Will there be coffee?

Yes, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and a light repast are part of the package.

Will we work with live bees?

In the 100 level course there is one opportunity to visit the hives on a nice day after the end of the course and there is an optional equipment workshop but if you want to really get into the hives you have to come back for the 101 course which is a practical course.

Do I need to a notebook?

We highly recommend an actual paper notebook that is field hardy so that you can keep your notes with you as you embark on your beekeeping journey. When you start keeping bees you will be making notes every time you visit the hive so maybe something that can become part of your storied set.

What else do I need to bring?

Pens or pencils, a sweater or shawl though the rooms are usually very cozy, a travel mug may be nice and a water bottle though there is a water fountain. At some point we usually walk out and have a look at the apiary on the first day or so weather permitting so sensible shoes too maybe.

Beginning Beekeeping 100 (short course) 2026

By Bee CARE Institute

Overview

Attend all days: Jan 24, 30 February 7, 14, 21, 28 to learn everything you need to know to start beekeeping this spring.

100 Beginning Beekeeping

Days: Saturday

Dates: January 24, 30, February 7, 14, 21, 28

Time: 10:am - 1:pm

Hours: 18

Location: 1400 Quincy St. NE, Washington DC

Type: Classroom / Online Homework

Course Description:

The beekeeping course will run for six weeks, meeting once a week for three hours, providing a total of 18 hours of classroom instruction, homework assingments, quizes, and final exam. Topics cover everything you need to know to successfully and responsibly keep honeybees in an urban environment. The course fee includes all lectures, text book, and extras. The text book and equipment catalogs will be distributed at the first course meeting. The course will be followed by a hands-on field day and an equipment assembly workshop. Upon completion of the course, participants will be presented with a certificate.

Topics:

The introductory beekeeping course covers these topics:

A Brief History of Beekeeping

A Bees Life and How knowing Makes Your Life Easier

Beekeeping Equipment: Woodenware, Tools, and Protective Gear

The Beekeeping Year in DC and What to do When

Diseases, Pests and Parasites

Food for Bees: What DC Bees Eat

Products of the Hive

The Triumph of the City Bee

Field session, including installing packages and nucleus colonies

Equipment building hands-on workshop

Category: Home & Lifestyle, Pets & Animals

Good to know

Highlights

35 days 3 hours
under 16 with parent or legal guardian
In person
Free parking
Doors at 9:50 AM

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 10 days before event

Location

Bee CARE Institute at the Franciscan Monastery Garden Guild

1400 Quincy Street NE

Washington, DC 20017

How do you want to get there?

Driving Public transport Biking Walking

Frequently asked questions

Organized by

Bee CARE Institute

Followers

--

Events

--

Hosting

--