Cough Drops Honees Milk and Honey Filled Honey Drops Honees Honey Filled Honey Drops Raw Ginseng Root We like to share recipes, tips and tricks with you, so make sure you follow us for all the best freebies in honey!

Shears are used to break multiple leaf blocks from trees simultaneously. - Smithing (1 ingot): using the metals shown in the table (below). Table: Tool Tiers |Material||Durability||Attack Power (HP)| Using shears allows players to gather sticks and saplings from trees. Shears break leaf blocks in a 3 block wide cube, centered on a targeted block. - Note: The shears has no mining speed variant. The metal used to create the item affects durability, but has no effect on the rate of harvest. All tools may be used as weapons, including the shears. Tools are items commonly used by players and are generally equipped in the hotbar. The tool rack is a specialized wall mounted storage container that allows players to store up to four tools. Shears do not stack in inventory or when placed in containers. |Vintage Story: Vanilla Game Content| |Terrain Blocks||Clay Gravel Peat Rock Sand Soil| |Construction Blocks||Ceramic Blocks Glass Planks Plaster Soil Blocks Stone Blocks| |Functional Blocks||BarrelWooden Bucket Bed Containers Firepit Forge Loot Vessels Ore blasting bomb Quern| |Decorative Blocks||Paintings Carpets Bookshelves Flowerpots Wallpaper| |Metal Working||Anvil Bloomery Crucible Forge Helvehammer Molds Metal| |Tools & Weapons||Axe Bow Chisel Cleaver Club Hammer Hoe Knife Pickaxe Prospecting Pick Saw Scythe Shears Shovel Spear Sword| |Equipment||Armor Clothes Bags| |Craftable Resources||Boards Charcoal Firewood Ingots Leather Linen| |Plants||Berry Bushes Cooper's Reed (Cattail) Flowers Grass Other Plants Trees Wild Foods| |Mobs||Bees Bighorn sheep Chicken Drifter Fox Hare Hyena Locust Raccoon Wild Pig Wolf| |Animal Husbandry Beekeeping Casting Clay Forming Combat Cooking Crafting Recipes Farming Fuel Knapping Leather Working Light sources Mechanical Power Mining Ore Deposits Ruins Smithing Trading Starter Guide|

Find vacation packages, tours, travel agents and online travel services to help you plan your next visit to Oahu. Atlantis Submarines offers a one-of-a-kind underwater experience off the shorelines of Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island, giving guests a close-up view of an array of marine life, exotic tropical reefs and numerous sunken vessels. It's like swimming in a giant aquarium, but staying dry the whole time! Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows is a Hawaii golf resort home to the championship Francis H. I'l Brown South Course, renown as the former home to the annual Senior Skins Game from 1990 - 2000. The resort is now home to the prestigious Hawaii State Open. AVS is the partner of choice for the leading live event producers and designers in the US and around the globe. We are solution oriented, committed to excellence and the highest level of customer service. We love what we do and have fun doing it! Hawaii's most complete beach and boat activities. Home of the world famous "Seasmoke" and luxurious "Alala" and Manu Iwa catamarans, offering Snorkel Cruises, Sunset Cocktail Cruises, Whale Watching, Glass Bottom Boat, SCUBA, kayaks, and beach day packages. YMT Vacations started in 1967 as “Your Man Tours” arranging tours to Hawaii for veterans of foreign wars. The “Your Man” was a reference to our Polynesian guides who greeted guests. Today we are known as YMT Vacations to reflect worldwide expertise in North America, Alaska, Hawaii and Europe. The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort offers the ideal mix of fun and fantasy for dream destination weddings for two or 200. Romance Specialists customize every moment to create everlasting memories of each couple's wedding here in Paradise. Come visit our honey & bee farm in Captain Cook! Take a beekeeping farm tour & join us as we open a beehive. Sample our organic honeys, all produced from rare blossoms found on the Big Island, and browse our store and museum full of honey, beeswax products and beekeeping memorabilia. Discover an ocean-side paradise bordering a marine preserve that teems with colorful reef fish and protected species such as green sea turtles and spinner dolphins. Explore this untouched island playground, and experience your own private Hawaii. In search of the perfect blend of nature and challenge have found their paradise at Hualalai Golf Club. The course is restricted to Hualalai residents and Four Seasons Resort Hualalai guests, and plays to a par 72, with four tee locations at each hole. Pleasant Holidays has sent more than 10 million visitors to Hawaii since 1959, featuring value-packed vacations, customized itineraries and nationwide airfares; plus a large variety of activities and excursions for a truly memorable experience.

Honey Bee site hosted by Victoria BC, Canada or by EMail Barryis a local beekeeper serving the Greater Victoria area on the southern end of Vancouver Island, BC Canada. He is an accredited Bee Master and BCHPA certified instructor of Beginner's Beekeeping. He has been keeping bees for more than 10 years. The ongoing cool spring of 2020 suggests that the honey bee swarm season may not start until late April this year.I have not received any reports of a swarm this year as yet. See the latest local swarm news at Check TV. A swarm of honey bees start as a cloud of several thousand bees slowly moving through the air at tree top level. They eventually come down and cluster as a ball, usually on a tree branch. In general a swarm is reasonably calm during it's first day. By the second day they are starting to get hungry and much more aggressive at protecting their queen. Please stay clear and call me directly on my swarm hotline at 250 900-5133 or by EMail. I will be happy to relocate these easily accessible clustered bees to a new home at no charge. View a swarm collection in Victoria, BC.

When you need a taste of country life, you don’t have to stray far from our apartments. Pastoral views, apple trees, and some of Bloomfield’s most pleasant hiking are just 3.5 miles from Heirloom Flats at Auerfarm. This former dairy farm and orchard is a town gem that’s worth a visit. First, a note on names. There are two actually Auerfarm properties, both of which are open to the public. One is a 120-acre educational farm, officially the 4-H Education Center At Auerfarm. The adjacent 40-acre parcel is a state park, formally known as Auerfarm State Park Scenic Reserve. Both were once part of a storied old farm whose history merits reading. The original Auerfarm dates to the early 20th century, when it was owned by the family behind what was Hartford’s landmark department store, G. Fox. Eventually, they donated most of the land to the local club 4-H club, which had tended the orchard there since the 1970s. The land has been has been run as a learning center ever since. Later, the family pledged to conserve the rest of the farm as a scenic preserve. In 2015, they donated that farmland to state, making it Connecticut’s newest state park. The 4-H center’s many educational programs make it a popular spot for family outings and grade school class trips. (Think lessons on beekeeping, farm animals and wildlife, and maple sugaring.) But adults will find plenty to do there, too. A knitting group meets regularly—all apartments could use a throw made from Auerfarm-raised alpaca wool. There have also been jam-making and gardening workshops. (Check the Auerfarm calendar for dates.) Look out, too, for special events. Coming up soon, our next-door neighbor and go-to gastropub Republic is hosting an end-of-summer pig roast there. Expect hayrides, bonfires, lawn games, beer, and live music. The annual fall festival in October is a community favorite. This all-ages event has family-friendly activities like pony rides, barn tours, and cider-making demonstrations. You don’t have to wait for a special event to visit, however. The state park is open for hiking year round. Cider Hill, as the site of the old orchard is known, has views of farmland and forest. Its location near the Metacomet Ridge means you’ll also see Talcott Mountain. At certain times of year, you can even glimpse the skylines of Hartford and Springfield. (One nature columnist has detailed those views.) From the park, you can easily wander over to the educational center. Quirky exhibits on farming await, as one blogger has entertainingly described. With apple season fast approaching, what are you waiting for? There’s no better time to leave your apartments and enjoy this Bloomfield treasure.