In the state of Georgia we have over 30 local bee clubs, many of whom are offering short courses. I highly encourage you to take one if you are interested in keeping bees. Usually they are taught by experienced beekeepers who have tips to share that you might not find from books or from trying to teach yourself. Beekeeping is as much an art as it is a science, so don't feel like you can't go to a course if the teachers are not university folks. Plain beekeepers offer a lot of wisdom.
Most Georgia courses cost between $25 and $50.
Here are the details of the upcoming short courses that are available of which I am aware.
Chattahoochee Valley Beekeepers
WHAT: Spring Beekeeping Course
WHERE: Oxbow Environmental Learning Center
WHEN: six, two hour sessions over six consecutive Saturday afternoons, 3PM to 5PM, beginning February 14, 2015
HOW: Call Paul Berry, 706-527-0739
Chattooga County Beekeepers
WHAT: Introduction to Beekeeping
WHERE: Ag Building, 32 Middle School Road, Summerville, GA
WHEN: January 31st, 8 AM - 4 PM
HOW: Call Randy Rolen to register: 423-304-2714
More information: www.chattoogabeekeepers.com
Coastal Empire Beekeepers Association
WHAT: FUNdamentals of Beekeeping
WHERE: Oatland Island Wildlife Center, 711 Sandtown Road, Savannah, Ga 31410
WHEN: February 28th, 8 AM Registration Begins; Classes Scheduled 9 AM to 4 PM
HOW: CEBA has a fully operational apiary for hands on training during the weekend event.
More Information: www.cebeekeeping.com
Coweta Beekeepers Association
WHAT: Introduction to Beekeeping class
WHERE: 255 Pine Road, Newnan, GA 30263
WHEN: One day class, January 24, 2015 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Forsyth Beekeepers Club
WHAT: Beginning Beekeeping Short Course Day 1
WHERE: Sawnee Mt. Preserve Visitor Center, Cumming GA
WHEN: March 7th, registration starts @ 8, classes start @ 9:00
Lake Country Beekeepers Association
WHAT: Beekeepers Short Course for beginners
WHERE: Central GA Technical College Conference Center, 54 Hwy 22 West, Milledgeville, GA 3
WHEN: January 24, 2015 Registration 8 am Class starts at 8:30am to 5:00pm
HOW: More information contact Bruce Morgan at 478-357-4029 or rbmorgan@hughes.net
WHAT: Beekeepers Short Course for beginners
WHERE: Central GA Technical College Conference Center, 54 Hwy 22 West, Milledgeville, GA 3
WHEN: January 24, 2015 Registration 8 am Class starts at 8:30am to 5:00pm
HOW: More information contact Bruce Morgan at 478-357-4029 or rbmorgan@hughes.net
NE Georgia Mountain Beekeepers
WHAT: Beekeeping Short Course
WHERE: Elachee Nature Center, Gainesville, GA
WHEN: Sat. Feb 21st 8:30 - 5
HOW: Contact Slade Jarrett 706-677-2854
Potato Creek Beekeepers Association
WHAT: Beginning Beekeeping Short Course
WHERE: SPALDING COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE
WHEN: 9:00AM, JANUARY 17, 2014
Troup County Association of Beekeepers,
WHAT: Beginning beekeepers course,
WHERE: AG building Lagrange GA,
WHEN: Feb 14, 28 Mar 14, 28. 9am to 1pm.
HOW: Cost $75. Contact Terry Williamson 706-882-2493
I realize that many of my readers are from all over the country and all around the world. This list will only be of help to people in Georgia seeking a course. If you are in a different state or country, contact your state or local beekeeping association to find out about short courses available to you. Take a course, join your local and state bee club, and find a mentor to help you when you run into difficulty (you will!).
Thank you for this information. I see there'll be a course here in LaGrange, and I desperately need it! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYou'll learn so much - good luck entering a fascinating and addictive hobby.
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