A beginning bee keeping course, taught by University of Maryland Extension Apiculturalist, Michael Embrey, will start this January 2010. The first class will be held on Saturday, January 23rd from 9AM until Noon, at the Wye Research and Education Center In Queenstown. The fee for the class is $100, which includes the textbook, “The Beekeepers Handbook”, third edition, by Dr. Diana Sammataro. If you already have this book, the fee is reduced to $70.

In this course the students will learn about bees, bee equipment, how and where to set up and establish a bee colony, how to manage their bees and how to hive a package of honeybees, through presentations by Mr. Embrey and other guest speakers.

The course will start on January 23rd and be held on alternating Saturday mornings for a total of five times during the spring. Then, in the months of September and October, two additional classes will be held dealing with pests and diseases and winterizing the colonies for winter survival. More information about the schedule will be given during the class.

To register, contact Debby Dant at the Wye Research and Education Center, P.O. Box 169, Queenstown, Maryland 21658, 410-827-8056 ext.115; fax 410-827-9039; or by email, ddant@umd.edu

Registration deadline will be January 16, 2010. Class size is limited. Make checks payable to the University of Maryland. For more course information, contact Michael Embrey at 410-827-8056 ext.148 or membrey@umd.edu