Join Tyler Arboretum’s Hive Sponsorship Program to learn how to actively manage honeybee colonies throughout the entire 2023 beekeeping season (April - October). Gain hands-on experience managing a set number of colonies with other Hive Sponsors under the guidance of Tyler’s lead volunteer beekeeper, Paul Strommer. Colonies will not be assigned but instead are managed by the group, enabling the entire group to share in the colonies' success. The ratio of Hive Sponsors to bee colonies is approximately 2:1.

There will be 12 to 14 two-hour sessions (which include the hive installation). All sessions are scheduled from 11 am to 1 pm, but times may flex due to weather. Sponsorship includes registration for any beekeeping public programs and any “open” hive dates.

The monthly schedule of “open” hive dates are:

Orientation (Required Attendance): Saturday, April 1, 11 am - 1 pm 

Hive Installation (Required Attendance): TBD (will be discussed at orientation)

Tentative program schedule: TBD (will be discussed at orientation)

Please note:

• Why 11 am - 1 pm? You want bees out of the colony flying when you work the hives. The bees are most active at the mid-point of the day when the sun is highest in the sky. 
• Most beekeeping activity takes place from mid-April to mid-June & mid-Aug to mid-Oct.
• Mid-July to mid-Aug can get hot, and folks take vacations, so it can be a little quieter.

Veil, gloves, and hive tool included in registration. Enjoy a share of the honey yield (yield amount TBD). The fee goes towards beekeeping supplies and equipment, program registrations, and supporting the education and conservation activities of Tyler Arboretum. The hive boxes and bees (including queens) used in the program are the property of Tyler Arboretum.

Please click here for current COVID-19 masking and social distancing policies anytime you visit or participate in programs at Tyler Arboretum.

Members: $400 each; Non-members: $460 each  Not a member? Become a member right now by clicking here first, and then register for this program at our discounted member rate! Individual memberships start at $65 per year.

IMPORTANT! Current members, you must sign in or register for an online account in the top right-hand corner of this page before continuing to receive your member prices and discounts. Sign in before shopping! Prices do not change on the registration page; member discounts will be applied to your shopping cart at checkout.