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 also teach some classes at The Commons in Brooklyn, New York City.

We do offer a variety of classes throughout the year, supporting beekeepers with knowledge helpful for each season, as well as informational classes for the general public and kids. 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 in Hudson Valley and New York 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 can send you a beautiful, personalized gift certificate to give to someone.
We ask an additional $7 to cover the printing, postage and handling.


 

Winter 2012

HoneybeeLives Winter Weekend Organic Beekeeping Classes


The HoneybeeLives winter classes are a two-day class. On occasion, people have taken just the Saturday or Sunday class, depending on their level of experience, however we encourage beginners to take both Saturday and Sunday 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 a Saturday one weekend and a Sunday another weekend. 

The NYC classes will be offered on one weekend with a possible second weekend added if class fills up quickly.

 

 

Winter Class Descriptions


INTRO TO ORGANIC BEEKEEPING: PLANNING A NEW HIVE FOR SPRING  (Saturday Class 10am - 6pm)

Learn about the basic requirements and responsibilities for organic beekeeping. Understand the community of a hive, the tools involved, elements of site selection, where you can obtain honeybees and equipment, and an understanding of a naturalist approach to their needs. This class introduces students to a nurturing way of beekeeping, and a philosophy of respect and love for these amazing creatures.  There is a hands-on demonstration of assembling a wooden hive, and extensive class handouts to help new beekeepers.
 

UNDERSTANDING AND CARING FOR YOUR HONEYBEES  (Sunday Class 10am - 6pm)

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. 

Pre-registration is required, preferably via email: HoneybeeLives@Yahoo.com.
Prepayment via check to HoneybeeLives, 133 Plains Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561.


Winter Class Dates and Locations


Sustainable Living Resource Center - Rosendale, NY

January 21 & 22
February 18 & 19 (Presidents’ Weekend)
March 10 & 11

Two-day class registration $175 per person, one-day registration $95 per person
Download pdf of flyer


The Commons - Brooklyn, New York City  - 388 Atlantic Avenue

February 4 & 5

Two-day class registration $200 per person, one-day registration $100 per person
Download pdf of flyer


 


Spring Classes 2012


Pfeiffer Center for Biodynamic Agriculture - Chestnut Ridge, NY

ORGANIC BEEKEEPING: PRACTICES AND PRINCIPLES
With Ross Conrad, Chris Harp, and Mac Mead

Please Note:  This class will not be offered in 2012.

The Pfeiffer Center is offering other beekeeping sessions.  www.pfeiffercenter.org 

HoneybeeLives Apiary - New Paltz, NY (Hudson Valley)

How to Inspect, and Maintain, a Healthy Hive
Dates TBA - 4 hour class $50

Learn how to interact with your hive and understand what you are looking at. It is important to recognize healthy brood patterns as well as signs of problems. Gain a sense of the rhythms of the hive, watching and preparing for swarm season, and a general overview of hives during the main nectar flow. We will also touch on monitoring for disease and pests and discuss various mite treatments.

This is a hands-on workshop, ideal for beginning beekeepers to gain confidence in working with a hive.

 Drumming a Swarm in the Apiary