RVBA Basic Beekeeping Short Course 2021

RVBA Second Annual Basic Beekeeping Short Course

This class covers the essentials of beekeeping, including purchasing bees and equipment, seasonal management, honey production and harvesting, and keeping bees healthy. This class is suitable for adults and youth aged 12 and over. It is intended for both new beekeepers and those with some experience who want a refresher. Completion of all sections of this course fulfills the requirements for beekeeper education in New Jersey.

This year, our course will begin with a Field Day on Saturday, April 17th (rain date, Sunday, April 18th). Students will join instructors in a spring inspection of the hives at the RVBA Club Apiary at the Fox Hollow Golf Club, 59 Fox Chase Run, Branchburg, NJ.

Class days will be held on Saturday, May 15th and Saturday, May 22nd at the North Branch Park Pavilion in Bridgewater, 355 Milltown Rd, Bridgewater, NJ. Included in the course fee are: a textbook, Storey’s Guide to Keeping Honey Bees, 2nd ed., by Malcolm T. Sanford and Richard E. Bonney, a flash drive containing the class slides and handouts (distributed at last class), box lunch and snacks.

Class size is limited to 20 students.

Course Instructor Team:

Christine Miller: 2020 Candidate for Cornell Master Beekeepers Certification, RVBA Treasurer, experienced beekeeping mentor and swarm catcher.

Adele Barree: 2019 Certified Cornell Master Beekeeper, NJBA Corresponding Secretary, Bee Project leader of Somerset County 4-H Garden & Bee Club, experienced beekeeping mentor.

We will also have guest speakers from the New Jersey Beekeeping Community.

Topics covered include:

Day 1: Field Day

● Introduction to the bee yard
● Bee yard safety
○ Stings
○ Protective clothing
● Beekeeping tools
○ Hive tool
○ Smoker
● How to conduct a hive inspection

Day 2: First Class Day

● History of Honey Harvesting and Beekeeping
● Honey Bee Biology
● Beekeeping Equipment
● Getting Started with Bees
● Keeping Bees in Populated Areas
● NJ Bee Plants and Trees

Day 3: Second Class Day

● Seasonal Management
● NJ Bee Regulations
● Honey Bee Pests and Diseases
● Harvesting the Honey Crop (with demonstration!)
● Other Products from the Hive