In addition to Pawtuckaway Beekeepers’ Assocation’s Bee School in Candia, several Seacoast adult education programs are also offering beekeeping classes this winter — there’s sure to be one that fits your schedule!
What’s all the buzz about Beekeeping?
Thursday, February 3, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Marshwood Adult & Community Education
Marshwood High School, South Berwick, ME
This class will provide general insight into beekeeping and its sweet rewards. Topics will include the benefits of beekeeping, the life cycle of a bee, the equipment needed and managing the hive. You will learn where to buy bees, some of the Maine State regulations, the initial start up costs and the benefits of joining the Maine State Beekeepers Association and York County Chapter.
Fee: $5. Online information and registration for Marshwood >
Back Yard Beekeeping
Monday, February 7, 7–9 p.m.
Bees are natural and necessary pollinators for our gardens. Learn the buzz about beekeeping: hive functions and activities, the queen bee, and how to get started– the supplies and expense, management of one or more hives in all seasons, and the bonanza of collecting ones own honey in late summer with bottling, keeping, etc.
Fee: $10. Online information and registration for Kittery >
Beginning Beekeeping
Tuesday, February 8–March 15, 6:30–8:30 p.m. (5 weeks)
York Adult & Community Education
You will learn what you need to begin beekeeping. We’ll cover tools, hive, location for an apiary, how to obtain bees and install them in the hive. You will also learn about the life cycle of the bee, what they need to survive and how to care for them year-round. We will also offer numerous opportunities to work with live bees in our apiaries so that you get some hand-on experience before your bees arrive. Last year, our students introduced at least 30 new hives to York with our help. Bee a part of this exciting hobby! Bill Turner is a 25 year veteran of beekeeping, and a former MA bee inspector. Elizabeth Bardwell has been keeping bees for four years, her son (age 10) started his first hive this year. Required textbook: The Beekeeper’s Handbook, 3rd edition, by Diana Sammataro and Alphonse Avitabile. The textbook may be purchased in class or online, for between $22 – $24.
Fee: $110. Online information and registration for York >