This course aims to improve the confidence and competence of colony manipulation by experienced beekeepers. This is not recipe beekeeping – we will not be teaching specific manipulations – but we will practice a number of underlying skills such as queen finding, handling, and introduction, working efficiently with large colonies, dealing with difficult colonies, disease inspection, and colony destruction. Hands-on activities are key to the course, as is discussion of planning, options, and contingencies.
This is a series of hands-on workshops focuses on a number of important topics related to beekeeping, including assembling hives and opening and examining colonies. From disease and mite prevention and hive management to honey production, these workshops will cover everything you need to know to further your hobby or get your business off the ground!
CAUTION: As you will be working around live honeybee colonies, please remember to wear light-colored and smooth-textured clothing, as dark-colored, textured clothing can aggravate the bees. Please refrain from using strong scented perfume or hair gel. Warmer weather means more active bees! We strongly encourage attendees to bring whatever beekeeping protective clothing that you feel comfortable in.
Whether you are completely new to beekeeping or already have a few years as an apiarist under your belt, you will gain valuable insights from our experienced instructors and their combined knowledge.
Our students come from all walks of life, but they leave with one thing in common: a newfound confidence to care for their hives and pursue their passion for beekeeping.