Classes and workshops are a great way to begin or continue learning about bees and beekeeping! Additionally, SBA members have written helpful articles and have gathered a variety of resources to help you.
Local workshops and courses
Beekeeping Introduction
Beekeeping is a fun and interesting hobby, however, don't get stung! Find out what's involved before investing your time and resources. This class, presented by the Susquehanna Beekeepers Association, will explain the equipment needed, how to start a hive, and even explain how to make your own equipment. If you decide it's a hobby you would like to pursue, you will be ready for the full Beekeeping class offered in the spring. Bring a claw hammer to class.
Harford Community College non-credit, November 18, 2023, 9AM–12PM
Fee: $20
Register on the HCC website. Search for "beekeeping."
Beekeeping Full Spring Course at Harford Community College
So you'd like to become a beekeeper? If you're thinking about starting a backyard beehive or are just curious about what's involved with keeping bees. This introductory class is offered in partnership with the Susquehanna Beekeepers Association and introduces students to the basics of beekeeping. The course consists of seven (7) sessions (6 classroom sessions and 1 in apiary hands on session.) and covers the following material:
- Beekeeping Equipment
- Setting up an Apiary
- Honey Bee Biology
- Honey Bee Hive Manipulation and Management
- Maintaining Healthy Bees and Managing Diseases and Parasites
- Nectar Sources, Honey Extraction and Products of the Hive
Material fee includes a one-year membership in the Susquehanna Beekeepers Association.
Last session meets at a local bee-yard for hands-on experience.
Students are responsible for acquiring their own copy of the required textbook: The Beekeeper's Handbook, by Diana Sammataro & Alphonse Avitabile, 5th Ed.
Susquehanna Beekeepers Association will raffle off a complete Langstroth beehive set up to one of the students planning on getting honey bees.
Classes are 7-9 pm on Fridays from 2/24/23- 4/14/23 with the last class in a local apiary.....T.B.D.
No class on 3/31/23 Spring Break.
Fee $60
Register on the HCC website, Search for "beekeeping."
Webinars, videos, and book collections
Videos from SBA members
Joe Lewis on Sustainable Beekeeping through Nucleus Colonies
Handy guide to starting beekeeping
A simple but thorough resource for folks interested in starting a new hobby, from Home Advisor.
Ohio State beekeeping webinars
A resource from The Ohio State University Bee Lab.
The E. F. Phillips Beekeeping Collection at Mann Library
The Hive and the Honey Bee and the Phillips Collection, with a searchable collection of free beekeeping books and articles
Sustainable Honeybee Program
This Virginia-based organization provides several videos on beekeeping practices.