Getting Started With Beekeeping

There’s a lot to know before jumping into a pursuit like beekeeping. It’s good to learn as much as possible to make sure that you get all of the right supplies and give yourself the best chance at creating a successful operation. Preparation is key, and there’s a lot of information floating around out there. Follow these links to find accurate and helpful insights for the brand new beekeeper.

Beginner Beekeeping Tips — The University of Missouri offers this free guide to beginning beekeeping. With tips, facts, and some important dos and don’ts this is a great place to start if you’re thinking about becoming a beekeeper.

Beginning Beekeeping — This site is for anyone interested in getting started with beekeeping. There are several pages covering everything about apiculture, and there’s even an “Ask The Beekeeper” section.

Beekeeping/Apiculture Guide  — From the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Services, this comprehensive guide covers all the bases of beekeeping from beginning to end, including more in-depth information like how to pass your state inspection and ways that you can pay for your project. The guide is free to download but you can also purchase a print copy for $3.

Nectar and Pollen Plants — A retired USDA apiculturist wrote this excellent guide filled with information about some different pollen and nectar plants and their effect on honey. Planning out your bee-friendly garden before getting started is an important component of beekeeping success.

All About Honeybees

Of course, the most important aspect of any beekeeping operation is the bees themselves.  Becoming educated about honeybees and how they work is the first step toward becoming a successful and responsible beekeeper. Plus, they’re pretty interesting to study – it’s no wonder that so many people are fascinated by bees!

Honeybees by National Geographic — This is a very basic but informative page about honeybees. Reading this will help aspiring beekeepers learn more about what bees do and how they do it.

Honeybee Facts — Backyard Beekeepers is the home of this page that is filled with interesting information about the different types of honeybees. Some basic honeybee terminology is covered, too.

Honeybee Slideshow for Kids — This slideshow from National Geographic Kids has some great information and accompanying pictures to help teach young beekeepers all about honeybees. Excellent quality images show just how bees go about gathering pollen and making honey up close and with perfect clarity.

Bee Guide From Pollinator.org — Here you can find downloadable state-specific bee identification guides that can be printed off and used as a reference when identifying the types of bees in your area.

Urban Beekeeping

Just because you live in a city doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the experience of keeping your own bees. Urban beekeeping, or backyard beekeeping, is catching on all over the world. If you know how to work within the space you have available, you can enjoy all the benefits of beekeeping right where you are. These pages will guide you through the basics of urban apiculture so that you can decide if it’s right for you.

Honey Love Urban Beekeeping — Honey Love is a nonprofit organization that exists to promote urban beekeeping and to provide the resources necessary for anyone to get started with their own beekeeping operation. Their core purpose is to protect and preserve honey bee populations everywhere.

Backyard Beekeeping — This page provides a step-by-step guide to creating your own urban beekeeping operation, with lots of helpful information to help you keep your hive happy – and your neighbors, too.

Avoiding Urban Beekeeping Problems —  This article, from Mother Earth News magazine, discusses the potential problems of beekeeping in the city and how to prevent them from happening to you.

10 Urban Beekeeping Tips — This three-page article outlines everything you need to know before you begin a beekeeping project in the city. These basic but necessary tips will help save you from making some common mistakes.

More Beekeeping Resources

The beekeeping community is comprised of all kinds of people, most of whom are willing to share their knowledge and insights. The internet makes it easy for apiculture enthusiasts to keep in touch and help each other out. The sites and pages listed here all offer valuable information – including plans and instructions for making equipment – for free.

BeeSource  — Beesource is a website dedicated to helping beekeepers find the information and support they need. There’s a user forum full of fellow apiculture enthusiasts willing to lend an ear and share their advice, insights, and even a little bad bee humor.

Build Your Own Beehive — Beesource Beekeeping offers this page full of free downloadable beehive building plans for any type of size of hive you want to build.

Beekeeping Equipment — This educational page gives a very thorough explanation of basic beekeeping equipment. There are instructions and plans for making your own apiculture tools, too.

Pollinator Partnership — You’ll find all kinds of fun resources and information about bees and the people who love them. The site is very active and updated regularly with information about group events and important beekeeping news.

Ham Radio for Beginners

While knowledge of basic electronics and science is helpful for those interested in ham radio, it is easy for those new to the world of ham radio to figure it all out. Local ham radio clubs are often full of individuals eager to get others involved with ham radio and help teach them the ropes.

Interesting Facts About Ham Radio – Learn how amateur radio got started and the different ways they can communicate with this comprehensive overview of ham radio.

About Amateur Radio – Discover the various uses for a ham radio license to see if it’s an ideal hobby for you.

What is Amateur Radio? – Get a basic overview of ham radio, including why ham radio operators call themselves “hams.”

Communications Log – Keep track of your contacts with a handy communication log template.

Phonetic Alphabet Tables – Print out these phonetic alphabet tables and keep them handy because the phonetic alphabet is an important component of ham radio communication.

Omniglot: Morse Code – While knowing Morse Code is not required for enjoying ham radio, some operators prefer to communicate using the dots and dashes.

Exam and Certification Resources

To help keep track of ham radio operators and employ a list of experts for use in emergency situations, the FCC requires that ham radio operators receive an official license. This involves passing a special ham radio exam. Passing the exam requires understanding the basics of using ham radio in an emergency and demonstrating knowledge of FCC guidelines.

Find an Exam – You cannot adequately prepare for the licensing exam without knowing where to take it. The AARL helps those wanting to take the exam find one in the area.

AH0A Technician Class: Exam Study Guide – Prepare for the technician license exam with this comprehensive document covering basic operation, FCC rules and radio set up.

The No-Nonsense, Technician Class Study Guide – Learn about electrical principles, radio and magnetic properties and other operating procedures and materials used in ham radio operation.

Technician Test Self-Study Guide – Not only does the self-study guide present information that will appear on the licensing exam, it contains review questions to help test your knowledge.

Amateur Radio Exam Practice – Test your knowledge of ham radio operation by taking a technician or general practice exam.

Ham Radio Exam Study Tips – Do not stress about taking the licensing exam and, instead, follow some handy tips to make your studying successful.

U.S. Amateur Licenses – Ham radio operators can obtain different licenses; learn what they are and what is required to obtain each one.

FCC Form 605 – Every amateur operator must fill out FCC Form 605 in order to officially get started with the ham radio process.

FCC Universal Licensing System – Access all of the forms and services need to obtain and renew your license to operate a ham radio.

Help and Tips for Ham Radio Operators

Even veteran ham radio operators need help every now and then. Knowing the hot call signs and keeping up with the latest news can help all ham radio operators get the most out of their hobby. It can also help ensure their radios are up-to-date and they are ready to pitch in should a natural disaster strike.

AmateurLogic.TV – Watch videos on how to set up ham radio equipment and learn tips to improve your ham radio operation.

A Beginner’s Guide to Making CW Contacts – Learn how to find contacts that prefer to communicate using Morse code.

UALR Call Sign Database – Make sure your call sign information is up-to-date and find the call signs of other ham radio operators.

Amateur Radio Newsline – Keep up with the latest FCC regulations, product launches and other news in the world of amateur radio to make your hobby more enjoyable.

Radioactive Camping Tips – Take your ham radio camping, making sure you have the proper tent, stakes and power sources in advance.

72-Hour Kit – If you plan to use your ham radio skills to help in an emergency, make sure you are prepared to survive by preparing a 72-hour kit of food and other essential supplies.

Suggested Go-Kit Checklist – Have everything you need to pick up and go when disaster strikes by making sure you have everything on this go-to checklist.

Save the environment one piece of garbage at a time by recycling. Keeping trash out of landfills, oceans, and roadside ditches not only leaves our planet looking and feeling clean, but it has positive long-term effects. Imagine what would happen if all of our landfills were full or our ocean was so contaminated with junk that the sea life died. By recycling, which means turning trash into new items, we are helping to save our environment one step at a time. For most people, however, recycling is an afterthought, which is why it is important to introduce recycling to children at an early age. The sooner we get our children to make recycling a habit, the better off our world will be. Here are some tips to help you introduce recycling to even the youngest of learners.

How to Recycle

Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22, is the most popular day to discuss recycling. However, you should start today by introducing the idea of recycling to your kids. While many younger children may not grasp the concept of why it is important to recycle, you can show them why recycling is great so that it becomes a habit for them later on in life. The best way to teach your child to recycle is to be a good role model by recycling yourself. In the resources below, you will find plenty of guidance as you approach this topic with your children no matter what their age.

• The 3 R’s – Discover ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle from a kid’s point of view, games and activities included from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
• How Garbage Affects Nature – Using an interactive program, see how garbage affects animals and the ecosystem directly – includes hands on craft projects, online games, and additional resources.
• Introducing Recycling to Young Children – National Geographic provides an informative article for parents who are struggling with ways to teach young children the reasons and ways of recycling.
• Kids’ Green Scene – The Kids’ Green Scene is a kid-friendly blog that posts current events related to recycling.
• Ways to Encourage Recycling – Read about methods you can use to make recycling a daily habit for your child.
• Visit Recycle City – The Environmental Protection Agency has developed an interactive site featuring online games and hands-on activities that encourage children to recycle.
• Meet Recycle Rex – One helpful dinosaur, Recycle Rex reinforces the principles of the 3 R’s with online games and printable coloring pages.
• Read About Recycling (pdf) – Check out this book list of suggested reading for children in preschool through 5^th grade.
• Lesson Plans for Kindergarten – Find several lesson plans geared at kindergarteners, as well as a list of links for further information.

What Kids Can Make with Recycled Paper

Paper products ranging from newspaper to toilet paper tubes are one of the most substantial forms of recyclable material we produce. It is also the easiest type of material to reuse in our homes. Here are several resources related to reusing paper, including a method for recycling your very own paper. Check out all of the craft projects you can do at home using all kinds of paper including old magazines and school notebook paper.

• How to Make Recycled Paper – Watch an informative video that shows you the process of recycling your used newsprint and craft paper, and transforming it into recycled sheets of paper.
• Simple Craft Projects for Recycled Paper – Instead of throwing out all of your used paper products including plates and toilet paper rolls, try some of these kid-friendly craft ideas.
• How to Make Paper Bowls – Craft paper bowls and trivets using pages from your old magazines, the perfect option for those glossy pages that cannot be recycled by many facilities.
• 24 Paper Crafts – Martha Stewart presents 24 paper crafts that reuse a wide range of paper products, from empty paper towel rolls to used greeting cards.
• Toilet Paper Tube Art – Apartment Therapy lists several innovative ways to reuse those empty toilet paper and paper towel cardboard tubes.

General Arts and Crafts Made from Recyclables

One of the most immediate benefits of recycling is that you are saving money. By taking stuff you would normally toss in the recycling bin, you can transform it into new-to-you objects. Get ready to be creative as you try out some of these craft projects using everything from old stuffed animals to stained T-shirts. As the 3 R’s are recycling, reducing, and reusing, you are doing your part by reusing stuff rather than filling the landfills with it. And, you can create some nice and useful items, which you can keep or give away as gifts.

• 40 Recyclable Projects – Family Fun by Disney has compiled 40 kid-friendly craft projects that reuse and re-purpose recyclable objects.
• Go Green with Crafting – Learn how to transform all types of things, from CDs and DVDs to empty egg cartons, into new and useful items.
• 12 Crafts for Older Kids – Pre-teens and teenagers will love these funky crafts that save money without sacrificing on style, including stuffed animal headphones, colorful night lamp covers, and re-purposed T-shirt tank tops.
• Make Art for Pennies – Kinder Art presents dozens of craft project resources targeted at young children including a milk carton bird house and wind chimes made from old silverware.
• 6 Kid Crafts – Better Homes and Gardens lists 6 fun projects for kids to do that transforms trash into treasure.
• Celebrate Earth Day – Here is a wonderful selection of dozens of crafts using recyclable items. Create coffee ground fossils, paper mache globes, and tin can flower pots.
• Useful Crafts for Kids – From a cardboard box oven that really works to a food box camera, here are some innovative projects using recycled items.
• Eco-Friendly Craft Projects – Check out these ecologically-friendly crafting ideas by Martha Stewart, including beads made from stale bread and cardboard doll furniture.

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For example, music therapy can be a powerful tool in opening the flow of communication for special needs kids who have trouble expressing themselves and interacting with others and the world around them. Music therapy comes in the form of singing and playing instruments, writing songs, and other listening exercises under the guidance of trained practitioners. The resources on this page all come from reliable and reputable groups within the worldwide music therapy community.

Music Therapy Information

These sites are operated by non-profit foundations. They are filled with valuable information about music therapy and can help connect you with others in the music therapy industry in different areas of the world.

• American Music Therapy Association – The official site of the AMTA, a non-profit group dedicated to furthering the understanding and practice of music therapy through education.
• World Federation of Music Therapy – The WFMT not-for-profit group is an international community of music therapy users, workers, and enthusiasts.
• Australian Music Therapy Association – Home page for the AMTA, a group of music therapists, parents and teachers of special needs kids, and others who are interested in or passionate about the benefits of music therapy. The AMTA is a member of the WFMT.
• Canada Association for Music Therapy – Non-profit group supporting the music therapy community across Canada.
• American Cancer Society on Music Therapy – This page, from the ACS, explains what music therapy is and how it can be beneficial as part of a treatment plan for cancer patients.

Music Therapy Practitioners and Centers

The sites in this group are all centers that actively practice music therapy. They are all highly respected, long-standing institutions. Most are run from University schools and provide lots of great free sources of information about the field of music therapy. They are a fantastic place to start if you’re seeking treatment for someone you love.

• Institute of Applied Psychomusicology – A group dedicated to sound therapy and treatment through music. Started by a psychologist and musician specializing in psychoeducation, the site offers literature and training for those who want to teach others about the therapeutic benefits of music.
• The Rebecca Center for Music Therapy – Based out of Molloy College in New York, this non-profit music therapy center is renowned for its work in helping to increase function through music therapy in special needs children, teens, and adults. Additionally, they can help you find a reputable center in your area.
• Nordoff Robbins Center at NYU – The center, operating as part of New York University’s Steinhardt School, offers degree programs in music therapy as well as on-site treatment and research. The site is rich with resources for anyone who is curious about music therapy.
• MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Music Therapy Pages – The Anderson Center is a part of the University of Texas Integrative Medicine family of treatment centers. Not only are there resources for those seeking music therapy internships through the center, but you can download and listen to specialized therapeutic music created through the institution.

Careers in Music Therapy

If you’re interested in become a practitioner of music therapy, check out some of these sites with information about educational programs, internship opportunities, and other resources to help you get your foot in the door of the industry.

• Temple University’s Music Therapy FAQ Page – Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance has put together this handy Q&A page to answer all of your basic questions about becoming a music therapist. While the page was created for potential students considering a career in music therapy, it’s a helpful resource for anyone who is curious about the concept.
• California Department of Mental Health Internships – Hospital internships for music therapy students through the Department of Mental Health.
• CSUN Music Therapy FAQs – A Q&A page from California State University at Northridge, outlining the steps it takes to get a music therapy degree as well as how to go about getting yourself certified and ready to work in the field.
• SWOSU Music Therapy Pages – Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s Music Therapy Program offers up this great collection of resources for those interested in pursuing an education and career in music therapy. You’ll find everything from class descriptions to outside links for delving deeper into the world of practical and applied therapeutic music.

Music Therapy Stories

You can read all you want about music therapy as a practice, but there’s nothing like hearing stories from real people who have benefitted from music therapy. This collection of sites and pages will take you to the real-life stories of those who have experienced the healing benefits of music.

• Soundscape Music Stories Page – This page is from the site of a music therapy center in Kentucky, and features links to well-written stories chronicling some of the personal success stories of applied music therapy. You’ll get a peek at actual patients and the therapy techniques used to help them flourish.
• Center for Music Therapy Client Stories – This site includes firsthand testimonials attesting to the value of music therapy. Learn more about some of the specific conditions music therapy can be used to treat and the effects it can have on patients.
• Stories from the Canada Music Therapy Trust – A fantastic collection of stories, told through text and video, of how music therapy has helped people to dramatically improve their quality of life and overcome communication and behavioral issues.
• Success Stories from Pasadena Child Development – Touching stories from real parents who have watched changes in their own children as a result of applied music therapy. The center is a non-profit corporation dedicated to providing music therapy to as many children as possible.

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