General Overview of this 9 month program: This course introduces students to the biology of the honey bee, beekeeping tools/gear, seasonal hive management techniques, identification and treatments for honey bee diseases, sustainable beekeeping practices, and honey extraction. We will begin with a series of virtual meetings featuring presentations from national beekeeping experts, as well as class discussion of textbook readings. If Covid restrictions allow, we will move to a hybrid scheduling including hands-on instruction in assigned beeyards.
This year, SEMBA’s Bee School program is encouraging and promoting the use of Michigan nucleus colonies or mini-hives as the way to begin your beekeeping journey. If you wish, you also have the option of starting with a package of bees. The pros/cons of each option will be thoroughly covered in the first few classes. SEMBA works closely with the Michigan Beekeepers Association and the Michigan State Universities Pollinator Extension Services.
Class Overview
#01 January 17 Introduction. Sharing the Love of Bees--Getting Started.
#02 February 7 The Joys of Beekeeping--what to expect and what will you need.
#03 February 28 What bees need.
#04 March 21 First spring yard visit. Unwrapping hives and examining dead outs.
#05 April 11 What’s happening in the hive? Preparing for the arrival of your bees!
#06 May 2 Second yard visit. Assessing a hive’s health and establishing a new colony.
#07 May 23 Busy time in the bee yard.
#08 June 13 Third yard visit.
#09 July 11 Pests and pathogens, preparing for winter.
#10 August 1 Maintenance and robbing.
#11 August 29 Extracting Honey
#12 Sept. 19 Winterizing your hive, final mite treatments, and feeding.
