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April 11, 2026
8am-12p
Fundamentals of Beekeeping is a two part series that will guide new and aspiring bee guardians through the basics of beekeeping with a bee-centric focus.
In this first session, Fundamentals of Beekeeping 101, we will cover topics such as:
Necessary equipment to get started
Different hive style options
Sourcing bees
Components of the internal hive system
Hive management throughout the season
Hive etiquette
Internal and external threats that may present themselves
Conventional / commercial practices vs beecentric beekeeping
Ways to be an ally for all of our pollinator friends.
This course will include a classroom presentation. There will be examples of different equipment options and styles available to view during class.
This course series will also provide a connection for beekeeping guidance if desired for initial set-up and on-going support throughout the season, as well as a community of new and experienced beekeepers to stay connected to following completion of the class. Students will be exposed to a gateway of information for what will likely be a forever and ongoing journey of growth and deepening connection with the bees, because at the end of the day, the bees will be your greatest mentor in the journey of bee guardianship if you allow yourself to slow down enough to hear the wisdom they have to share.
Tuition: $70
Materials: $0
This course is for all ages, but students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Ordering Your Own Bees
If you would like to keep bees this season and have a guaranteed chance of successfully sourcing bees, packages or nucs can be pre-purchased through the instructors with a delivery date TBD early in the season. If you are interested in ordering bees or hive boxes through the instructors, please complete this google form as soon as possible after you register for this course. Once we receive your google form, we will reach out to finalize your order and discuss payment. Orders must be placed prior to March 31st to guarantee availability.
More Opportunities to Learn
If you plan to attend both sessions of this two part series, you can receive a discount! If you plan to register for both courses at once, please reach out to info@avonhillsfolkschool.org to receive a code for 15% off of Fundamentals of Beekeeping 102. You may also join us for Folk School On Tap: Beekeeping on April 23 if you can’t get enough beekeeping! This will be a free opportunity to connect with instructors and other beekeepers in between the courses, check in on how things are going, and ask questions.
Your Instructors
MELISSA MAY AND THERESE DANZL
(she/her)
We are a mother/daughter beekeeping team and have a combined experience of 30+ years of keeping bees. Therese's experience began within a commercial beekeeping environment and has shifted towards a smaller scale approach when Melissa joined her in 2016. This smaller scale approach allows the space and time to slow down and enjoy the process fully. We are continuously working towards more bee-centric practices and strive to learn more every year. The growing and deepening connection with the bees and the land is the most rewarding part of bee guardianship and any sweet golden elixir the bees share is a bonus!