There will be a limited number of classes offered for the 2025 Season
BEGINNER BEEKEEPING CLASS SCHEDULE from 9:00 am to Noon
Swanzey, NH & Mount Desert Island, ME
Please click on the heading for the order form.
Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 9 to Noon - $50
MARCH & APRIL – INTRODUCTION, HIVE MATERIALS, OVERVIEW FOR THE YEAR
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Apiary Location Requirements
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Apiary Site Discussion
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Clothing Recommendations
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Feeding Your Bees
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Building Hive & Frames
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Installing your Package of Bees
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Introduction & Overview
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Keeping a Notebook - manual or computer
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Maintaining Healthy Bees/Medication
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Opening & Inspection of Hives
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Predators & Loss Prevention
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Electric Fencing & Other Products
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Purchasing Used Equipment +/-
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Re-Queening
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Smokers & Fuel
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Tools & Equipment
*FIRST BEES ARRIVE MID-APRIL to MID-MAY
We may have honeybees available & suggest that you order them ASAP
Saturday, May 24, 2025 from 9 to Noon $50
MAY & JUNE – SPRING & SUMMER MANAGEMENT - Going into the hives!
Come prepared for discussion and hands-on visit to the hives...
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Spring & Summer Management Summary
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Swarms - "Bee" prepared!
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In the Hive - Proper Technique
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Visiting the Hives
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What do we see in the hive ... Swarm?
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Reversing Hive Bodies
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Preparing NUCs for Next Spring
Saturday, July 12, 2025 from 9 to Noon $50
JULY & AUGUST – The Summer Dearth & Early Fall Prep
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Feed your bees…
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Swarm Opportunities - More Bees?
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Honey Supers & Preparing to Harvest
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To medicate or not to medicate?
Saturday, TBD from 9 to Noon $50
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER - FALL MANAGEMENT
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Feed your bees…
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Honey Supers & Preparing to Harvest
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To medicate or not to medicate?
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Bee Yard & Tour
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Q & A Winter Management Expectations
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Proper use of Honey Extractor
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Extracting & Bottling Honey
Seasonal Pot Luck – Beekeeper's Reunion - Date & Time TBD - Mid - October
Also remember that once you have taken the entire group of classes, you are welcome to return for refreshers during the regularly scheduled classes at no additional charge. Classes are hands-on. Weather permitting; each class will consist of a visit to the hives. You should bring along or wear light-colored loose fitting clothing with long sleeves. Socks and shoes are recommended, no shorts, open-toed sandals, or short socks please.