Registration now open!
Photo by Cory Ryan
Saturday, Feb. 15, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. & Sunday, Feb. 16, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Program location: Farm at the Arb - McVay Learning Lab (in the Bee Center)
Overview:
Interested in becoming a beekeeper? The University of Minnesota Bee Lab, Bee Squad and Extension will help you get started in beekeeping. This course will teach you the foundations of what you need to know to successfully keep bees in a cold climate. Experienced instructors will cover honey bee biology, seasonal management, and how to maintain healthy bee colonies long term.
Topics include:
- Purchasing equipment and honey bees
- Hiving packages and installing nucleus colonies
- Choosing an apiary site
- Honey production and harvesting
- Successful strategies for the first winter
- Strategies for keeping your bees healthy
- Dividing colonies in spring to avoid swarms
- Introducing new queens to new divide colonies
- Preparing colonies for the second winter
- Best management practices for controlling diseases and mites
Lunch, beverages and snacks will be provided.
Supplies: The manual Beekeeping in Northern Climates, Third Edition accompanies the course. You will receive a printed manual as part of the course. The manual will also be available to download for free from our manual page.
We recommend that you enter the Arboretum via the back gate on 82nd St, not the main entrance on Hwy 5. This is the most direct route to access the Farm at the Arb, and avoids potential delays when driving through the Arboretum.
Directions: Farm at the Arb Entrance
If you do wish to enter through the main Arboretum gate on Hwy 5, you can take 3-Mile Drive through the Arboretum and turn right on Peter Moe Drive to get to the Bee Center (this route may take an additional 15-20 minutes, so please plan accordingly). Note: in winter months 3-Mile Drive may be closed, please check before arrival.
Main Entry instructions:
You will receive a gate pass for entry to the Arboretum in your email purchase confirmation. Your pass is valid for entry on the days of your class. Present your pass to the gate attendant as you enter the Arboretum. You may stay at the Arboretum after class as long as you want during our operating hours.