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Annual Bee Schools are sponsored by Local Chapters, Adult Education Programs,  and sometimes in cooperation with the County Extension Service. These practical courses are a must for beginners and a great chance for intermediate-level beekeepers to update and refresh their skills. The schools usually last for several weeks in March and April.  Some have follow-up summer field sessions. They are usually team-taught by chapter members with help from the State Bee Inspector.

Watch this space for additional information about 2008 bee schools.

Kids Corner
This is a new web section related to Kids in Beekeeping.  You need to check it out. 
We have our new Jr. Beekeeper of the year and beekeeping kids shown working a hive.  There's also additional information for students and teachers, Click Here.

 Master Beekeeper Program

The purpose of the Master Beekeeper certification program is to identify and certify people who have a detailed knowledge of honey bee biology, expertise in the proper practices of beekeeping, and can present this information to the beekeeping and non-beekeeping public in a detailed, accurate, clear and authoritative manner. The goal of this program is to certify that those who are awarded the Master Beekeepers Certificate are competent at a college level in the three areas where they are tested.  If you have this interest or are up for the challenge, CLICK HERE

2008 Maine Beekeeping Schools and Classes

  • January 10    7 pm - 9 pm
Standish  -  "What You Always Wanted To Know About Beekeeping"
This will be a one evening Overview Session of Beekeeping.  This Class will be offered through the Bonny Eagle Adult Education Program.  The Instructor is Bob Nunley, a Maine Beekeeper and a member of the Maine State Beekeepers Association.  The course will be Wednesday, January 31, 2007.  It will be in the Bonny Eagle Middle School from 7 PM to 9 PM.  There is a $10 fee. 
Contact (207)929--9185 or 642-4132  Or  www.sad6.k12.me.us

  • February 2nd
The Connecticut Beekeepers Association is hosting its 5th annual Bee School.  The theme for this year is ‘How to be a more productive beekeeper and beekeeping basics”.  I’ve attached our flyer for this year.  The complete agenda is available at www.ctbees.com.  
 
In light of the new coverage that CCD has been getting, there has been a strong interest from new people to get into beekeeping.  This year, we will have two speakers and will be providing a free text book to each attendee.  We are expecting a large attendance of people who are new to beekeeping.
 
If you are interested in attending, look at www.ctbees.com for more information or contact :  Connecticut Beekeepers Association

55 Wolf Pit Road
Farmington, CT 06032
Attn: Rebecca Jones      t.c.jones@snet.net
 
Early registration is needed to recieve the free text book.

  • February 6
Readfield  -  Maranacook School   -   The first class will begin on Wednesday, Feb. 6th, and run for 8 weeks.  Session 8 will be a field session.  The course will be taught by Skip Strong,  past President of the Maine State Beekeepers Association.  Cost is $50.  Contact Maranacook School  or  207-685-4923

  • February 28
Cumberland County - New Gloucester  -  The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service is co-ordinating a 5 week course, meeting on 5 consecutive Thursday evenings 6:30 to 8:30 PM, starting February 28th.  The class sessions will be held at Pineland Visitors Center in New Gloucester.  A field session will be announced.  The cost of the course is $85 per person/couple and is limited to 25 people.  Contact Cumberland Co Extension at 1-800-287-1471 
or email:   cecmb@umext.maine.edu

  • March 1
Bowdoinham -  Master Beekeeper, Rick Cooper, will  be conducting a 4 day course for beginning beekeepers in the Spring of 2008 from his home and shop in Bowdoinham.  March 1st, March 15, March 29th are the classroom days and April 12th is set aside for open hive work.  The fee for the course is $40, for the first family member and $25.00 for any additional members.  The course runs the first three days from 9:00 am until approx. 3:00 pm and the fieldwork class will run from 10:00 am until 2 pm.  Lunch will be provided for all sessions.  Call for more information:  1-207-666-5643 or email:  honeybee@gwi.net

  • March 5
Albion  -  Swan's Honey will offer a 4 week beekeeping course on Weds day evenings from 7:00 - 9:30 PM, starting March 5th and ending March 26th.  Classes will be held at 332 Bessey Ridge Rd in Albion and are open for all ages 12 and up, all levels of experience.  Also included, 2 field days to be scheduled in May.  Textbook will be "The Backyard Beekeeper".  Call 207-437-2251 for pricing and to pre-register for the course.

  • March 6
Waldoboro  -  7th Annual Bee School begins on Thursday, March 6th and runs for 6 consecutive Thursday evenings and includes an outdoor workshop in May.  To register, call MSAD#40 Adult Education at 207-832-5205.  Classes held at Knox Lincoln county Extension Office in Waldoboro. 
FMI call Dick & Jean Vose at 207-563-7564.

  • August 4 - 8, 2008       Eastern Apicultural Society
Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky

The Eastern Apicultural Society of North America was established in 1955 with the purpose of promoting honey bee culture, the education of beekeepers, and excellence in bee research. Every summer, EAS conducts its annual conference in one of its 22 member States/Provinces. About 500 people, from around the world, attend this conference every year.

You must be a member of EAS in order to participate in the Short Course, Conference, or other activities. Dues may be paid with your conference or short course registration. Additional membership information is available on this web site.

Information about the 2008 EAS Short Course and Conference will be posted here as it becomes available. The conference will be held August 4-8, 2008 at Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky.

We have a brochure now!!


  • Other Educational Opportunities

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