EVERETT – Due to the overwhelming response to last fall’s series, WSU Snohomish County Extension and Beez Neez Apiary Supply are sponsoring another apprentice level course in the Master Beekeeper Program.The five-week course serves as a thorough introduction to beekeeping for novice beekeepers as well as a comprehensive refresher course for experienced apiculturists.
The course will be held on Monday evenings from Jan. 5 through Feb. 2, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the WSU Snohomish County Extension office at McCollum Park, 600 – 128th Street S.E. in Everett.
Designed to build basic beekeeping skills the course will cover topics including bee biology, equipment, seasonal management requirements, identification and management of pests, as well as honey removal and processing. The overall focus will hone in on the unique challenges and benefits to beekeeping in the Pacific Northwest.
A workshop manual complements the lectures. Participants who complete the course and pass the Washington State Apprentice Beekeeper level exam (an open book test) will receive a certificate towards the Journey and Master Beekeeper levels. The course instructors are local beekeeping professionals Dave Pehling, WSU Snohomish County Extension entomologist, and Jim Tunnell, owner of Beez Neez Apiary in Snohomish.
Class size is limited to ensure a quality learning experience and the course is expected to fill up quickly. Advance registration is required. The cost for the five-week course is $50 per person. To register, contact Karie Christensen at 425/338-2400, by email at klchristen@cahnrs.wsu.edu, or download the form at www.snohomish.wsu.edu/ag/workshops/beekeeping09.pdf and mail with your check.
For more information on the course contact Dave Pehling, pehling@wsu.edu, (425) 357-6019.
