Thursday December 18, 2025
Blue Monkey Tavern 2 S. Center St Merchantville, NJ 08109 (Handicapped Accessible )
https://bluemonkeytavern.com/
Full Buffett Dinner 6:30 pm Cash Bar Speaker 7:30 pm: Mark Antunes - Amazing photos of How Honeybees See Flowers
Mid-State Beekeepers Association: Basic Beekeeping
Basic Beekeeping is a complete course in beekeeping being held Thursdays Feb 5, 2026 and Mar 5, 2026, from 7:00PM to 9:00PM, and a field day in March or April TBA based on weather conditions.
The course is presented by the Mid-State Beekeepers. Instructors are: Harry Mayer, Padraig Fidgeon, Lou Naylor and Dana Master. Successful completion of this class fulfills the legal education requirement to keep bees in NJ.
Students will receive a copy of the book The Beekeeper’s Handbook. Fifth Edition, and have access to all slides presented during class as well as supplementary class materials.
NJBA youth scholarship (Between ages 12-22) is available, click for details.
Morris Somerset Beekeepers Assn: Basic Beekeeping
Beginning Beekeeping – February 7 and 21 & Field Day TBA
This three day course includes 2 full days in the classroom, lunch provided, & 1 field day.
It will cover all aspects of entry level beekeeping for the Hobbyist in NJ. This course fulfills the legal requirements of the State of New Jersey for beekeeper education.
No prior knowledge of honeybees or beekeeping is required. This class is offered by the Morris Somerset County Beekeepers Association and instruction is led by Master Beekeeper Bailey Wright and Kathy Liu. The class will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 140 S Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Directions Here
Class dates are February 7 and 21, 2026. There will be at least one ‘hands-on’ field inspection of bee hives held at a location to be determined and which will be subject to weather conditions.
The classes are held on Saturday February 7th from 8:30 – 3:30 and Saturday February 21 from 8:30 – 3:30
Class size is limited to 40 students NJBA scholarship is available, click for details.
Attendees must be at least 14 years of age.
Topics Covered:
Bee Biology; Equipment; Getting your bees; Pests; Diseases; State Regulations; Best location; nectar and pollen sources; Colony and Seasonal management; Best Management Practices; Bee nutrition; Harvesting; Products of the hive; Product safety; marketing, honey tasting and more.
The textbook “Storey’s Guide to Keeping Honey Bees” by Sanford and Bonney, and handouts will be provided. The cost is $150
There is a $25 discount for the following (verification required):
There will be an opportunity to purchase equipment, supplies and bees at the conclusion of the course.
Basic Beekeeping is a complete four-morning course in beekeeping to be held Thursday Mornings February 19th, 26th, March 5th and 12th, 2026 from 9:00am-12:00pm with a Field Day following on a date TBD. It is offered by the Northwest New Jersey Beekeepers Association and overseen by Cornell Certified Master Beekeeper Jean Miller. Class materials are based on the curriculum developed by EAS Certified Master Beekeeper Landi Simone. Successful completion of this class fulfills the legal education requirement to keep bees in NJ.
Class size is limited to 40 students. NJBA scholarship is available. Click for details. Attendees must be 14 years or older.
Classroom topics include:
Field Day takes place at the club’s apiary located near (but not exactly at) 70 Valley Crest Road, Lebanon, NJ. The coordinates for the apiary are 40°37'13.3"N 74°52'15.5"W., Field Day provides students with an introduction to working with the bees. Students will have the experience of opening and inspecting a beehive and obtain hands-on lessons in recognizing the various components of a hive and colony as well as inspection basics such as smoker lighting, protective gear, and correct use of the hive tool.
Students should bring a snack/drink (if desired) for a mid-morning break. Students will have access to all slides presented during class as well as supplementary class materials. Students may be able to purchase equipment at class and be given resources for purchasing bees.
Student contact information will be shared with Warren County Community College in order to contact students in case the college cancels a class due to inclement weather conditions.
Jean Miller is a Cornell Certified Master Beekeeper and a Rutgers Certified Master Gardener. Prior to motherhood she was an engineer in the food industry. She also was a substitute teacher for 20 years in the Flemington area and has been keeping bees for over a decade. Additional instructors may include Jim McCauley, past president of NWNJBA; Mim and Tim Dunne, beekeepers for over 40 years; Idria Knecht; Grant Stiles, former NJ State Apiarist and owner of Stiles Apiaries; and current NJ State Apiarist Meghan McConnell.
Tuition: $130 for 2 days of class and 1 field day.
Essex County Beekeepers Society: Basic Beekeeping
Basic Beekeeping is a complete three-day course in beekeeping to be held February 21, February 28, and a field day in April TBA.
Class on 2/21 and 2/28, class will be held in the Garibaldi Hall building at 621A Eagle Rock Ave.
This class is offered by the Essex County Beekeepers Society and overseen by EAS Certified Master Beekeeper Landi Simone. Successful completion of this class fulfills the education requirement necessary to legally keep bees in NJ. Classroom topics covered include: Honey Bee Biology, Beekeeping Equipment, Getting Started with Bees, Keeping Bees in Populated Areas, Bee Plants, Seasonal Management, Honey Bee Pests and Diseases, Harvesting Your Honey Crop, Queens, Queen Problems and Re-Queening. Day 3, Field Day, takes place in apiaries in Montville Twp. and provides students with an introduction to working with the bees. Students will have the experience of opening and inspecting a beehive themselves and obtain hands-on lessons in recognizing the various components of a hive and colony as well as inspection basics such as smoker lighting, protective gear, and correct use of the hive tool.
A continental breakfast and afternoon snack are included in both days of classroom instruction. Students should bring a bagged lunch or plan on eating lunch at various area restaurants. Students will have access to all slides presented during class as well as supplementary class materials. Students will also be able to purchase equipment at class and be given resources for purchasing bees in spring.
Tuition: $130 for 2 days in February and 1 field day in April. Snow day March 7.
Raritan Valley Beekeepers Association: Basic Beekeeping
Basic Beekeeping is a complete three-day course in beekeeping being held April 11 and April 25, 2026, followed by a HANDS ON field day; field day date TBA.
This course is presented by Raritan Valley Beekeepers. Instructors are Master Beekeepers and other experienced beekeepers from Raritan Valley Beekeepers Association (RVBA).
Class materials are based on the curriculum developed by EAS Certified Master Beekeeper Landi Simone and Cornell Certified Master Beekeeper Adele Barree. Successful completion of this class fulfills the education requirement necessary to legally keep bees in NJ.
Classroom topics include: Honey Bee Biology, Beekeeping Equipment, Getting Started with Bees, Keeping Bees in Populated Areas, Bee Plants, Seasonal Management, Honey Bee Pests and Diseases, Harvesting Your Honey Crop, Queens, Queen Problems and Re-Queening.
Day 3, Field Day, takes place in a local apiary and provides students with an introduction to working with the bees. Students will have the experience of opening and inspecting a beehive themselves and obtain hands-on lessons in recognizing the various components of a hive and colony as well as inspection basics such as smoker lighting, protective gear, and correct use of the hive tool.
Continental breakfast, drinks, and snacks are included both days of classroom instruction. Everyone brings their own lunch. Students will receive a notebook with all slides presented during class as well as an opportunity for hands on experience with setting up your first nuc. Information on beekeeping equipment and honey bee vendors will be available.
Class size is limited to 30 students.
NJBA youth scholarship is available, click for details.
Copyright NJBA 2025
The New Jersey Beekeepers Association is a 501(c)5 not-for-profit organization. 704 Kline Place, Bridgewater, NJ 08807-3135
