In-Person Mentoring Apiary

Join instructors from the Bee Squad in our teaching apiary on the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus for in-person workshops that will take you from spring to fall. Each workshop will focus on a seasonal management skill, with time for participants to try inspection techniques and ask questions about their own colonies. Participants should wear their own protective equipment (bee veil, jacket, or suit) and come into the apiary with a basic understanding of honey bee biology and hive structure. If you have recently taken the Beekeeping in Northern Climates course, this is a great opportunity to receive guidance through your first beekeeping season or to try hive management before purchasing your own bees!

Gloveless beekeeping: One of the core tenets of the Bee Squad’s beekeeping philosophy is to enter colonies without wearing gloves. This allows the beekeeper to have the dexterity and sensory feedback to handle frames and bee boxes in a way that minimizes harm and disruption to the bees. For the safety of all students and instructors, we require that all participants do not wear gloves in our teaching apiaries. We believe that the ability to manage a hive of honey bees calmly and confidently under a wide range of conditions is one of the most important skills gained from our program. However, we cannot guarantee that participants will not be stung during our classes. If you experience adverse reactions to bee stings, please consult with your doctor before attending a workshop. Feel free to contact us ([email protected]) with questions prior to registration or attending class!

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