Note: This is an in-person class. These classes are in high demand and seating is limited. Each class is free but registration is required. If you want to attend, but the class is sold out, email Mark to be added to the waiting list. We may add a second class. If you pre-register and later find out that you can't attend, email Mark so he can fill the seat from the wait list. You can reach Mark ([email protected]). Also, you can checkout/register for all classes you wish to take by adding each class to your cart and checking out once. The Beekeeper's Year Class is a beginner-friendly course workshop that provides step-by-step instruction for those starting their beekeeping journey or for those who want a refresher on the basics. The course includes a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on learning in an apiary (weather permitting). The classes are structured to be broken down into bite-size details for better retention and understanding. Each class covers what you should expect to see, and do, during the month following each class. Classes are held on the third Saturday of each month March through October. Note October class is on 4th Saturday. Class is from 10 am to 12 pm. Topics are subject to change, but are generally scheduled as follows: March 21, 2026 Bee Biology, Reproduction & Jobs What is in the cells Setting up a hive Tools and Equipment The Beekeeper’s Year Benefits of Keeping Bees Apiary Prep and Placement Bee Clubs and Resources April 18, 2026 Installing a Nuc BeeCheck.org When to Feed Hive Inspections/Observations Record Keeping How Bees Communicate Field Exercise – Lighting Smoker, Feeding, Inspection May 16, 2026 Understanding Swarms How to Split a Hive Adding Honey Supers Bee Foraging – Plants and Seasons Pest Management Field Exercise – Hive Inspection, Locate the Queen, Split A Colony June 20, 2026 Queen Facts Queen Anatomy Re-Queening (When, Why, and How) Rearing Queens Artificial Insemination Field Exercise – Demonstrate the step-by-step process of queen rearing July 18, 2026 All about harvesting Honey Field Exercise – Harvest Honey August 15, 2026 Helping Bees During the Dearth Integrated Pest Management – Varroa Destructor Field Exercise – Mite Wash, Oxalic Acid Vaporization September 19, 2026 Problem-solving class Honey bound Queen less colony Laying worker Hive beetles Checker Boarding Honey in the bottom box October 24, 2026 Winter prep Weighing Your Hive Winter feeding and Bee Candy Winter management Late winter management Preparing for Spring Field Exercise – Making Candy Board
