Bees II

In this advanced bees community work course, students review essential concepts and skills from the introductory course on beekeeping. Students review and deepen their basic understanding of bees, apply further knowledge to sustainable colony activities, identify and wear appropriate and protective beekeeping equipment, work with the instructor to obtain and prepare for bees, increase and expand practical experience in working with and feeding bees, lead younger students in the different techniques for seasonal management for all four seasons, discuss and implement the best method for queen rearing in their bee yard, discuss and implement solutions to management problems related to their particular bee yard, obtain products from the hive, study the pathogens and parasites of the honey bee as well as its various pests, and examine the process of pollination. Students will be directed through the academic and field portions of this course by an experienced beekeeper. Older students will work with the instructor to determine the best way to guide younger students through the knowledge and skills gained in this course.