Learn Beekeeping!
Want To Keep Your Own Bees?
Are you interested in learning a new hobby? Are you an experienced beekeeper looking to advance your education? WSBA is here to help! We offer a yearly beginning beekeeping course for people new to the field, as well as Apprentice and Journeyman courses. Involvement in WSBA is also a great way to work towards becoming a Master Beekeeper through the Washington State Beekeeping Association (WASBA) and the WSU Master Beekeeping program.
Invite an experienced beekeeper from WSBA to come speak for your event or class!
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NewBees
Feb 24, 2024
Beginning Beekeeping Class
$105
Always wanted to keep bees, but don't know where to start? Struggled through your first year with YouTube, and ready to fill in the gaps in your knowledge? This class will teach you all the basics of beekeeping, from tools and equipment to how to acquire, care for and overwinter your first colony--and, of course, how to get honey! Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a bulk order of equipment to get your apiary stocked at a discount.
Includes WASBA curriculum and certification test, 1-year memberships to WSBA and WASBA, and continuing education opportunities in the WSBA Apiary.
Summer Saturdays
Hands-on Apiary Training
Free to Members
We welcome all members to spend time in the apiary learning from experienced beekeepers and to learn new skills. We normally meet during the beekeeping season but other days are available upon request to accommodate as needed. Refer to the Members only page for apiary days.
Some of the skills we teach:
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Basic hive inspections
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How to split a hive
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How to find the queen
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How to re-queen a hive
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How to raise queens
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How to test and treat for mites
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How to successfully overwinter in our area
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And so much more.
The apiary is located at St. Antony of Egypt Episcopal Church. Please bring only your bee suit, no tools. We have tools and smokers.
Advanced
May 15, 2024
Apprentice Class
$60
One step beyond the basics. This course builds on the information in the Beginning Beekeeping class and helps reinforce what you've learned, as well as going a bit deeper into some of the details.
Requirements: Beginning Beekeeper Certification, 1 season beekeeping experience, and an active membership in the WSBA.
May 15, 2024
Journeyman Training
$??
Journeyman Information
Requirements: Apprentice Beekeeper Certification, 3 years beekeeping experience, mentorship of another beekeeper, and an active membership in the WSBA and WASBA.
Ongoing
Available to Members
Mentorship
Free
If you are a new beekeeper, suddenly acquire a colony of honeybees, or are confused by what you are seeing in your hives, you may have a few questions. Our West Sound Beekeepers Association has some experienced Beekeeper-Volunteers who are willing to answer questions and situations when a newer WSBA member needs a mentor. They can offer advice, experience, and give direction to assist you. They will first try to help you via email or over the phone. If that is not enough, they can try to meet with you and demonstrate in person. They will, however, expect you to manage the hive while they give direction and guidance. This is not a replacement for learning through our classes or tutorials.
Speakers
West Sound Beekeepers are available to speak at your function. Part of our mission is to help educate children and adults about bees and their importance to our ecosystem, economy and lifestyle. We have several experienced beekeepers who will be happy to speak to your class or at your event, or you can contact our Education Coordinator to run a special educational class.