Kline Creek volunteer named state's top beekeeper

Lawrence DuBose, a volunteer with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago, was named Beekeeper of the Year by the Illinois State Beekeepers Association.

The association selected DuBose for his lifelong interest in beekeeping and his efforts to promote good beekeeping practices in Illinois and the use of honeybees to pollinate agricultural crops.

"I am honored to be a volunteer at Kline Creek Farm and talk to visitors about the importance of the honeybee for pollinating fruits, vegetables and nuts," he said.

DuBose, 95, of Carol Stream has been beekeeping since 1933, when he received his first hive at age 13. He helped establish the beekeeping program at Kline Creek Farm more than 30 years ago and donated $100,000 in 2010 to help construct the farm's honey house.

Providing a designated space where volunteers can process and package the honey the farm sells at its gift shop, the building offers a place where visitors can learn about honeybees, pollination and environmental responsibility.