EVERETT, Wash. — To help rebuild regional populations of local pollinators, Washington State University Snohomish County Extension and Beez Neez Apiary Supply are teaming up to sponsor three sessions of the popular apprentice-level course in the Master Beekeeper Program. The five-week course provides a thorough introduction to beekeeping for novice beekeepers as well as a comprehensive refresher course for experienced apiculturists.
The first session starts Monday evenings, November 7 through December 5, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. in McCollum Park at WSU Snohomish County Extension’s Cougar Auditorium, 600 128th ST SE, Everett. The five-week course will be repeated in 2012 starting January 9 and again starting February 27.
Designed to build basic beekeeping skills, topics to be covered include bee biology, equipment, seasonal management requirements, identification, management of pests and diseases, 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 completing the five-week course and passing the Washington State Apprentice Beekeeper level exam (an open-book test) will receive a certificate towards the Journey and Master Beekeeper levels of training.
Each session will be taught by local beekeeping professionals. Course instructors are WSU Snohomish County Extension entomologist Dave Pehling, and Jim Tunnell, the owner of Beez Neez Apiary in Snohomish.
Class size is limited and always fills quickly. There are a few seats left for the November series. The cost for the five-week course is $70 per person. Register online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/179862. You can also download the form at snohomish.wsu.edu/ag/workshops/Beekeeping11.pdf and mail with your check. For registration information, contact Karie Christensen at (425) 357-6039 or e-mail christensen4@wsu.edu.
For more information on the course, contact Dave Pehling, pehling@wsu.edu, (425) 357-6019.
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