One of the main goals for the Pennsylvania Backyard Beekeepers Association (PBBA), is the ability reach out and educate the public to beekeeping as a rewarding and enjoyable hobby. We also want to provide ample opportunity for individuals interested in becoming beekeepers, schools seeking educational opportunities, environmental groups, and anyone else interested, with as many places to go and seek out valuable information on bees, beekeeping, and how they can get involved.
Learning centers are places to find out more about honey bees, native and beneficial pollinators, and how property owners can help protect the environment.
Below are learning stations at environmental education learning and nature centers. We are proud to support many of the numerous Pennsylvania state parks. PBBA members assist with various programs in association with these learning centers. PBBA members will answer any questions, can assist in becoming a PBBA member, and provide information and assistance for potentially becoming a beekeeper. PBBA members are committed to being stewards, not just for bees, but for the greater benefit of the environment.
PBBA Observation Hives & Learning Centers
Maps and Directions can be located and found with
the search map at the bottom of this page
Self guided information at learning centers:
Special Note: The PBBA has obtained permission from Pennsylvania Governor Corbett and the first lady, to install and maintain an apiary at the Governor's mansion in Harrisburg, Pa.
We are very grateful for the opportunity to allow the many school groups, educational programs, dignitaries, and special guests to the Governor's mansion the chance to learn and benefit from maintaining hives on the property. The hives are not open to the public without prior notification or special circumstances. The benefit and support extended by Governor Corbett and the first lady is far reaching and greatly appreciated. Click here for pictures and additional information about the PennApic apiary at the Governors Mansion in Harrisburg.
Adams County:
Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve -
Observation Hive and Learning Center
1537 Mount Hope Rd. Fairfield, Pa. 17320
Hive coordinator: Kay & Jon Deardorff
Bucks County:
Honey Hollow Environmental Educational Center
(Bucks County Audubon Society)
6324 Upper York Rd. New Hope, Pa. 18936
Hive Coordinator: Joe Ridgeway
Butler County:
Jennings Environmental Education Center -
Observation Hive and Learning Center
2951 Prospect Rd. Slippery Rock, Pa. 16057
Hive Coordinator: Jim & Linda Reich
Cumberland County:
Kings Gap State Park -
Observation Hive and Learning Center
500 Kings Gap Rd. Carlisle Pa.17015
Hive Coordinator: Mike Thomas
Dauphin County:
Strites Orchards -
1000 Strites Rd. Harrisburg, Pa. 17111
Phone 717-564-3130
Observation hive and programs throughout the summer season.
Hive Coordinator: Luke Cline
ZooAmerica in Hershey - NEW! Coming in 2012.
201 Park Ave. Hershey, Pa. 17033
717-534-3900
Year round learning center, observaton hive, and apiary.
Lycoming County:
Little Pine State Park -
4205 Little Pine Creek Rd.
Waterville, Pa. 17776
Hive Coordinator: Duke & Jody Penneycoff
Snyder County:
Susquehanna University - New for 2012
Observation hive and learning center maintained in the science building.
No access during the weekend.
514 University Ave.
Selingsgrove, Pa. 17870
Hive Coordinator: Dave Owens
York County:
Gifford Pinchot State Park -
Learning center and observation hive located at the environmental center. Main office and park map located at 2200 Rosstown Rd, Lewisberry, Pa. 17339 Open most weekends throughout the summer. Call for hours and programs. Tel. 717-423-5011
Hive Coordinator: Mike Thomas
RAAB Fruit Farm -
209 Fruitlyn Dr. Dallastown, Pa. 17313 Observation hive and learning center maintained throughout the summer season. Call for market hours of operation. Tel. 717-244-7157 (Open Sundays only during pick your own season)
Hive Coordinator: Mike Thomas
