Beginning Beekeeping Course Registration

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2026 Beginning Beekeeping Course Registration

(Scroll down to access the registration form)

If you are seriously considering keeping honey bees, have decided to start this coming spring, or just want to learn more about honey bees and beekeeping, this is the course for you! The 6-session Beginning Beekeeper Course (BBC) plus the field day will give you the detailed information needed to start well.

Registration includes membership to HCBA for 2026 (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:

Honey Bee Biology and Behavior
Preparing to keep Bees: Zoning, Apiary Site Locations, and other considerations
Ways to Obtain Honey Bees
How to Start Honey Bee Colonies
Foraging, Food, and the Nectar Flow
Inspecting Colonies and Recommended Management Practices
Feeding Bees
Registering Your Bees with the State
Honey Bee Pests
Honey Bee Diseases
And much more – Including a Field Day with demonstrations and hands-on opportunities

When: Starting Wednesday, February 4, 2026 for six consecutive Wednesdays

(6:30 - 9:00 PM; plus one Field Day)

Where: Howard County Fairgrounds Dining Hall

Registration Fee: $85 each adult, $20 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.

Beginning Beekeeping Course Registration Form

Complete this form to register for the online Beginning Beekeeping course, then select the "I am not a robot" item before selecting the Submit button to go to the payment page.

Registration is $85 for each adult, plus $20 for each child between 8 and 14 years of age.

Registration includes membership to HCBA for 2026 (up to a $30 value) and a digital copy of the participant workbook. A printed copy of the participant workbook is available on the registration payment page.

Don't forget to get the textbook! (See above for details)

If you have children who are under 8 years of age, and are interested in attending, please attend online.

Registration Type

In Person Attendance

Online Attendance

Payment Method

PayPal / Credit Card

Mail Check or Money Order

Total # of Attendees

When paying by check or money order, submit this page with your payment.

First name

Last name

Phone (include dashes!)

Street Address

Address Line 2

City

State

ZIP Code

Comments and information

Please list the names and email addresses of the other adults who will attend the course with you, as well as the names and ages of children 8-14 years old.