Note: You can register for Beekeeping I or Beekeeping II or save $10 by signing up for both sessions by April 1.

Beekeeping I

This class is designed to help the aspiring beekeeper become more knowledgeable about the craft of beekeeping. With instruction split between the classroom and in the open hive, you will learn from an experienced professional beekeeper about the life cycle, biology and development of honeybees, as well as the equipment, the vocabulary, and best practices for keeping bees and producing honey naturally. A descriptive manual, written by the instructor and used during these classes, is included in the class fee. Please wear long sleeves, pants, and closed-toed shoes. Bring your lunch and protective gear, if you have it.

Instructor: Brian Fishback, BD Ranch

Price: $60, or register for both Beekeeping I and Beekeeping II before April 1 for $100

Location: American River Ranch in the Schoolhouse and outside, 2140 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova

Beekeeping II

Building on the foundation set in Beekeeping I, this class will delve deeper into advanced topics as well as a discussion of the challenges the bees face. Topics will include Integrated Pest Management techniques, hive preventative maintenance, hive manipulation, swarm prevention, installing bees, swarm removal, and queen patterns. In addition, the class will cover bee diets, considerations for successful over-wintering of hives, marketing honey, and beekeeping do’s and don’ts. Unless previously purchased, a descriptive manual, written by the instructor and used during these classes, is included in the class fee. Please wear long sleeves, pants, and closed-toed shoes. Bring your lunch and protective gear, if you have it.

Instructor: Brian Fishback, BD Ranch

Price: $50, or register for both Beekeeping I and Beekeeping II before April 1 for $100

Location: American River Ranch in the Schoolhouse and outside, 2140 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova