ITH Beekeeping Tour - Saturday, September 21 from 8am to 4pm (Rain date 09/22/24)
Several local beekeepers are look forward to sharing their knowledge of bees, beekeeping and pollinators with you. This workshop will be offered with a goal of providing anyone interested in honeybees and pollinators a first-hand chance to see them up-close and personal. “I’ve kept bees for over 25 years & each time I go into a hive it still seems like the first time. I have hands-on experience and knowledge, but there is always something new to learn,” states Jodi Turner, proprietor of Imagine That Honey. The tour will begin in Swanzey, and there will be three other yards to visit in Jaffrey, Harrisville & Roxbury, NH throughout the day. This Tour is perfect for seasoned and novice individuals. Discussions will be focused on the ability and level of knowledge for the group. Photos and video of your experience are encouraged. Their hope is that you will walk away with confidence and the knowledge you desire. Cost for the day is $75 for Monadnock Beekeeper Members and Brattleboro Area Beekeepers Guild participants, and $125 for Non-Members and the General Public. The fee for this Tour includes lunch. Please email imaginethathoney@hotmail.com or text to 603-381-1717 to reserve your space. RSVP must be received by Wednesday, September 18th. Here’s your opportunity to see what beekeeping is all about.
BEGINNER BEEKEEPING CLASS SCHEDULE
No classes offered for the 2023 or 2024 Season
Please click on the heading for the order form.
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 do have bees available & suggest that you order them ASAP
MAY – SPRING & SUMMER MANAGEMENT
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​Spring 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
JUNE – SUMMER & FALL MANAGEMENT
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​Summer & Fall Management Summary
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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
JULY – FALL MANAGEMENT – 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
SEPTEMBER – EXTRACTING & WINTER PREPARATION & YEAR IN REVIEW – Q & A
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​Winter Management Expectations
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Proper use of Honey Extractor
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​Extracting & Bottling Honey
Fall Pot Luck – Beekeeper's Reunion
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.
Please make sure to bring a face mask and be aware of the importance of social distancing.