Regenerative BeekeepingA comprehensive approach to beekeeping, pollinator habitat, and biodiversitySanta Cruz Permaculture Farm6 weekends over 6 monthsWeekend One Workshop: Overview of BeekeepingMay – October, 2023 |
Have you ever wanted to learn the skills needed to produce your very own honey? Interested in producing your own beeswax, pollen or propolis? Have you ever wanted to ensure your garden or farm has a sustained and healthy source of pollinators for a bountiful crop of fruits and veggies? We are pleased to offer this beginning level beekeeping practicum grounded in a natural approach to apiculture, with a focus on sustainable hive management, honey production and pollinator health.
Humankind’s relationship with bees reaches back to the dawn of time. Our dependence on bees for their role in our food systems, and our responsibility for their care continues to this day. Come engage with these incredible little beings and learn both the art and science of regenerative beekeeping.
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
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Have knowledge of different hive styles and beekeeping equipment
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Engage in seasonal care of honeybees
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Promote honey production and understand harvesting techniques
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Identify pests and hazards to the hive and mitigate them using IPM
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Process beeswax to make candles, salves and countless other products
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Create a customized pollinator garden plan for your home or farm so that you can promote pollinator health
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Understand the intricate and fascinating life cycles, behavior, and natural history of the honey bee
Course Topics
May: Springtime Prep
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Weekend one provides a thorough overview to beekeeping and can be attended as a standalone workshop if you can’t join the whole series
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Understanding different beekeeping styles
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Building beekeeping equipment
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Sourcing bees and installing an apiary
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Beekeeping in community
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***Students who would like to start a hive at home will receive a 15% discount on nucs and hive equipment available for purchase
June: Growth
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Expanding your apiary
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Inspecting colonies
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Planning a pollinator garden
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Record keeping
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Preparing for a honey crop
July: Harvest Time
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Harvesting techniques for honey
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Queen health and production
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Planting flowers for bees
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Beeswax processing
August: Summer in the Apiary
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Summering your bees
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Honey Bee nutrition and supplements
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Common pests and diseases
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Integrated pest management
September: The Bounty of the Bee
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Beeswax – nature’s most versatile material
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Propolis production and use
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Late season honey bee forage crops
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Fall apiary management
October: Preparing for Winter
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Winterizing bees
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Equipment care
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Medicinal honeys
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Dreaming of spring
Dates
Below are dates for the upcoming session.
- Springtime Prep – May 27-28, 2023 (Register for weekend one only for an intro to beekeeping workshop)
- Growth – June 17-18, 2023
- Harvest Time – July 15-16, 2023
- Summer in the Apiary – August 12-13, 2023
- The Bounty of the Bee – September 9-10, 2023
- Preparing for Winter – October 21-22, 2023
You can sign up for individual weekends during this cycle, or register for the entire course. You can always make up any missed weekends during the next year.
Registration
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$1295 – Full Registration
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$1195 – Early Bird Discount – Register before May 12th, 2023 and Save $100
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$1095 – Super Early Bird Discount – Register before April 28th, 2023 and Save $200
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$295 – One Session Only
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$995 – Partner / Spouse Discount – When one partner registers for the full course, the second gets a discount
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$995 – Teacher Discount – For K-12, College and University Teachers
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$795 – Youth Discount – When an adult registers for the full course, their child gets a discount (ages 13-18)
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Give someone the gift of permaculture! Purchase a gift card.
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Please Inquire about Payment Plans, Low-income and Youth POC Financial Support
Registration includes access to all course sessions.
Guide
Apiculturist Aidan Wing
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does class start and end?
Class meets Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM with a lunch break both days.
How do I register?
Please use the PayPal link above. Registration includes access to all course sessions, and onsite camping, if desired. There is a PayPal Handing Fee included in the price. You do not need a PayPal account to register. Clicking on the Pay Now button will take you to the PayPal site, and then once you make your payment please fill out the additional form to complete registration.
What is the refund policy?
Cancellations up to two weeks before the course begins will be refunded, excluding a $150 processing fee. No refunds are given after that date.
What if I miss some classes? Can I make them up?
Yes. Once you enroll in our course you are a lifetime member. You can make up material you missed during the next cycle, or even just come join us again for a refresher.
Do I need any equipment for the course?
We have extras of all equipment needed to take the course, but if you are serious about beekeeping, we recommend you purchase the following:
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A beekeeping veil, suit or jacket
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Gloves
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Hive tool
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Smoker