Bring back the bees. Get honey.

Published 12:36 pm Thursday, July 29, 2010

Do you dream of tending your own honey bee hives?

Well, here’s your chance to learn about the not-so-secret life of bees at a surprisingly cheap rate.

The Washington State University Snohomish County Extension of Everett and Beez Neez Apiary Supply of Snohomish are teaming up again to sponsor apprentice level courses in the Washington State Beekeepers Association’s Master Beekeeper Program.

There are still openings in all three courses, held Mondays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Nov. 1 to 29, Jan. 24 to Feb. 28 (no class Feb. 21) and March 7 to April 4 at extension offices, 600 128th St SE, Everett.

Course fees are $65 and include an introduction to beekeeping for novice beekeepers and a workshop manual to complement the lectures.

Participants who complete one of the five-week courses and pass the Washington State apprentice-level beekeeper exam, an open book test, will receive certificates toward the journey and master beekeeper levels.

Course instructors are local beekeeping professionals, Dave Pehling, a WSU Snohomish County Extension entomologist, and Jim Tunnell, owner of Beez Neez.

Topics include bee biology, equipment, seasonal management requirements in the Northwest, identification and management of pests, as well as honey removal and processing.

Class sizes are limited, so it is best to reserve a space early.

To register, click here or here to download a registration form and mail it in with a check to Washington State University Extension, 600 128th St. SE, Everett, WA 98208; or call Karie Christensen at 425-338-2400 or e-mail klchristen@cahnrs.wsu.edu.