Beekeeping Can Be Good For All Ages

WESTON — Keeping a colony or two of honey bees in a backyard can supply a beekeeper with plenty of honey for family and friends, as well as increase a garden’s productivity by ensuring adequate pollination.

Perhaps just as important, though — as any beekeeper will agree — is that spending time with these gentle creatures can be a deeply gratifying experience. Beekeeping is a stimulating, hands-on hobby that engages both the mind and the body, of all ages. There is no better way to introduce children to nature’s wonders than the gentle honey bee.

With all of this in mind, the public is invited to join members of more than 230 strong Back Yard Beekeepers Association in a course designed to provide the complete novice with all the information needed to get started keeping bees this spring.

A brief historical background and some basic biology and hive sociology will be covered, followed by an introduction to the parts of the hive, tools and materials commonly encountered, discussions on finding the best location for a hive, how to conduct a hive inspection, when and how to manipulate the hive, and much more.

Each class will include lectures and demonstrations, and there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

Classes will meet on Mondays, March 7, 14, 21, and 28, at Weston Public Library. The classes will run from 7 to 9 pm.

Course fees are $70 total — $50 for handouts and membership in Back Yard Beekeepers Association, plus $20 to cover the textbook.

Contact David Blocher at 203-449-8147 or send email to DBlocher@optonline.net for additional information.