Please note that pre-registration is required for all classes.
Email: HoneybeeLives@yahoo.com
HoneybeeLives' main beekeeping classes take place during the winter months in preparation for spring bees. We teach in a number of locations in New York State, including HoneybeeLives Apiary, Sustainable Living Resource Center and The Pfeiffer Center for Biodynamic Agriculture. We are looking for the proper location to teach in New York City.
We do offer a variety of classes thru the year for beekeepers, as well as the general public. You can download a list of our seasonal classes below, or scroll down to read about our upcoming classes.
Seasonal Class Offerings
Download PDF
Please Scroll Down For Current Classes
An Intro Lecture is being scheduled in Brooklyn this fall,
as well as winter workshops in the city.
If you wish to be added to our email list for class notification,
please send a request to HoneybeeLives@Yahoo.com
Gift Certificates are available for Winter classes
We ask an additional $7 to cover the printing, postage and handling.
Summer 2010
National Honeybee Awareness Day August 21
Bee Aware Week August 14 - 22
HoneybeeLives Apiary in New Paltz, NY
BEE BUZZ FOR KIDS
Saturday, August 14
First class: 4 to 9 yr olds 10 – 11:30 am
Second class: 10 to15 yr olds 12:30 – 2 pm
$10 for each person
Introduce your children to the amazing world of Honeybees. Be a part of saving the Honeybee population through your children’s education. Capture their attention and their imagination. Their eyes will open wide, and they will never see the world the same again. Please note that part of the class is looking into a working hive of honeybees.
Pre-registration is required preferably via email HoneybeeLives@Yahoo.com , or call 255-6113. Please visit our website HoneybeeLives.org for further info and directions.
Sustainable Living Resource Center Rosendale, NY
INTRO LECTURE ON HONEYBEES AND ORGANIC BEEKEEPING
Sunday August 22
11am – 1:30pm
$25 per person
Learn about the lives of Honeybees. Hear about the current plight of Honeybee colonies, and understand the intrinsic value of nurturing these amazing creatures. For the general public, gardeners, and wanna-beekeepers.
Pre-registration is required preferably via email HoneybeeLives@Yahoo.com , or call 255-6113. Please visit our website HoneybeeLives.org for further info and directions.
Drumming a Swarm in the Apiary
HoneybeeLives Apiary in New Paltz, NY
MAINTAINING A HEALTHY HIVE: FALL/WINTER PREP
The end of summer is a critical time to tend our hives. It is important that our colonies are strong, as we head towards colder months. Learn how to clean up hives, and look for problems that might weaken your bees.
Varroa mite season is in full swing, so vigilance is important, and it may be necessary to treat your hives for these parasites. Understand the options available for treating hives in non-toxic, organic ways, including the thyme-oil based Apiguard, as well as Formic and Oxalic Acid applications.
Learn about the life in the hive during this transitional time. Understand what you are looking at, and how to judge the strength of a hive. Prepare for fall and winter, to best nurture the bees and boost their immune systems. Let us help you think thru your autumn tasks of fortifying your hives, and answer your questions.
3.5 hours. $40 per person. (Five student minimum.)
Pre-registration is required preferably via email HoneybeeLives@Yahoo.com , or call 255-6113. Please visit our website HoneybeeLives.org for further info and directions.
Please note there is a 5 student minimum, so not all classes will run, and others fill up quickly. Please sign-up early and secure your spot with payment in advance.
Download a class flyer
Monday August 16, 10:30am - 2pm
Thursday August 19, 2:30 - 6pm
Sunday August 29. 11am – 2:30pm
Sunday September 12, 11am – 2:30pm
Sunday September 26, 11am – 2:30pm
Winter Class Descriptions
HoneybeeLives Winter Weekend Beekeeping Classes
We encourage beginners to take both Saturday and Sunday of the winter weekend classes to obtain a broad understanding of the responsibilities and challenges entailed in this undertaking. These classes can be taken on one weekend, or divided into Saturday one weekend and Sunday another weekend. The Sunday class will be helpful to beginning and experienced beekeepers. Held on specific weekends from mid-January to early March.
INTRO TO ORGANIC BEEKEEPING: PLANNING A NEW HIVE FOR SPRING
Learn about the basic requirements and responsibilities for first-time beekeepers. Understand the mechanics of a hive, the tools involved, elements of site selection, and an understanding of a naturalist approach to their needs. This is a hands-on workshop, which includes assembling a wooden hive. (Saturday Class 10am - 6pm)
UNDERSTANDING AND CARING FOR YOUR HONEYBEES
Topics will include: hive congruency and design to benefit the colony; Honeybee health and disease management the organic way; seasonal concerns and methods; as well as imparting the value of respecting the lives and needs of your bees. Top Bar Hive beekeeping will be discussed. (Sunday Class 10am - 6pm)
Pfeiffer Center for Biodynamic Agriculture
ORGANIC BEEKEEPING: PRACTICES AND PRINCIPLES
With Ross Conrad, Chris Harp, and Mac Mead
Held in April in Chestnut Ridge, NY
This workshop covers topics suitable for all beekeepers, from novice to expert. A special Friday afternoon session for beginners demonstrates hive construction and the basics of handling bees. The rest of the workshop – Friday evening and all day Saturday – presents a balanced view of natural beekeeping topics not ordinarily covered in lectures and articles, including: swarming as an expression of the bees’ vitality; working with swarms and making splits; the importance of wax production; and acid treatments for Varroa mites. The day is punctuated with visits to the hives, where techniques for handling bees and some unconventional hive designs will be demonstrated. www.pfeiffercenter.org