NVBA Beekeeping Education Courses -
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: Bush Hill Presbyterian Church 4916 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310This overview class will allow you to make an informed decision about whether beekeeping is right for you. One of our very experienced beekeepers will cover topics including costs, time required, general location requirements, and the joys and woes.
This is not an introductory beekeeping class! You will need to know much more to successfully keep bees!
Registration is $10.
You will also get advance notice of registration for NVBA Bee's Beginning Beekeeping classes (starting in January), allowing you to sign up before the registration opens to the public.
2026 Beginning Beekeeping Course will open registration at the end of November.
Beginning Beekeeping classes January - February 2026.
NVBA's Beginning Beekeeping course will be offered on line (Zoom). There will be six 1.5 hour classes from 6:30-8pm, a woodenware workshop and visit to an apiary in March/April- weather permitting.
This is an online, instructor led course which will cover beekeeping basics such as Honey Bee biology, beekeeping equipment, basic colony management, pests, apiary location and local laws. You will be prepared to order equipment and bees, get started beekeeping in spring and care for your bees through the first year. There will also be a hands on workshop and apiary session in March/April which will be scheduled as weather permits.
Dates: TBD workshop in March.
Cost: $150
Three books are included in the cost of the class:
Beekeeping Basics - Maryann Frazier - Penn State
Simple Smart Beekeeping - Kirsten Traynor
A Field Guide to Honey Bees and Their maladies - Maryann Frazier -Penn State
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Other Bee Education Courses
Online Bee Courses
Are you interested in learning more about bees and beekeeping, but don’t necessarily want to keep bees? Search the internet for local short courses or try an on-line course. Here are a couple of examples of educational alternatives to taking our course:
- North Carolina State University offers on-line, self-paced classes at various levels of mastery. It is called Beekeeper Education and Engagement System (BEES). There is a suggested donation of $25 per course.
- Pennsylvania State University offers an on-line course called “Penn State Beekeeping 101.” Course is $159. The course is open to beekeepers of all levels of experience. Enrollment gives the student access to the program and materials for a year.