2021 Beginner Bee School
This course is for the beginner to beekeeping. Our experts will guide you through your first year of beekeeping, covering equipment, bee biology, and basic management. We will discuss the many situations that a beekeeper will face over the year, and will focus on understanding the needs of bees and raising healthy colonies.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, classes will be held in an online format via Zoom until we can meet in-person safely. Classes will take place twice monthly and may also include extra sessions featuring guest speakers (to be determined). Scheduled dates will vary between weekends and weekday evenings. Recordings will be made available when possible.
Further details and class dates will be provided to registered students prior to the first bee school session (Feb. 16, 2021).
Any face-to-face events (e.g., lectures, equipment build day, hands-on bee yard experiences) will be held only if they can adhere to the current CDC guidelines at that time.
If/When it becomes possible to meet in-person in the bee yard, participants are expected to bring their own veils/protective clothing, and dress appropriately for working outdoors with bees. Some sort of veil/face protection is required for working in the apiary. We will use the club's teaching hives at Matthaei Botanical Gardens (1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor MI) for hands-on skill training.
Participants generally choose to keep their own bees during this season, though it is not required. No equipment is required at the beginning of the course, as we will cover where and how to purchase everything. It is recommended that participants attend each class, as each session will cover new information.
NEW: For the 2021 season, bee school instructor Dave Pearce is recommending an optional textbook: The Beekeeper's Handbook, 4th Edition, by Diana Sammataro. The cost is approximately $20 and is the student's responsibility above and beyond the $155 enrollment fee.
IMPORTANT – Complete our online bee school application here (it will open in a new window). You must return to this page to complete your purchase! You are not considered registered until we have received your REGISTRATION and your PAYMENT.