So you're thinking of becoming a beekeeper? This workshop is an introduction to bees and beekeeping practices whether you're starting a backyard hive or are just curious about bees. We'll cover some basics on bees, their progress through spring and summer, and what to expect as colonies expand in the warmer, longer days. There will be a class outline, suggested reading, and additional recommendations provided. If weather permits, students will see the hives close-up. Protective clothing will be provided.
The class is designed for absolute beginners so no prerequisite knowledge is required. We will have more beginning beekeeping classes this year, and each will emphasize what is happening in a beehive throughout the seasons. Keep checking our workshop schedule for more beekeeping workshops!
Instructor: Mark Carlson. Mark served in El Salvador in the Peace Corps from 2005 to 2007. During that time, he kept bees as part of his community agriculture extension work. In 2019, he graduated with the inaugural class of the California Master Beekeeper Program. He is the co-chair and "honey guru" for the Good Food Awards and has been a mead maker for many years. He works and keeps bees in the Bayview.
COVID-19 information:
- GFE Mask Guidelines: Please bring a mask to accommodate your comfort level in an outdoor group situation.
- Please bring gardening gloves for possible hands-on activities.
- Please cancel your registration and do not come to GFE if you develop COVID19 symptoms on or before the day of your workshop (fever, chills, repeated shaking / shivering, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, feeling unusually weak or fatigued, new loss of taste or smell, muscle pain, headache, runny or congested nose, or diarrhea)
No walk-up registration permitted for this course.
Full garden workshop schedule
What to bring to the workshop
Directions to the garden
More about some of our beekeeping and gardening instructors
