Beginner beekeeping classes start in February

PROVIDENCE – Courses on beekeeping is offered by the Rhode Island Beekeepers Association at Rhode Island College, Friday mornings, on Feb 5, 12, 19, 26, March 4, from 9:30 a.m. to noon; on Saturday mornings, Feb 6, 13, 20, 27, March 5 from 9:30 a.m. to noon; and at the University of Rhode Island on Wednesday evenings, Feb 17, 24, March 2, 9, 16, 23, from 6 to 8 pm.

The course will cover everything the beginning beekeeper needs to know. Subjects will include getting started, the honeybee life cycle, choosing an apiary site, buying bees and equipment, assembly of the hive, installing package bees, catching swarms, nectar sources, bee diseases and pests, hive inspections and wintering. Beekeeping equipment will be displayed and demonstrated each week.

The cost for the 5 week course is $65 per person. This includes all course materials, a textbook and membership dues in the Rhode Island Beekeepers Association (expiring December 31, 2016). Additional family members at the same address may attend for $10.00 each. (In this case, the entire fami- ly will be a member of the organization but will receive only one textbook and one set of handouts). Advance registration is required. For more information and to print out a registration form, go to: www.ribeekeeper.org.

You can also contact course instructor Betty Mencucci at 5688449 or send email to bmencucci@verizon.net.