This two-day class will introduce students to Natural/Organic Beekeeping with a Biodynamic influence.
You will come away with the knowledge, as well as the inspiration to nurture your honeybees and respect these hardworking, gentle creatures who live in complex and beautiful communities. This class will provide a broad understanding of the responsibilities and challenges entailed in this undertaking, so you can be knowledgable, loving and confidant beekeepers. This class will be helpful to beginning and semi-experienced beekeepers. We can help you obtain bees and we suggest you wait until after the class to purchase your equipment so you have a better understanding of your choices.
Intro to Organic Beekeeping (Saturday 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm)
Learn about the basic requirements and responsibilities for organic beekeeping. Understand the community of a hive and critical aspects of honeybee biology. We will discuss the tools and equipment involved, elements of site selection, and where you can obtain honeybees. Understanding certain intrinsic concepts will help you be a better beekeeper. There is a demonstration of assembling a wooden hive, and extensive class handouts.
Understanding and Caring For Your Bees (Sunday 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm)
Topics will include: hive congruency and design to benefit the colony (including Top Bar Hives); Honeybee health and disease management the natural way; seasonal concerns and methods to keep your bees strong.
Follders with Handouts will be snail mailed to students, and we will also be sending links to films and reading material prior to class.