Class information

Practical Beekeeping for Beginners

Classes for 2023 are now full.

The “Virginia Beekeeping Teaching Consortium” program, offered in fifteen areas in Virginia, will host eight 75-minute weekly in-person classes starting January 17th, 2023 at 7:30 pm. This is an exciting opportunity for new as well as experienced beekeepers. These sessions will also be recorded, enabling students to view at a later time.

In addition to the eight sessions, the program offers three field experiences at the Shenandoah County Beekeepers Club apiary located in the Seven Bends State Park. Students will work side-by-side experienced beekeepers receiving hands-on learning.

Led by EAS certified Master Beekeepers Brenda Kiessling and Anne Fraser as well as experienced beekeepers Amy Hodge and Scott Currie, the sessions welcome anyone who is interested in keeping honey bees, the great pollinators. Children (generally those fifth grade and older) are encouraged but must be able to sit through the 75-minute classes.

A curiosity about bees and keeping bees alive in Virginia are the primary requirements to take the class. The class is aimed at people who want to keep bees, though experience is not necessary to participate. Those who have kept bees will still find a great deal to help them in the subject matter and class discussions. In fact, those who keep bees and have wondered about or had trouble with some things generally find the class very helpful.

Classes include information on purchasing equipment, obtaining honey bees, honey bee colony biology, management and location of hives, and floral sources appropriate for honey bees. The cost of the class is $95 per family. Cost includes three (3) books, the informational CD that accompanies the class and has reference materials, and a one-year membership to the local club. In addition, each Shenandoah County student will work with an experienced beekeeper mentor.

This in-person class meets at 135 N. Main St. Woodstock. This and all hands-on activities will comply with Covid-19 regulations


About the instructors

EAP certified Master Beekeepers

Brenda Kiessling

Ann Fraser

Experienced beekeepers

Amy Hodge

Scott Currie


Testimonials

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