'Bees' the Word, so Let's Talk About it Live

Thursday, Bethel Metz joins us in a conversation about her honey bees and urban beekeeping in a live chat on Patch. Bethel, along with husband Mike, maintain a hive with thousands of bees outside their house in the 100 block of East Van Buren Street.

The Metzes took beekeeping classes at the Urban Ecology Center in Riverside Park earlier this year, and Bethel will be available to talk about the things she learned both in class and while beekeeping.

Controversy has surrounded the Metzes home regarding the they keep in a hive outside their house.

The , while the Metzes hope officials will consider an ordinance that will allow urban beekeeping within city limits. The issue has been at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

Regardless of the outcome of this situation, one thing that can help us better understand the entire issue is a general education about beekeeping, the importance of pollination and the characteristics of "honey bees," for example.

The chat goes from 1 to 2 p.m., so be sure to check the Patch homepage and click into the story.