This course is also available in March 2010
GLNA1846This introductory workshop offers participants both theory and practical field experience in the art of beekeeping.
Who Should Attend?
- Anyone interested in bees as a beginner
Topics:
- A general history of beekeeping
- Structure of the honeybee colony
- Physiology of the domestic honey bee
- The players in the colony
- Beekeeping equipment and methods of start-up
- Honeybee nutrition and production of nectar and pollen
- Activities and behavior of honeybees
- Swarming and control methods
- Natural and integrated pest management methods and controls
- Spring or early summer hive management for honey production
- The harvest, hive products, production and processing
- Fall and winter management of productive colonies
- Crop pollination and damage to bee colonies by poisoning
- Diseases and pests of honey bees
Objectives:
- To provide a solid background for successful hobby beekeeping of two to ten bee colonies year-round.
NOTE:
- A minimum of a light bee veil for over the head protection. A bee veil is required for the field session and can be purchased during the first evening of the course. Veils can also be purchased ahead of time at Bees ‘n Glass (Duncan, BC) at 1-877-256-3800, and at The Flying Dutchman (Nanaimo, BC) at 1-877-390-6890. A light-weight basic veil is appropriate, and typically cost $10.00
- A detailed set of reference material and suggested additional reading is provided with the course.
- Course consists of 3 evenings and one full day - option to choose Saturday or Sunday as your full day class while availability lasts – please call Continuing Studies to confirm
Facilitator: Bob Liptrot has been bee keeping for 45 years in the Fraser Valley and most recently, for the past 10 years, here in Sooke. Bob holds a Masters in Entomology from SFU and is the owner of first meadry in Western Canada, Tugwell Creek Honey Farm and Meadry
www.tugwellcreekfarm.com. He has been making mead for 25 years.