Bee Keeping Course this summer

Brian Campbell will be teaching an 8 week long Urban Beekeeping Course this summer. The course will take place for 2.5 hours on Sundays in Vancouver at my little urban farm (5930 Blenheim) which is on several major bus and bike routes. The cost is only $175. If you are interested in participating in the course, please email me at geojane42 @ gmail . com

This is an in-depth hands-on program to learn the basics of backyard or small-scale beekeeping. During the eight 2.5-hour sessions spread out over the course of the beekeepers year you will acquire the skills and confidence to get started in beekeeping. Designed for those with sustainability in mind. Suitable for hobbyists and the serious urban farmer. Throughout each class emphasis will be on working with and understanding bee biology and behaviour, pest and disease cycles and the use of organic control methods.

Session 1 May 22

Site selection, sourcing and assembling hive equipment, record keeping for beekeepers, and how to open and inspect a hive. Also, challenges and rewards of beekeeping in the city and in the 21^st Century.

Session 2 June 5

Spring management, bee biology, honey flows, monitoring for pests and diseases (Nosema), reading the bees and cycles in the life of the colony.

Session 3 June 19

Summer management Part I; multiplying bees, understanding swarms, chalkbrood; beecentricity; happy and healthy bees.

Session 4 July10

Summer management Part II; Pollination dynamics and pollination guilds; American Foulbrood; Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for beekeepers.

Session 5 July 24

Producing honey; Products of the hive: propolis, pollen, wax and extracting honey; European Foulbrood; monitoring for diseases and pests.

Session 6 August 14

Preparing the bees for winter Part I, assessing hive health, feeding, Varroa and Tracheal mites.

Session 7 August 28

Preparing the bees for winter Part II.

Session 8 September 11

Review of the program; winter beekeeping activities, getting started in the spring; final exam.

Course times are from 10:00 am until 12:30 pm or from 1:30- 3:00. Participants are expected to arrive on time and to be prepared for each session. Hats and veils will be provided but be sure to wear white or light coloured clothing, long sleeved shirts and long pants that can be tucked into socks.