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.