Hobby beekeeping is growing as people realize how rewarding it can be to collaborate with the amazing honey bee. A few pieces of equipment, a little bit of training, and a lot of patience can lead to not only delicious honey for you and yours, but a new relationship with the environment as you “tune in” with the bees. Join local beekeepers Mark Ditmanson and Jeanne Wright for a primer on how to get started in beekeeping. In the morning session they’ll cover the basics of equipment and hive management, and discuss how to obtain bees, how to maintain and over-winter hives in the harsh northern climate, and how to cultivate the landscape for your bees.

You will assemble and insulate a hive in the classroom. And as a treat you may sample the delicious honey of the boreal forest. After lunch, the afternoon will include a visit to an apiary where you will examine frames of honey comb covered with bees, observe a waggle dance, spot workers and drones, and maybe even see the queen. Weather, of course, will determine how much of an examination is possible. Finally you will retrieve test boards from each hive and return to North House to identify the Varroa Destructor mite.

Get your questions answered and leave inspired to become an apiarist in your own backyard. Note, handling the frames requires protection. Students who have gloves and veils are encouraged to bring their own. Other students may purchase them through North House for a cost of approximately $45.

You will need the following tools for this class:

• bee keeping gloves and a veil

A limited number are available to borrow, please indicate your needs at the time of registration. Or, you can arrange to purchase them with the instructor by prior arrangement for approx $45

Feel free to bring your favorite tools and whatever materials you might feel appropriate for this course.