Learn How To Keep Honey Bees

We offer weekend courses in how to start keeping bees, particularly for those living in the Central, East and West Kootenays. Whether you want to keep just a pair of hives or are interested in starting a beekeeping business, this course will give you the knowledge and confidence to look after honey bees.

The course, delivered in both the classroom and the apiary, is taught by Master Beekeepers and BCHPA-Certified Instructors Amanda Goodman Lee and Jeff Lee,  the owners of Swan Valley Honey. We use a curriculum approved by the B.C. Honey Producers Association. Over two full weekend days we’ll cover what you need to know to start, and then give a full day of hands-on experience in one of our apiaries in May.

Other Courses

We also offer periodic advanced courses at our farm geared towards specific issues, such as spring management, making increase, queen-rearing, integrated pest management, preparing hives for winter and more. Contact us directly for more information.

NEXT Beginner Beekeeping Course

February 22-23, 2020

College of the Rockies, Creston Campus

Date: February 22-23, 2020 (Saturday and Sunday), Field day in May at our Placsko Road farm when weather permits opening hives.

Cost: $249 plus GST

Curriculum:

·   Intro. to Keeping Honey Bees ·   Regulatory Framework ·   Bee Hive Components, Equipment ·   Handling Bees & Frames of Brood ·   Swarms and Swarm Prevention ·   Honey harvesting and extraction ·   What to do with your honey ·   Questions and answers

·   Basic bee biology ·   Bees in an Urban Setting ·   Hive Placement ·   Basic Problem-solving ·   Diseases & Medication ·   Colony Health ·   Preparing for winter ·   Other products from the hive ·   Exam

To Register:  https://www.cotr.bc.ca/conEd/CE-Course.asp?ID=26

AMANDA GOODMAN LEE – Amanda is a Master Beekeeper and worked as a beekeeping technician for the University of B.C. on several research projects. She is a former advertising executive with PostMedia and is also a member of  Women Leading The Way. Amanda is a former president of the Richmond Beekeepers Association and is on a BCHPA committee. Contact: Amanda – Ph. 250-866-6861 Email: Amanda@honeybeezen.com

JEFF LEE – In addition to being a Master Beekeeper, Jeff is a writer and editor. A journalist by profession, he has 40 years of experience in reporting, much of it with The Vancouver Sun. He left the newspaper in 2016. He has taught at Langara College and is regularly sought as a commentator and communications expert. He also serves as an executive of the B.C Honey Producers Association.

Contact: Jeff – Ph: 604-328-5028 Email: jeff@honeybeezen.com