| Everyone is invited to participate in a six week course on beekeeping offered by the West Central Beekeepers Association. Beekeeping experts will conduct classes on various beekeeping management topics.
The course will offer valuable lessons for new or experienced apiarists. While participants will learn the basic facts about honeybees, plant pollination, and the fundamentals of beekeeping, they will also learn about the newest technology in honey harvesting equipment and techniques and the latest on disease management products and techniques.
Teachers, gardeners, both new and experienced beekeepers, students, government employees, and others who are interested in learning new things are encouraged to attend.
Classes begin Monday, January 26, 2009 at the West Fork Community Building in Arnoldsburg. Classes will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. every Monday at the same location until March 2. Class registration cost is $45.00 and is limited to the first 35 participants. The fee will be applied toward class expenses and a cost-sharing cooperative purchase of package bees and/or hives for participants who attend every session of the class.
Cost-sharing has been made possible by a grant from the Little Kanawha Area Foundation. Additional funding is pending from the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. The West Virginia University Extension Agent, Brandy Brabham, who delivers agriculture and natural resource programming in both Calhoun and Roane Counties, has worked closely with the West Central Beekeepers Association to secure funding and instructors for this course.
Brabham, a beekeeper herself says, "This is a real opportunity to expand the number of beekeepers, and honeybees in our area." She added, "Local farmers and gardeners should appreciate the benefits of an increased bee population, as honeybees are one of the best crop pollinators."
For more information, or to sign up for the class, contact WVCA President, Dale Cunningham at 354-6916. The deadline for registration is January 16, 2009. Space is limited to the first 25 participants. For additional information on beekeeping, you may also contact the WVU Extension Service offices in Calhoun and Roane Counties at 354-6332 or 927-0975.
The West Central Beekeepers Association is a non-profit organization with a mission to assist beekeepers, provide opportunities to learn about beekeeping and to promote public awareness of the value of honey bees.
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