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