Intro to Honey Bees
January 18th & 25th
Wednesdays 5:00 - 7:00 pm PST Online
Course Description
You may have an interest in working with bees, and want to get to know them a little deeper before diving into beekeeping. Or maybe you are a homesteader or gardener thinking of incorporating an apiary into your home for pollination benefits and a little bit of honey too. This introductory course is perfect for you as we explore the magic of honeybees, their origins, history and modern day applications. This class is not a “how to beekeeping course” rather a moment to revel in awe and learn the incredible feats of magic these bees play out daily.
We’ll investigate some cultural practices and traditions centered around honeybees and native bees, explore the members of the hive, bee biology, what their roles are internally and for the ecosystem at large, and have a solid understanding of their importance to our planet.
Course Details
Anyone hoping to further their understanding of the honeybee, native bees, and pollinators. Your background could be from a variety of interests, not limited to gardening, beekeeping, or farming. Anyone seeking to also understand a little more deeply why pollinators are so vital to our ecosystems, food supply, and global health. This course is for you if you have always loved bees and wanted to know more!
Topics explored in this workshop:
- Cultural and traditional practices of beekeeping throughout the world
- History of beekeeping in Europe and US
- Members of the hive and their roles
- Bee biology
- Integration of bees in the ecosystem
- Modern day agriculture and bee pollination services
- Causes of declining bee populations
- Solutions to support bees and pollinators
Course Schedule
Your enrollment includes:
- Two virtual 2 hour classes with time for Q&A and discussions
- Accompanying resources for each class
- Available class recordings
- Discounts for future courses or one on one mentorship opportunities (discount code given at end of workshop)
There will be one session available this winter in January. This is designed so that you can enjoy this learning opportunity in the slowness of winter and also have time to prepare yourself should you want to start beekeeping in the spring.
Course Location
We love hosting these classes in person, however to make this accessible to as many as possible we’re hosting online via zoom. You can join via video on your computer, laptop, tablet, or phone. Cozy up with your evening tea and enjoy learning from your own home. As mentioned, if you cannot attend a live session, recordings will be sent for your to review at your convenience.
Course Instructor: Anna Maria Desipris
- Anna Maria is a bee guardian, herbalist, farmer, permaculture consultant and educator with 10 years of professional experience in the realm of sustainability, beekeeping, urban farming and community building around the farm to table movement.
- She has been rescuing and relocating beehives to safe locations since 2011 and now shares with others this craft in her Bee Guardian Apprenticeship. She has also spent many years working around local food systems, gathering over 1000 key individuals around community tables and supporting local regenerative farmers and chefs.
- As an educator she has led over 100 workshops, lectures and courses on topics from the realms of beekeeping, urban farming and regenerative food systems.
- As a farmer she has been a key designer, planner and manager of multiple neighborhood farms and farming based educational spaces in Reno, Nevada and Orange County, California.
- Anna Maria is also a college professor, the founder of The Honey Bee Hub and co-founder of Bloom Farms (Desert Bloom and Sun and Bloom).
- She holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Reno and an array of certifications in Permaculture, Master in Beekeeping, and Herbalism Certification.
Course Costs and Registration
Registration closes the day before the first meeting, or before 25 spots are filled.
Course fee: $75
Inquire for payment plans and scholarships.
Discounts available for youth/young adults 21 and under.