Join Tyler Arboretum’s Introduction to Beekeeping Program for a hands-on deep dive into managing honeybee colonies throughout the entire beekeeping season. Gain real-world experience as part of a small, supportive cohort of students under the guidance of Tyler’s lead volunteer beekeeper, Paul Strommer. Colonies are collaboratively managed by the class, enabling the entire group to learn from the challenges faced by some colonies and share in the success of others. This class will include honey extraction if beekeeping activities are successful enough, and a portion of the honey will be shared with participants. Veil, gloves, hive tools, and all other equipment and safety supplies are provided.  

The class fee goes towards beekeeping supplies and equipment as well as 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.  

LAST DAY TO REGISTER IS MARCH 20th, so be sure to register early to get your spot!

Can’t commit to the class but still excited to support beekeeping, education, and conservation at Tyler? DONATE NOW by clicking HERE! 

2024 Class Schedule: 

All classes are held on Saturdays (with the exception of a few rain dates) at Tyler Arboretum. Class start and end times may be adjusted in response to weather and conditions. Any changes will be communicated in advance via email.   

ORIENTATION: 3/23, 10 am- 11:00 am, rain or shine. Introductions, meet and greet, communications, and logistics for the program.  

CLASS 1: 4/13, 11 am- 1 pm (Rain date: Sunday, 4/14). Colony setup, bee handling, package installation. Group photo.    

CLASS 2: 4/27, 11 am- 1 pm (Rain date Sunday, 4/28). Colony inspection, feeding, and general colony assessment.  

CLASS 3: 5/11, 11 am- 1 pm (Rain date Sunday, 5/12). Part 1: New colony care, feeding, management, and assessment continued. Queen identification, handling, and marking. Colony health and troubleshooting. Nucleus colonies (nucs) and swarms. Honey Supers. 

CLASS 4: 5/25 (OPTIONAL), 11 am- 1 pm (Rain date Sunday, 5/26). Part 2: New colony care, feeding, management, and assessment continued. Queen identification, handling, and marking. Colony health and troubleshooting. Nucleus colonies (nucs) and swarms. Honey Supers. 

CLASS 5: 6/1, 11 am - 1 pm (Rain date Sunday, 6/2). Paul Pitts, guest teacher, leads pest management. 

CLASS 6: 6/15, 11 am- 1 pm (Rain date Saturday, 6/22). Part 1: Early summer colony management. Colony inspections. Honey prep. Pest management.  

CLASS 7: 6/29, 11 am- 1 pm (Rain date Saturday, 7/6). Part 2: Early summer colony management. Colony inspections. Honey prep. Pest management. 

CLASS 8: 7/13, 11 am- 1 pm (Rain date Saturday, 7/20). Part 1: Mid-summer colony management. Queen rearing, colony splits and combines. Honey Extraction. Testing.

CLASS 9: 7/27, 11 am- 1 pm. (Rain date Saturday, 8/3). Part 2: Mid-summer colony management. Queen rearing, colony splits and combines. Honey Extraction. Testing.

CLASS 10: 8/10, 11 am- 1 pm (Rain date Saturday, 8/17). Late summer colony management. Pest management and treatment. Re-queening. Winter prep. Skill assessment (optional). 

CLASS 11: 9/14, 11 am- 1 pm (Rain date Saturday, 9/21). Winter prep. Colony management. Pest treatment. 2025 season prep. Program conclusion. 

Members (sign in for your discount!): $450 each; Non-members: $500 each. Not a member? Individual memberships start at $65 per year, so if you join, you'll not only save $50 on this program, but you'll only be paying $15 for a membership for the entire year! Become a member right now by clicking here first, and then register for this program at our discounted member rate! 

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.