Bee School
Each year the Barnstable County Beekeepers Association (BCBA) offers a Bee School specifically designed for beginning beekeepers. The course runs from early February to mid-March, progressing through the key points of a hive’s lifecycle. The sessions start in the winter when new beekeepers learn basic information about the bees themselves, the proper equipment they will need, and how to assemble their hives. As the season progresses, new beekeepers learn how to introduce bees to their new hives, how to monitor the progress of their bees, when to add new components to their hives, and so on to pest control, and, finally, harvesting the honey! The course is taught by senior members of the BCBA. Each student will be connected with an experienced member of the BCBA who is willing to provide mentoring during the student's first year.
Bee School tuition for 2024 is $100 and includes a textbook online, handouts, instruction, a mentoring program, and a one-year family membership (a $20 value) in the BCBA. Space is limited and fills up quickly.
We have reached the maximum number of registrants.
2024 Bee School Schedule
West Barnstable Community Building, Route 149, West Barnstable
Classroom Sessions begin at 7:00 pm
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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12 – Honey Bee Biology and Behavior
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19 – Beekeeping Methods – Equipment and Protective Gear, obtaining bees, types of bees, hive placements.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26 – Parasites and Pests
MONDAY, MARCH 4 – Diseases and Nutrition
MONDAY, MARCH 11 – Seasonal Management, Inspecting, Honey and Wax Harvesting.
MONDAY, MARCH 18 – Make-up class in the event of weather cancellation.
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Future learning opportunities are offered during the regular BCBA monthly meetings. Check the Newsletter for dates/times/information.
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Anticipated Arrival of Package Bees
Mid- April, 2024
Pick-up time and location TBA
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Hive Openings – All are Welcome to attend
May through October
Saturdays
Locations and times TBA/Watch our newsletter
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Did You Know?
Honeybees will visit about two million flowers and fly around 50,000 miles to make a one pound jar of honey.