Plant & Soil Science: Hands-on Beekeeping

Courses or seminars on topics beyond the scope of existing department offerings. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

Meets at the Horticulture Research & Education Center; Hands-on course on bee hive / yard management; Times & Days: Tuesday 5:30 - 8:30 pm & Saturday 9am to 3pm; Open to PACE and Degree students

This introductory beekeeping course offers a combination of classroom lectures and hands-on field experience on topics including bee biology and natural history, choosing and purchasing equipment and bees, integrated pest management, seasonal colony management, and queen grafting. Students completing this course are expected to: 1. Understand the biology of bees and pests and how to use this knowledge to improve harvest potential and care of honey bee colonies. 2. Recognize seasonal events and anticipate colony development and needs. 3. Attain the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to be responsible beekeepers and support good decision making. 4. Become competent in basic hive inspections and manipulations. 5. Gain a basic understanding of queen grafting and rearing.

Textbook: Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping Dewey M. Caron Wicwas Press Students will be required to provide their own hive tools and jackets. Instructor will provide more information on selecting equipment prior to the start of class. Class will be held at the UVM horticultural farm where students will be able to interact with the farm's research and education apiary consisting of over 30 hives. There will also be opportunities for field trips with beekeepers in our community. Attendance is mandatory for every class as each class serves as the foundation for the next. Will you get stung? Protective clothing and proper handling techniques greatly reduce the risk of bee stings. However, some bee stings are inevitable. If you have an allergy to bee venom, you should not take the in-person version of this course. Check out the online version of the course: "Introduction to Beekeeping".

Grades will be based on attendance and participation, weekly assignments, quizzes and a final project.