Beekeeping Courses in NC

NOTICE to NCSBA County Chapters:  To have your beekeeping course listed here, send complete information to the .  If you plan to offer the Certified Beekeeper written test following the course, you must follow these instructions at least 4 weeks in advance.

Scheduled Courses (chronological order)

Henderson County (Fletcher) In Progress

Title:	Beekeeping Course
Begins:	January 11, 2010 (for 6 weeks)
When:	Mondays 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Where:	Mountain Horticultural Research and Extension Center, 455 Research Drive, Fletcher, NC (map)
Cost:	$25 includes Membership dues for 2010 and course literature
Sponsor:	NC Cooperative Extension and the Henderson County Beekeepers Association
Additional Information:	At completion of the Short Course you should be able to set up and maintain your own colony of honeybees. Pre registration is recommended, because of limited space,
Contact:	Call Ivy at 828-697-4891

Alamance County (Burlington) In Progress

Title:	Beginners Beekeeping Course
Begins:	January 12, 2010 (for 10 weeks)
When:	Tuesdays 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Where:	All classroom sessions will be held in the cafeteria at Hillcrest Elementary School, 1714 W. Davis Street, Burlington
Cost:	$27 (includes $5 building use fee plus $22 for handbook)
Sponsor:	Alamance County Beekeepers
Additional Information:	Preregistration required. 4-hour Field Day, Saturday, March 20, (Rain date March 27). The Alamance County Farm Bureau will sponsor a Cost-Share program where 15 people are awarded two hives with bees. Applications for this program available at first class. More details.
Contact:	To register, please send your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address along with your payment to: Don Moore, 3634 Stoney Creek Church Road, Elon, NC 27244. Make check payable to Don Moore.

Hoke County (Raeford) In Progress

Title:	Beekeeping Course
Begins:	January 12, 2010 (for 11 weeks)
When:	Tuesdays 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where:	Hoke County Cooperative Extension Service 116 West Prospect Ave. Raeford, NC (directions)
Cost:	$35 per person (Includes textbooks, handouts)
Sponsor:	Hoke Cooperative Extension and Hoke Co. Beekeepers
Additional Information:	Certification level exam given. Free hive drawing for qualified participants.
Contact:	Gloria Lengel (910) 261-1160

Caswell County (Yanceyville) In Progress

Title:	Beginners Beekeeping Course
Begins:	January 13,  2010 (for 11 weeks)
When:	Wednesdays 7:00-9:00 PM
Where:	Basement of the Farm Service Agency beside the Historic Court House on the square in downtown Yanceyville.
Cost:	$35 for tuition ($45 a couple), covers reference book and CCBA membership
Sponsor:	Caswell County Beekeepers Association
Additional Information:	The objective is to create an interest in beekeeping and to provide information needed for a person to become established as a hobbyist beekeeper. No prior experience is required. Course to be followed by a 4 hr field day to gain a little hands-on experience in working with the bees. Date and time to be announced.
Contact:	Sign up by calling Robert Neal, 336-694-1872

Orange County (Hillsborough) In Progress

Title:	Beginning Beekeeping Class
Begins:	January 14, 2010 (for 9 weeks)
When:	Thursdays 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Where:	Central Orange Senior Center in Hillsborough next to the Sportsplex
Cost:	$15.00, includes a small textbook, "First Lessons in Beekeeping" by Keith Delaplane
Sponsor:	Orange County Beekeepers Association and the Orange County Department on Aging
Additional Information:	The course will cover the basics that will help new backyard beekeepers enjoy and care for their bees,.taught by experts in the field of beekeeping. A field day will be conducted for hands-on experience after the conclusion of the course. Class size is limited.
Contact:	To register, please Lewis Cauble.

Randolph County (Asheboro) In Progress

Title:	Beginner Beekeeping Course
Begins:	January 14, 2010 (for 5 sessions)
When:	Thursdays 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where:	Cooperative Extension building, 112 West Walker Ave., Asheboro
Cost:	$20 (includes a textbook)
Sponsor:	Randolph County Beekeepers and Randolph County Cooperative Extension Service
Additional Information:	Anyone interested in learning the basics of beekeeping is welcome. Beekeeping is a vital part of agricultural production and maintaining our food supply. Information will be provided on how you can contribute to the process and become a hobbyist beekeeper.
Contact:	Wallace Swaim 336-302-2708 or George Byrum 336-629-9502

Mecklenburg County (Charlotte) In Progress

Title:	Bee School
Begins:	January 26,  2010 (for 8 weeks)
When:	Tuesdays 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Where:	Marion Diehl Park and Rec Center, 2219 Tyvola Rd, Charlotte
Cost:	$30, includes class materials and membership in Mecklenburg Co. Beekeepers Association
Sponsor:	Mecklenburg County Beekeepers Association
Additional Information:	Preregistration is required. A field day will follow completion of classes.
Contact:	Questions?

Guilford County (Greensboro) In Progress

Title:	Beginner Beekeeping Course
Begins:	January 28, 2010 (for 6 weeks)
When:	Thursdays 7:00-9:00 PM
Where:	Guilford County Agriculture Center (directions) 3309 Burlington Rd, Greensboro, NC 27405
Cost:	$25.00 for individuals or $30.00 per family. Includes: book, handouts and membership dues for Guilford Beekeepers for 2010
Sponsor:	Guilford County Beekeepers Association and NC State University Extension Service
Additional Information:	Certified level beekeeping written test (optional) will be administered to class members on the last evening of the course. See flyer.
Contact:	(336) 454-2331 in High Point or (336) 674-2996 in Greensboro

McDowell County (Marion)

Title:	Bee School (dates changed due to weather)
Begins:	February 13, 2010  (for 3 weeks)
When:	Saturdays 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (1 hr break for lunch)
Where:	McDowell Technical Community College
Cost:	Free
Sponsor:	McDowell Honeybees Chapter, NC Cooperative Extension McDowell Center, McDowell Technical Community College, and McDowell Farm Bureau
Additional Information:	Detailed class schedule and registration form are available online.
Contact:	To Register; call Jane McDaniel NC Cooperative Extension 828-652-8104

Buncombe County (Asheville) In Progress

Title:	WNC Intermediate Bee School
Begins:	January 30, 2010 (for 3 sessions)
When:	Saturdays (9:00 AM) & Sundays (12:30 PM)
Where:	Kittredge Theater and the Jensen Building, Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa, NC (map)
Cost:	$35 (BYO notepad and snacks)
Sponsor:	Buncombe County Beekeepers
Additional Information:	Intermediate level, no beginners, please. More details. Limit 300. Register online.
Contact:	Buncombe County Beekeepers email form

Cape Fear Regional (Wilmington) In Progress

Title:	Beekeeping School
Begins:	February 2, 2010 (for 8 weeks)
When:	Tuesdays 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Where:	Poplar Grove Plantation, Wilmington, NC
Cost:	$55.00 Includes textbook, handoutls, refreshments, and one year membership in the Cape Fear Regional Beekeepers Association. Family discounts are available.
Sponsor:	Honey Bee Education and Research, Inc. and Cape Fear Regional Beekeepers Association
Additional Information:	Instructor is Barry E. Harris, NC Master Beekeeper. Includes at least one practical day in the beeyard. IMPORTANT: Pre-registration is required! Class size is limited!
Contact:	Barry E. Harris at (910) 352-7868 or

Stanly County (Albemarle) In Progress

Title:	Beekeeping Short Course
Begins:	February 2,  2010 (for 5 weeks)
When:	Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00 PM
Where:	Stanly County Ag. Center just west of Albemarle city limits on Hwy 24/27W
Cost:	A small cost will be charged for materials.
Sponsor:	Stanly County Beekeeping Association
Additional Information:
Contact:	Joe Smith 704-463-7039 or 704-438-6779 or

Johnston County (Clayton) In Progress

Title:	Advanced Beekeeping Workshop (flyer)
Begins:	February 4, 2010 (for 4 weeks)
When:	Thursdays 6:00-9:00 PM
Where:	Workforce Development Center 135 Bestwood Drive, Clayton, NC 27520
Cost:	$35.00
Sponsor:	Johnston County Cooperative Extension Service
Additional Information:	Anyone who has taken a beginning beekeeping class and wants to learn more is welcome to attend. More information.
Contact:	Amie Newsome at 919-989-5380 or

Cumberland County (Fayetteville)

Title:	Beginning Beekeeping Course
Begins:	February 15, 2010 (for 6 weeks)
When:	Mondays, 6:00 PM - ?
Where:	Cooperative Extension Center located in the Charlie Rose Agri-Expo Center in Fayetteville
Cost:	Free for 6-wks classroom instruction
Sponsor:	Cumberland County Cooperative Extension Service
Additional Information:	Following the six weeks of classroom instruction, there will be a four-week hands-on instruction limited to the first ten paid registrants and will cost $115 per student.
Contact:	For more information and registration, call Kenny Bailey at 910-321-6871

Carteret County (Morehead City)

Title:	Beginning Beekeeping Class
Begins:	February 19, 2010 (for 2 sessions)
When:	Fridays, 1:30-4:30PM Feb. 19 and Mar. 19
Where:	Core Sound Museum and Heritage Center Harkers Island, NC
Cost:	Free, textbook purchase optional
Sponsor:	Carteret County Cooperative Extension and Crystal Coast Beekeepers
Additional Information:	After the initial class, it is anticipated that the class group and any other interested beekeepers will meet regularly in this location to discuss seasonal beekeeping issues. The class and these subsequent meetings will be designed to help prepare the participants to take the Certified Beekeepers Exam, if participants are interested, by Fall 2010.
Contact:	Register by calling Cindy Day, NC Cooperative Extension Service, Carteret County, 252-222-6359

Watauga County (Boone)

Title:	Beginner Beekeeping Class
Begins:	February 20,  2010  (for 1 day)
When:	Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where:	IG Greer Auditorium, Appalachian State University Campus
Cost:	$15
Sponsor:	ASU Sustainable Development Department Watauga County Beekeepers Association
Additional Information:	Pre-registration suggested. Please call Watauga County Extension Agency at 828-264-3061 to reserve a spot. Snow date is February 27.
Contact:	Any questions, please contact Amy Johnston at 828-297-2676.

Davie County (Mocksville)

Title:	Beginning Beekeeping Short Course
Begins:	February 24 ,  2010 (for 5 weeks)
When:	Wednesdays, 7:00-9:00 PM
Where:	114 Doctor Slate Drive Mocksville, NC 27028
Cost:	$20 for Davie Beekeepers Association members, $25 for non-members. (Can join during 1st class to get the discount)
Sponsor:	Davie County Beekeepers Association
Additional Information:	Day in the Apiary to follow, April 3. There will be two drawings for a new hive to be given to two new beekeepers who attend all five classes and the apiary day. Taught by EAS Master Beekeeper Gregory Fariss.
Contact:	Susan Fariss 336-998-2975 or or sign up online at www.daviebeekeepers.org

Edgecombe, Halifax, Nash, Pitt, Wilson (Tarboro)

Title:	Beekeeping Short Course
Begins:	March 2, 2010 (for 5 weeks)
When:	Tuesdays 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Where:	Edgecombe County Administrative Building Food and Consumer Science Lab , 201 St. Andrews Street, Tarboro (enter at rear corner of building) (map)
Cost:	Free
Sponsor:	Edgecombe County Cooperative Extension & Coastal Plains Beekeepers
Additional Information:	Certified and Journeyman Level
Contact:	Extension Agent Bob Filbrun 252-641-7815, 252-883-5715 or bob_filbrun@ncsu.edu

Swain County (Bryson City)

Title:	Beginning Beekeeping Course
Begins:	March 6, 2010 (for 1 day)
When:	Saturday @ 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Where:	Swain County Extension Office, 5.5 miles west of Bryson City on U.S. 74 to the old Almond School. (map)
Cost:	$20, which covers the cost of lunch and reference materials
Sponsor:	Smoky Mountain Beekeepers
Additional Information:	Robert Brewer, Towns County, Ga, Extension Coordinator, will be the guest speaker. Door prizes to given away.
Contact:	Secretary Lynn Jones by

Wake County (Raleigh)

Title:	Beginning Beekeepers Workshop
Begins:	March 20, 2010 (for 1 day)
When:	Saturday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Where:	Commons Bldg., Cooperative Extension Center, Wake Office Park, Carya Drive, Raleigh
Cost:	$30 includes book, handouts, and hotdog lunch
Sponsor:	Wake County Beekeepers Association
Additional Information:	Beginners are encouraged to attend one half hour prior to regular Wake County Beekeepers meeting January, February and March. Date for Working in the Hive TBA. Door Prizes (10 New Hives & Bees) for lucky winners
Contact:	Mitchell Wrenn: or phone 919-306-2735

Moore County (Aberdeen)

Title:	Beginner's Beekeeping Workshop
Begins:	March 20,  2010 (for 2 weeks)
When:	Saturdays, 8:00AM - 3:00PM
Where:	Roseland UMC, 181 Rose Ridge Rd, Aberdeen, NC (Roseland)
Cost:	$20, includes a textbook
Sponsor:	Moore County Beekeepers Association
Additional Information:	Registration no later than March 6. Each morning classroom session will be followed by afternoon hands-on-instruction in a local apiary.
Contact:	For info or to register call or Hugh Madison, 910-281-4401 or 910-639-3565

Concluded Courses

Johnston County (Smithfield)Concluded

Title:	Beekeeping Short Course (flyer)
Begins:	November 3, 2009 (for 6 classes)
When:	Tue., Wed., Thur. (Nov. 3,4,5,17,18,19 ) 6:00-9:00 PM
Where:	Johnston County Agricultural Center 2736 NC Highway 210, Smithfield, NC 27577
Cost:	$40.00
Sponsor:	Johnston, Sampson and Onslow County Cooperative Extension Services
Additional Information:	This course is being offered to anyone interested in gaining more knowledge about honey bees. The Certified Beekeeping Exam will be given on November 21, 2009. More info...
Contact:	Amie Newsome at 919-989-5380 or

Sampson County (Clinton)Concluded

Title:	Beekeeping Short Course
Begins:	November 3, 2009 (for 6 classes)
When:	Tue., Wed., Thur. (Nov. 3,4,5,17,18,19 ) 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where:	Sampson County Cooperative Extension Center 55 Agriculture Place, Clinton, NC 28328
Cost:	$40.00
Sponsor:	Sampson, Johnston, and Onslow County Cooperative Extension Services
Additional Information:	This course is being offered to anyone interested in gaining more knowledge about honey bees. The Certified Beekeeping Exam will be given on November 21, 2009. More info...
Contact:	Della King at (910) 592-7161 or

Anson County (Wadesboro) Concluded

Title:	Bee School
Begins:	December 3, 2009 (8 wks)
When:	Thursdays 6-8 pm (except Dec. 24 & 31)
Where:	Anson Cooperative Extension Service, 501 McLaurin St., Wadesboro, NC 28170
Cost:	$35
Sponsor:	Anson Cooperative Extension and Anson County Beekeepers Association
Additional Information:	Space limited, register early. Certified level beekeeper exam given last day of class. Door prizes.
Contact:	Anson Cooperative Extension, Aimee Marshall, phone 704-694-2415

Courses Offered Last Year but not yet scheduled this year

Chatham County (Pittsboro) Concluded

Title:	Beekeeping School
Begins:	January 5, 2009 (for 9 weeks except Jan. 19)
When:	Mondays 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where:	Chatham County Cooperative Extension, 45 South Street, Pittsboro, NC in basement auditorium (map links)
Cost:	$35 (resource notebook included)
Sponsor:	Chatham County Beekeepers Association
Additional Information:
Contact:

Person County (Roxboro) Concluded

Title:	Beekeeping Course
Begins:	January 20,  2009 (for 9 weeks)
When:	Tuesdays 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Where:	Person County Center, 304 S. Morgan Street, Roxboro, NC 27573 (map)
Cost:	$25 (includes notebook)
Sponsor:	Person County Beekeepers and Cooperative Extension Service
Additional Information:	Register through the Cooperative Extension Office
Contact:

Cabarrus County (Concord) Concluded

Title:	Beekeeping Series
Begins:	January 20,  2009 (for 9 weeks)
When:	Tuesdays 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Where:	Cabarrus County Center, 715 Cabarrus Avenue-West, Concord, NC
Cost:	$23
Sponsor:	Cabarrus County Beekeepers and Cooperative Extension Service
Additional Information:
Contact:

Rowan County (Salisbury) Concluded

Title:	Beginning/Intermediate Beekeeping Course
Begins:	January 22, 2009 ( for 9 weeks)
When:	Thursdays, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Where:	NC Cooperative Extension, Rowan County Center, 2727-A Old Concord Road, Salisbury, NC 28146 (map)
Cost:	$20
Sponsor:	Rowan County Beekeepers Association and the NC Cooperative Extension, Rowan County Center
Additional Information:	A field day will follow the classes.
Contact:

Forsyth County (Winston-Salem) Concluded

Title:	Bee School 2009
Begins:	February 21, 2009  (for 8 weeks)
When:	Saturdays 9:00-11:30 AM (skips Mar. 7 & 21)
Where:	Forsyth County Agricultural Building, 1450 Fairchild Road, Winston-Salem (map)
Cost:	$40 includes registration and textbook
Sponsor:	Forsyth County Beekeepers Association and Forsyth Cooperative Extension Service
Additional Information:	Written and practical certification exam on April 11. Free hive given to some lucky qualifying beginners.
Contact:

Wilkes County (Wilkesboro) Concluded

Title:	Beginning Beekeepers Course
Begins:	March 14, 2009 ( for 4 weeks)
When:	Saturdays 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:	Farm Bureau Building (basement) on Hwy 268 E of N. Wilkesboro (map)
Cost:	$20 Course book, snacks and 1 year membership in Beekeepers of Wilkes Count included
Sponsor:	Beekeepers of Wilkes County and the NC Ag Extensoin Service
Additional Information:	A day in the beeyard will be held on April 18th, additional information will be provided at the course about this day.
Contact:

Richmond County (Rockingham) Concluded

Title:	Introduction to Beekeeping
Begins:	April 4, 2009 (for 1 day)
When:	Saturday 9:00 am - 12:00 noon + lunch + inspection
Where:	Richmond County Cooperative Extension office on Caroline St. in Rockingham
Cost:	$2, which covers the cost of lunch
Sponsor:	Richmond County Beekeeper Associatiion
Additional Information:	Field inspection of a working hive after lunch.
Contact: