Bee Informed Partnership Technical Transfer Teams... and Family

​In 2011 when the first Bee Informed Partnership technical transfer team was formed in northern California (really, even before that, but we won’t confuse a good story), no one could have ever guessed where it would take us. We had long range plans but most were vague and foggy. There was so much to do right now. So many things to learn. So many details to iron out. So many miles to put on trucks and so many samples to collect and process. But here we are…6 years later. Older. Wiser. And now those long range plans are much clearer and the pesky details are getting crossed off a little faster than new ones replace them.

It is when something happens to someone you care about that you pause and reflect. Our BIP Team is close, like family. Our lab, our IT team, our beekeepers, and our tech teams are, as we like to say, a large, happy, dysfunctional family. When something happens to this family, we close ranks and help. Rob Snyder, one of our first tech team members was severely injured in a mountain biking accident less than 2 weeks ago in California. He severed his vertebrae and broke several ribs. Doctors aren’t sure if he will walk again (we know that he will). He is in a rehabilitation unit now and they are working him hard. What really hit home was how our family responded; every tech team member offered help. The California bee breeders Rob has been serving for 6 years, jumped in and are helping Rob and his family in the 100 ways one would need help when something like this happens.  Rob was inundated with visitors, flowers, cards and well wishes. He was surrounded by his immediate and extended family.

Rob Snyder (center) in the field doing what he loves best. Photo courtesy of the Bee Informed Partnership, Inc.

If you are a visitor to our website and have read any of Rob’s blogs (he’s written >60), you know what passion he has for this industry. One of my favorites is: https://beeinformed.org/2012/11/01/whats-wrong-with-my-hive/. His photos are legendary and he is one of the best teacher/trainers we have.

We plan on having Rob back soon and he is looking forward to being back. But right now, we’re counting our blessings and are so thankful to be reminded we are all part of one big family. We may not have the same politics, world view or religion, but we are family bound not by blood but by bees and their keeping.  

If you want to help Rob and his family by contributing, please mail donations to the California State Beekeepers Association (1521 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814) and mark “For Rob Snyder” on the check.

You can also visit: https://www.gofundme.com/a4kcvp-assist-family-of-robert-snyder

 Rob Snyder (left) in the field with Pat Heitkam (right). Photo courtesy of the Bee Informed Partnership, Inc.

​Karen Rennich, Executive Director
The Bee Informed Partnership 

krennich@umd.edu
www.beeinformed.org and
www.bip2.beeinformed.org