Beginner Beekeeping
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Day 1 of 3 (Thursday)
April 21, 2022
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm -
Day 2 of 3 (Thursday)
April 28, 2022
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm -
Day 3 of 3 (Tuesday)
May 3, 2022
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
*All registrations must be completed by April 13, so we have time to order supplies – don’t delay!
During the course of this three-day class, you will build a complete Langstroth beehive and learn the basics of keeping honeybees in Northern Minnesota, so that you are ready to put some bees in your new beehive later this spring! You will learn what it takes (cost, time, etc…) to keep your bees healthy and happy, and a little bit of honeybee biology and basic beekeeping skills (hive placement, what to look for during an inspection, etc…).
Each session will include a presentation to deliver important information about getting started with honeybees, and then you will have time to assemble your own hive bodies and frames, and to paint your hive. There will be honeys to taste and examples of other hive products, along with hive equipment, tools, and personal protection options for demonstration.
***Students are encouraged to order bees prior to class, since many suppliers have limited numbers. Instructor Claire recommends a ‘nuc,’ or a 3lb package (avoid 2lb packages); please reach out directly with any questions prior to ordering.
Registration Includes…
You will leave with a complete, bee-ready Langstroth beehive, including a bottom board, deep hive body, inner cover, telescoping cover, and ten frames with foundation.
You will also leave with knowledge of what it will take (cost, time commitment) to keep bees year-round and how to get started, including purchasing bees and choosing a hive location.
Finally, you will have joined a network of beekeepers, including the instructor, where you can ask questions and compare notes through your start as a new beekeeper.
You should bring…
• Leather work gloves
• Clothing you don’t mind getting dirty
• Close-toed shoes/boots
• Hammer*
• Carpenter’s square*
• (2) 24” bar clamps*
• Preferred exterior paint or stain you would like on your hive (avoid very dark colors)
*Note: these tools are available for use at the folk school, if you are unable to bring your own
Skill Level…
No experience necessary
Best for Ages…
18 and older
This class presented with the support of Farm Lande
As a small farm outside Duluth, our mission is to increase the community and ecological resilience of the Northland by growing native perennials alongside food. Our farm is nestled alongside the Talmadge River, a designated trout stream, on the site of an old dairy farm where we grow native perennials and annual vegetable crops and raise free-range laying hens and honey bees. We are planting as many native trees and shrubs as possible, native perennials for pollinators, and removing invasive species to make the landscape as naturally resilient to pests, climate change, etc… as possible, to ensure we can grow food right here in our community, for our community, for many years to come. We are committed to supporting biodiversity and soil health in all aspects of our farm; we don’t use herbicides or insecticides, we follow no-till, regenerative practices, and our honey bees are responsibly managed.
Instructor
Venue: Duluth Folk School Library
Address:
Description:
The Library is upstairs in the Duluth Folk School/Dovetail Cafe building.
Note: The Library is up one flight of stairs, and we do not have an elevator.