Education > HCBA Classes > Beginning Beekeeping Course Registration
2027 Beginning Beekeeping Course Registration
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If you are seriously considering keeping honey bees, have decided to start this coming spring, or simply want to learn more about the bees and the beekeeping craft, this is the course for you! The 7-session Beginning Beekeeping Course (BBC) plus the field day will give you the detailed information needed to start well.
Registration includes membership to HCBA for 2027 (up to a $30 value) and a digital copy of the participant workbook materials. A printed, bound copy of the participant workbook is available to order on the registration payment page.
The course also includes an additional hands-on field day. A sample of the topics covered includes:
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Honey Bee Biology and Behavior
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Preparing to keep Bees: Zoning, Apiary Site Locations, and other considerations
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Ways to Obtain Honey Bees
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How to Start Honey Bee Colonies
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Foraging, Food, and the Nectar Flow
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Inspecting Colonies and Recommended Management Practices
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Seasonal Colony Care
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Registering Your Bees with the State
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Honey Bee Pests
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Honey Bee Diseases
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And much more – Including a Field Day with demonstrations and hands-on opportunities, and optional hands-on practical sessions throughout the year
When: Starting Wednesday, February 3, 2027 for seven consecutive Wednesdays
(6:30 - 9:00 PM; plus one Field Day)
Where: Howard County Fairgrounds Dining Hall
Registration Fee: $85 each adult, $25 for each child between 8 and 14 years of age. A digital copy of the participant workbook is included in the registration fee. If you would like a printed, bound copy, add it to your order on the registration payment page.
Required Textbook:
You will need to obtain a copy of The Beekeeper's Handbook, 5th edition, by Diana Sammataro and Alphonse Avitabile for the course. You can find or order the book at most booksellers.

