New beekeeping classes scheduled for Hope

Arkansans interested in beekeeping will have the opportunity to learn everything they need to know to begin safely and successfully keeping honey bees during a series of weekly classes offered in October and November.

The Complete Beekeeping Short Course will be taught over the course of three weekly meetings at the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope, in Hempstead Hall, located at 2500 Main St., Hope, Arkansas. The meetings will take place from 6 to 9 p.m., Oct. 22, Oct. 29 and Nov. 5. The course will be led by Jon Zawislak, extension apiculturist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

The course will cover a wide range of topics, including bee hives and equipment, honey bee biology and behavior, seasonal colony management and more. In addition to learning how to harvest honey and beeswax, participants will learn about relevant laws and regulations governing bee keeping in Arkansas.

The course is open to everyone, and no prior experience with bees is necessary, Zawislak said.

“Because there is a lot of information to absorb, participants should plan to attend all three class sessions,” he said. “Each week, we’ll build on what we have learned in the previous classes.”

Because the beekeeping industry is always changing, Zawislak said, the course can also be a valuable tool to experienced beekeepers who want to brush up on their knowledge.

The courses are free to attend, although participants must register for each. To register for the Little Rock course, contact the Hempstead County Cooperative Extension Office at 870-777-5771.

To learn about bee keeping in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.edu.