EVERETT, Wash. – Three sessions of a five-week course for novice beekeepers will be offered beginning in November, January and February through Washington State University Snohomish County Extension. Class size is limited.
Most food crops, including Washington fruits and vegetables, depend on honey bees for pollination. Among the many threats to bee populations, diesel fumes recently have been identified in a University of Southampton study (http://www.nature.com/srep/2013/131003/srep02779/pdf/srep02779.pdf).
To help rebuild, maintain and expand local pollinators and honey producers, WSU Extension teams with Beez Neez Apiary Supply to sponsor the popular apprentice-level master beekeeper course. It provides a thorough introduction to beekeeping for novice beekeepers as well as a comprehensive refresher for experienced apiculturists. It focuses on the unique challenges and benefits to beekeeping in western Washington.
The first session will be 6:30-9:30 p.m. Mondays, Nov. 18-Dec. 16, in McCollum Park at WSU Snohomish County Extension’s Cougar Auditorium, 600 128th St. SE, Everett. Sessions repeat starting Mondays, Jan. 6 and Feb. 24.
Topics covered include bee biology, equipment, seasonal management, honey harvest and identification and management of pests and diseases.
Participants completing the five-week course and passing the optional Washington apprentice beekeeper exam (open book test) will receive a certificate toward the journey and master beekeeper levels of training along with an “Apprentice Master Beekeeper” patch.
Each session will be taught by local beekeeping professionals: entomologist Dave Pehling, WSU Snohomish County Extension, and Jim Tunnell, owner of Beez Neez Apiary Supply in Snohomish.
The course costs $85 per person. Register for November online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/422378; January at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/422391 and February at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/422405.
Or download the form at http://snohomish.wsu.edu/ag/workshops/Beekeeping2013-2014.pdf and mail with a check. For more registration information, contact Karie Christensen at 425-357-6039 or christensen4@wsu.edu.
Editors: A high-resolution photo is available on request.
Contacts:
Dave Pehling, WSU Extension, 425-357-6019, pehling@wsu.edu
Kate Halstead, WSU Extension, 360-794-6081, khalstead@wsu.edu