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May 2, 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 second session, Fundamentals of Beekeeping 102, we will focus on what to expect later in the season, honey harvesting techniques and equipment, and overwintering practices. There will be hands-on demonstrations and a hive visit / inspection if weather permits. It is ideal that students have their own bee suit for this class, as that will allow for the most enriching and up close experience with the bees. There may be some extra suits available, but this can not be guaranteed.
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.
This is not a beginner level course. Please only register for this course if you have attended Fundamentals of Beekeeping 101 in the past or have a basic understanding of bees and beekeeping.
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.
Tuition: $70
Materials: $0
This course is for all ages, but students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
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!