ONLINE and in-PERSON FIELD TRIP
This is a four part series for the beginner beekeeper instructed by experienced beekeeper Gordon Mackay. If you are new to keeping bees or thinking about starting a hive, this series will give you the practical information you need to start your journey. Beekeepers never stop learning! Class one of the series one can be taken on its own for those unable to commit to the whole series. It is more of a general overview and does not include the field trip.
The series will have three online sessions via zoom and one practical session where you will get to view a hive inspection in person. This series will focus on the most common hive system called the Langstroth.
Participants will learn about equipment, how locate and set up a hive, purchasing and installing bees, bee castes, common issues like swarming, integrated pest management, products from the hive, winterizing and more. There will be a short open book test at the end and you will receive a certificate of completion. There will be opportunities to ask questions and meet the other “newbees” in the class.
Note: A veil is required for the field trip. We have a limited number available for rent at $5 those that do not have their own. Veils can be purchased from various suppliers. Please contact us if you need a recommendation – [email protected]
Wednesdays 6:00pm-8:30pm, April 14, 21, 28
Field Trip: 9:00am-12:00pm – The date will be set as soon as the provincial health order is lifted.
Full Series Fee:
HCP Members: $190
Non Members: $220
Class 1 only:
HCP Members $50
Non Members $60
Register online below or call 250 479 6162
Register for Series
Instructor Bio: Gordon Mackay
Gordon has been keeping bees since the 1990’s and was originally inspired by their incredible organizational skills and work ethic when he was a horticultural student at Threave School of Gardening in southwest Scotland. Keeping bees has led to a strong desire to learn more and he has twice attended the beekeeping courses led by Andrew Abrahams at the Black Bee Sanctuary on Colonsay, Scotland.
