Beekeepers Association: Beginner Beekeeping Classes start in February

The Rhode Island Beekeepers Association is offering courses in beekeeping for beginners at 3 locations. 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. A variety of beekeeping equipment will be displayed and demonstrated. The cost for the 5-week course is $65.00 per person. This includes all course materials, a textbook and membership dues in the Rhode Island Beekeepers Association through December 31, 2018. As room space is available, additional family members at the same address may attend and share course materials for $10.00 each. We reserve the right to limit family members. A late fee of $10 will be assessed for post marks after January 26.

For more information, go to www.ribeekeeper.org or call Betty at 568-8449. The dates and times for the courses are listed below:

• Rhode Island College, Providence Campus: Fridays Feb 2, 9, 16, 23, and March 2 (snow day March 9)9:00 AM – 11:30 AM Instructor: Betty Mencucci

• Rhode Island College, Providence Campus: Saturdays Feb 3, 10, 17, 24, and March 3 (snow day March 10, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM Instructor: Betty Mencucci

• Mt. Hope Farm, Bristol: Thursdays Feb 1, 8, 15, 22, and March 1 (snow day March 8), 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM Instructor: Ed Karle

• URI, Kingston Campus: Thursdays Feb 1, 8, 15, 22, and March 1 (snow day March 8)6:00 PM – 8:30 PM Instructor: Steve Burke

• URI, Kingston Campus: Saturdays Feb 3, 10, 17, 24, and March 3 (snow day March 10), 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM Instructor: Steve Burke

Advance registration is required. To enroll, go to www.ribeekeeper.org and print out a registration form. Fill out the form and send it with your check payable to RIBA: RI Beekeepers Association, PO Box 64, Greenville, RI 02828