Basic Hive Inspection Techniques Workshop

April 29th 2026

7 to 8:30 P.M.

via Zoom

Hive inspections tools and equipment, using the smoker, how to remove frames without crushing your queen, documenting inspections, and more tips.

Register on the VBA Calendar VBA Membership required

 

Spring Management Workshop

April 16th 2026

7 to 8:30 P.M.

via Zoom

Making reverse/swarm splits, making nucs, preventing swarms

Register on the VBA Calendar 

 

Pysanky - Ukrainian Easter eggs

using traditional batik method

Thursday, April 2nd

7-8:00 pm

via Zoom

Vermont Egg artist, Shannon Wallis, will demonstrate how she uses beeswax to create stunning miniature batik artworks on eggs.

Shannon will show two different techniques from Ukraine: traditional folk pysanky using a kistka/ pysachok and the Lemko style or drop pull pysanky, and talk about the history of the art form in eastern Europe and its evolution in North America

Register on the VBA Calendar 

 

VBA Beginning Beekeeping Class 

Registration closes March 31st

April 4th & 11th, 2026

10:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M.

Rutland Free Library

10 Court St

Rutland, VT

There will be a third, outdoor, in-hive workshop at a date, time, and location in early May

This is a 3-day class for new Vermont beekeepers who have just gotten honey bees or will have them soon. First and second year beekeepers are also welcome to attend.

The class will cover these subject areas:

• Introduction to Beekeeping – History, Value, Health Issues in Beekeeping

• Basic Honey Bee Anatomy, Biology, and behaviors as they relate to seasonal management

• Basic Honey Bee communications and roles in the colony

• Vermont Apiary Law and Beekeeper Responsibilities - Health Certificates, Varroa mitigation plans, etc.

• Beekeeping Equipment, Tools, PPE, and options for bees

• Siting the apiary – Apiary siting factors, electric fencing

• Colony health – Protecting against pests, diseases, pesticides, and predators

• Seasonal hive and colony management – Inspections and frequency, reading the frames, splits, dearths, swarms, pollen and nectar sources, winter prep., colony health, and more

• Honey - What is it? How it is a “fragile” product, extracting honey - tools and equipment, Vermont honey labeling requirements.

Cost: $60, includes book: The Backyard Beekeeper, 5th Edition: An Absolute Beginner's Guide to Keeping Bees in Your Yard and Garden by Kim Flottum

Register on the VBA Calendar before March 31st

Space is limited

 Beginner Beekeeping Meeting March 12 at 7 PM in at Bennington Free Library

Attention Beekeepers new and old,

In our last communication regarding no Bee Club meeting for February, there has been some confusion among new Beekeepers that there will be no more classes until March 12. The Classes are continuing  on Thursday nights. This Thursday we hear about Pest Pathogens and Treatments.   

The next Members meeting in which all, old and new members will meet is March 12 when we discuss products of the hive and have a honey tasting test. If you have some still, please bring a sample jar and a product of the hive to show and talk about.
So sorry for the miscommunication and any misunderstanding. 

Thank you see Thursday night

John and Melany Letourneau

 Vermont Women in Beekeeping

The Path Forward Meeting 2026

Sunday February 8, 2026
10 am - 4:30 pm
UVM Davis Center Frank Livak Room, 417
590 Main St, Burlington, VT 05401

It's been almost a full year since the Women in Beekeeping group formed and we are looking for your help in planning what is next!

Join VBA, VT Bee Lab and our moderator Patty Houston for a day of strategic planning, group discussions and breakout sessions as we discuss the work of the group to date and make plans for the road ahead.

Enjoy a catered lunch with fellow women in the community as we work together to plan the future of Vermont Women in Beekeeping.

Sign up to reserve your spot - we can’t wait to hear from you!

 

Upcoming VBA Workshops for

1st year or prospective beekeepers

Tuesday, February 3rd 2026

7-8:30 pm

via Zoom

Winter Workshop

Winter colony inspections, winter feeding and electric fence maintenance

Topics covered include:

• Tip testing and other ways to assess the status of food resources

• When can hives be opened to check on colonies (temp, wind, etc.)

• Winter feeding if necessary

• Electric fence maintenance during winter (Yes, your electric fence should be on now.)

Register on the VBA Calendar

Tuesday, February 10th 2026

7-8:30 pm

via Zoom

New/Prospective Beekeeper Introduction

Whether you are just beginning your beekeeping journey this Spring or have a year or two under your belt but still have questions on equipment and supplies, you won’t want to miss this workshop.

Topics covered include:

• Bees, tools, and equipment for new beekeepers - basic options

• Startup costs, time commitment, and beekeeper ethics

Register on the VBA Calendar