Intro to Natural Beekeeping
February 2nd & 9th
Thursdays from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. PST Online
Course Description
Many folks are feeling a call to work with honeybees in some capacity, as we are hearing more and more headlines about the uncertain state they are in. Being a steward of a bee hive can be a joyful and beautiful experience, enriching the lives of not only the beekeeper but the bees themselves and surrounding environment. However, for all those joining as hobby beekeepers, we aim to practice, to the best of our ability, natural beekeeping methods. It is critical that we as bee educators, farmers, gardeners, are pushing for a return to treatment free beekeeping methods that do not perpetuate further harm into the environment.
This Intro to Natural Beekeeping course will give you the background of what natural beekeeping is, the methods it promotes, how to find bees and set up your first hive, what kind of materials and equipment you will need and some notes on what maintenance looks like in your first year.
We also briefly discuss the sentience and innate wisdom of the hive, how their teachings compliment the greater ecosystem, and how we can learn through observation and stewardship.
Course Details
This workshop is designed for anyone who is ready to dive into beekeeping as a beginner with a natural approach. Those who seek to understand the historical beekeeping practices and its evolution through time, and ultimately returning to more simpler ways. This course is also for you if you have started your beekeeping journey fairly recently and could use a refresh or to explore treatment free/natural methods.
Topics explored in this course:
- Evolution of beekeeping through history
- Principles of natural beekeeping
- Treatment free vs. conventional beekeeping
- How to find your bees
- Materials needed for top bar, log, or langstroth hives
- Maintenance in the first year and beyond
- Importance of natural/treatment free practices for the environment
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 the month of February. 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 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 Beekeeping and Herbalism.
Course Costs and Registration
Registration closes the day before the first meeting, or before 25 spots are filled.
Course fee: $100
Inquire for payment plans and scholarships.
Discounts available for youth/young adults 21 and under.