Our classes are focused on urban beekeeping. Beginning with building hives and finishing with installing your own bees and queen.
Classes are open to anyone 18 years and older. Please wear a long sleeved white shirt and pants. If you have a garden hat please bring it as we will be out in the sun for a portion of the class. Please feel free to bring a lunch. Class is limited to 12 participants at the Willow Glen location and 25 in the Aptos location.
Class Descriptions:
Beginning Beekeeping Workshop – $49.00
Learn the basics of urban beekeeping. Beekeeping can be done just about anywhere, even in your own backyard. Want to increase your fruit tree production? Produce your own honey? This class covers the essential knowledge for setting up a hive and getting the bees healthy and productive in the first year. We cover the basic hive and it’s components, tools, safety practices, and handling the bees with confidence. This class includes opening and inspecting a working healthy hive or an in-classroom demonstration hive. This class is taught at both locations on Sundays throughout the growing season.
[Special Note: Our Spring 2012 class is open to current 4-H members, accompanied by parent or guardian. The parent/guardian pays full price, the 4-H member, half price. To take advantage of this special 4-H pricing, use the second row in the chart below which will accept your payment of $49 (adult) + $30 (4-H child) = $79]
| Spring, 2012, 1 – 4 PM | Aptos Grange Hall | |
| Spring, 2012, 1 – 4 PM [Adult with 4-H child] |
Aptos Grange Hall |
Healthy Beekeeping and other Beneficial Pollinators – $49.00
Do you have healthy bees? Want to attract other beneficial pollinators to your garden? This class will cover the basics on the best garden pollinators and how to keep them healthy and happy. Class includes inspecting healthy demonstration bee hive, and discusses the current diseases they face. A take-home handout will be provided. This class is taught at Aptos Grange Hall, Aptos CA.
[Special Note: If you have a valid student ID, then register with the second row (below) to attend the class for the student rate of $20]
| August 28, 2011, 12:30 – 3:00 PM | Aptos Grange Hall | |
| August 28, 2011, 12:30 – 3:00 PM [Student with Student ID] |
Aptos Grange Hall |
Advanced Beekeeping – $75.00
Is there some honey you can harvest for yourself? This class discusses the activities of the hive in the fall and winter months. Included is an extracting demonstration and open hive inspection. Class covers how to make and apply winter feeds and treatments for a vigorous, prolific hive population in the spring. Join us at the Willow Glen location for this 3 hour class, 11:00am to 2:00pm.
| September 25, 2011 | Willow Glen |
Hive Building and Installing Bees, Workshop – $100.00
Come join us in assembling your hive. Did you order an un-assembled hive? Interested in a completely hands on experience? Hive components such as frames, foundation and the boxes themselves come in lots of pieces. This class focuses on properly building, and painting your hive. This class is scheduled to accompany the arrival of our queen bee replacements and initial hive populating. Get comfortable handling the bees and finding queens at this class. All participants will take part in the installation of live bees and their queen. This class is only offered once a year in the spring.
| Spring, 2012 | Willow Glen |
In addition to our group classes, we also offer individual/private beekeeping instruction.