Botetourt Beekeepers Association events for February and beyond

INTRODUCTION to BEEKEEPING
Spring 2019
Class Dates: All four Saturdays: February 2 and 23, and March 2 and 23, 2019
(Inclement weather makeup days as needed: Feb 9 or 16, March 9 and/or 30)
Any class cancelations posted on WSLS 10 as Botetourt Beekeepers Association.

Time: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Place: Cloverdale Church of the Brethren, 4708 Read Mountain Road, Cloverdale, VA
Texts: Three texts are included in tuition fee: Beekeeping Basics; A Field Guide to
Honey Bees and Their Maladies; and Diana Sammataro, Beekeeper’s Handbook.

Preregister: Received by January 26, $100. Second family member sharing materials, $60. Mail check or money order to Botetourt Beekeepers Association, PO Box 424, Daleville, VA 24083. Include your name, address, phone number, and email.
Register: After January 26, $115. It would help if you would email so we can have a chair ready. Arrive February 2 between noon and 12:45 p.m. with check or cash.

Instructors: Members of the Blue Ridge and Botetourt Beekeepers Associations.
Coordinator: Rudy Taylor. May be reached via email at rudytaylor1952@gmail.com
Include BEEKEEPING INTRO in the subject line to differentiate it from spam.
Or post questions on Facebook at Botetourt and Blue Ridge Beekeeping Course
Sponsors: Jointly sponsored by both the Blue Ridge Beekeepers Association (usually meets in Roanoke City/County) and the Botetourt Beekeepers Association

Class Description:
This Introduction to Beekeeping class will cover essential skills and knowledge for your first year of beekeeping. A variety of equipment and tools will be available for hands-on inspection.
• Guidance on building or buying your hive equipment (and cost information)
• Safe and effective use of smokers, hive tools, and protective gear
• Good sources for getting your first bees
• Installing your first bees into the hives
• Caring for the bees as they build up into a healthy, successful colony
• Preparing the bees to survive the winter
• Essential knowledge about honey bee and colony lifecycle
• Dealing with pests and diseases to maintain healthy colonies
• Plants useful to pollinators for honey and pollen
• Conversations with experienced beekeepers
• Optional hive inspection demonstration in April or May when weather permits.

Both the Blue Ridge Beekeepers Association and the Botetourt Beekeepers Association will waive 2019 dues for persons who successfully complete the course: we want you to succeed.

Submitted by Rudolph Taylor of Botetourt Beekeepers Assoc. Photo courtesy of Botetourt Beekeepers.