Beekeeping Courses of Local Chapters

NOTICE to NCSBA County Chapters:  To have your beekeeping course listed here, send complete information to the Webmaster. 

Scheduled Courses

Alamance County (Burlington)

Title:	Beginning Beekeeping Course
Begins:	January 15 - March 19, 2013 (for 10 weeks)
When:	Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8:30 PM (first class starts at 6:00)
Where:	Agricultural Extension Office 209-C N. Graham-Hopedale Road, Burlington, NC 27217
Cost:	$58 (includes membership in ACB & NCSBA, building usage fee, and supplies) Additional family members are $48.
Sponsor:	Alamance County Beekeepers
Additional Information:	This is a 24-hour course of instruction, 20 hours in the classroom and 4 hours in the field. We will have a Field Day on Sat., March 16. During the Field Day, we will spend 4 hours in a bee yard to gain hands-on experience in working with the bees. Even though you registered in advance, please come a little early, 6:00pm, on the first night, Tues., Jan. 15, so that we will have time to issue nametags & handbooks and still be ready to start our class at 6:30.
Contact:	Class is limited to 50 participants. Alamance County residents will be given priority. Register online. To insure that you have a seat in the class and a handbook on the first evening of the class, we are asking that all students register no later than January 1, 2013.

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Ashe County (Jefferson)

Title:	Winter 2013 Short Course
Begins:	February 23, 2013 (for 1 day)
When:	Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where:	Family Central 626 Ashe Central Rd., Jefferson, NC 28640
Cost:	$45, with various texts available for purchase. Lunch provided.
Sponsor:	Ashe County Beekeepers Association
Additional Information:	The segments in this one-day class, taught by members of the Ashe County Beekeepers Association, will cover everything potential beekeepers need to know to get started and learn about the fascinating and environmentally vital world of beekeeping. There will also be a question and answer session at the conclusion of the course. You may register at the door (8-9:00am) or pre-register thru the Ashe County Cooperative Extension (336-846-5850).
Contact:	Harry Galer (336-982-4220) or Shelley Felder (336-846-2337)

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Beekeepers of the Albemarle (Elizabeth City)

Title:	Beginning Beekeepers Short Course
Begins:	February 16, 2013 (for 1 day)
When:	Saturday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where:	North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service Center 1209 McPherson St., Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Cost:	FREE to members of Beekeepers of the Albemarle. Non-members are $10.
Sponsor:	Beekeepers of the Albemarle
Additional Information:	Bring pen and paper to take notes. Suggested Reading : First Lessons in Beekeeping by Keith S. Delaplane or MAAREC’s "Beekeeping 101"
Contact:	Please RSVP to Beekeepers of the Albemarle or call Amy Bundy, Secretary at (252) 562-4957.

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Buncombe County/Center for Honeybee Research (Asheville)

Title:	WNC Spring Bee School
Begins:	March 23-24, 2013 (for 2 days)
When:	Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM & Sunday, 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Where:	Folk Art Center Mile Post 382 - Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, NC
Cost:	$45 per person, includes annual BCBC membership. Experienced beekeepers interested in a "refresher" course are welcome - at a discounted rate of $35 per person if they are dues paid members of a Local Association.
Sponsor:	Buncombe County Beekeepers Chapter and Center for Honeybee Research
Additional Information:	This spring's School is open to beginning beekeepers and all others with an interest in bees. The School will cover basic beekeeping with an emphasis on preparing first time beekeepers for the how-tos and challenges of this rewarding activity. Covered will be instruction on bee biology, required equipment, choosing and setting up your bee hives, acquiring and installing bees, managing bees through the seasons, bee products, localbee supply dealers, and more, with displays and demonstrations available.
Contact:	Center for Honeybee Research Bee School Registration

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Cabarrus County (Concord)

Title:	Beekeeping Series for Beginners to Intermediate
Begins:	January 22 - March 19, 2013 (for 9 weeks)
When:	Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Where:	NC Cooperative Extension - Cabarrus County Center 715 Cabarrus Avenue West, Concord, NC, 28027
Cost:	$43 (for series of 9 classes)
Sponsor:	Cabarrus County Beekeepers Association & NC Cooperative Extension - Cabarrus County
Additional Information:	Certified beekeepers will share the history, background, bee anatomy, equipment and products involved with beekeeping. Participants will learn how to get started in becoming beekeepers, manage hives safely and to actually "think like a bee." In addition, participants will learn how to retrieve and process honey from hives. Spaces are limited. Payment must be confirmed for registration to be complete.
Contact:	NC Cooperative Extension Online (Beekeeping 101 Class #5103) or call Cabarrus Co. Cooperative Extension at 704-920-3315.

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Caldwell County (Lenoir)

Title:	First Lessons in Beekeeping by Keith S. Delaplane
Begins:	March 23 & 30, 2013 (2 sessions)
When:	Sarurday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Where:	Lenoir Public Library 120 Hospital Avenue Northeast, Lenoir, NC  28645
Cost:	$45 (includes course materials, textbook and a one-year membership to both Caldwell County Beekeepers & NCSBA)
Sponsor:	Caldwell County Beekeepers Association
Additional Information:	This course is designed for beginners and is a great refresher for current Beekeepers to enhance their general beekeeping skills. Our knowledgeable instructors will cover the history of beekeeping and getting started to seasonal management and the treatment of pests and diseases. The option to take the written and practical certification exams will be available after the last scheduled class and field day meeting on March 30. Bees and hive equipment will be given as door prizes for lucky ones attending all classes.
Contact:	Pre-registration is not required but is recommended, as space is limited. To reserve a spot in this class, contact Milton Foster at phone # 828 754 0799 or email your name, email address and telephone number to gmfoster99@yahoo.com

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Caswell County (Blanch)

Title:	Beginning Beekeeping Course
Begins:	January 8, 2013 (for 9 weeks)
When:	Tuesdays 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Where:	Central Caswell Ruritan 820 County Home Road, Blanch, NC
Cost:	$40
Sponsor:	Caswell County Beekeepers Association
Additional Information:	The course is for new beekeepers and those who wish a 'refresher course' in beekeeping basics. However, experienced hands and those just wanting to experience the joy of beekeeping are welcome to sign up. Course literature included. Those completing the course may take the exam to obtain their Certified Beekeeper Certificate, the first level required to become a Master Beekeeper. Hands on field day included.
Contact:	Register online at www.caswellcountybeekeepers.org

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Chatham County (Pittsboro)

Title:	Queen Rearing Workshop for Beekeepers
Begins:	March 11 2013  (for 1 day)
When:	Monday, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where:	NC Cooperative Extension Service, Chatham County Center 65 East Chatham St., Pittsboro, NC 27312
Cost:	$15 and includes handouts. Pre-registration is required.
Sponsor:	Chatham County Beekeepers Association
Additional Information:	The workshop will be taught by NCSU Apiculture Technician Jennifer Keller. There are many benefits to raising your own queens: you will always have one on hand when you need it, you can save money, and you can pick whatever characteristics are important to you and breed to that. This workshop is for beekeepers who have some experience; we will not be covering the basics of honey bee biology. Agenda will include: What is queen rearing? Why make your own instead of buying? Advantages and disadvantages of rearing your own queens. Things to consider before beginning: number of hives needed to be successful, materials needed, planning, etc. Cell builders: identifying a strong colony; how to set up swarm box.  Grafting.  Mating nucs. Grafting demonstration and hands-on grafting practice. (We will also be offering an all-day follow-up workshop on Sat, June 1 for folks who understand the basic principles of queen rearing and want an intensive hands-on experience. Details on the June workshop to be released in March.)
Contact:	The deadline for registration is March 7. Space is limited so register early!  Download registration at Growing Small Farms or call (919) 542-8202 or email Debbie Roos

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Craven/Pamlico County (New Bern)

Title:	Beginning Beekeeping Course
Begins:	September 7, 14, 21, 2013 (for 3 weeks)
When:	Saturdays, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (3rd Sat. is 8:00-Noon)
Where:	Craven County Cooperative Ext. - Agriculture Center 300 Industrial Dr., New Bern, NC, 28562
Cost:	$25 (includes Manual & Lunches for 2 days)
Sponsor:	Craven/Pamlico Beekeepers Association
Additional Information:	For an additional $30, participants will receive a 1-year membership in both the NCSBA and the CPBA (state & local associations), and are eligible to take the end-of-course test to become NCSBA Certified Beekeepers, which is the first certification in the Master Beekeeping Program.
Contact:	Penny, 252-633-1477 or visit: Craven/Pamlico Beekeepers

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Crystal Coast (Beaufort)

Title:	Introductory Beekeeping School
Begins:	January 19, 2013 (for 3 weeks)
When:	Saturdays, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:	Carteret County Public Library 1702 Live Oak Street, Suite 100, Beaufort, NC 28516
Cost:	FREE.  However, those wishing to take the certified test must be members of the NCSBA & CCBA (total annual dues: $25)
Sponsor:	Crystal Coast Beekeepers, Carteret Local Food Network, Carteret County Public Library System
Additional Information:	This course is recommended for beginners & intermediate beekeepers alike. Once the formal classes are completed, we will have a field day in the beeyard on a day when weather permits. We will also get together to place a group order for supplies & bees. If you’re a beginner, this is a good chance to learn the basics of beekeeping, while current beekeepers will be offered the latest enhancements to grow their general beekeeping skills. All pertinent aspects of honey bees & beekeeping will be covered. The option to take the written & practical certification exams will be available after the last scheduled class.
Contact:	Advance registration by contacting tdouglass@ec.rr.com is advised. You will receive a confirming email that will include a syllabus of the course.

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Davie County (Mocksville)

Title:	Beekeeping Short Course 2013
Begins:	January 28 - February 9, 2013 (for 5 weeks plus Apiary Day)
When:	Saturdays, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:	Davie County Public Library 371 North Main St, Mocksville, NC 27028
Cost:	$20 member, $25 non-members
Sponsor:	Davie County Beekeepers Assocation
Additional Information:	Certification exam offered. Drawing for 2 hives on apiary day for those that attend all sessions
Contact:	Register online at www.daviebeekeepers.org

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Guilford County (Greensboro)

Title:	Beginning Beekeeping Course 2013
Begins:	January 17, 2013 (for 7 weeks)
When:	Thursdays, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Where:	Guilford County Agricultural Center 3309 Burlington Road, Greensboro, NC
Cost:	$25.00 for an individual, $35.00 for a family
Sponsor:	Guilford County Beekeepers Association
Additional Information:	The plan is for 5 teaching sessions, administration of the written portion of the NCSBA certified beekeepers examination to class members who have joined the NCSBA and desire to take the test. The 7th week is reserved for bad weather rescheduling and may be used for a bonus Q&A session. Tuition includes 1 beginner book, handouts, and 2013 membership in the Guilford Beekeepers Association.
Contact:	Robert Jacobs, 336-740-1703 or robertjjacobs@aol.com with questions, or obtain a registration form and registration information at Guilford County Beekeepers Association.

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Hoke County (Raeford)

Title:	Beginning Beekeeper Course
Begins:	February 5 - April 9, 2013 (9 sessions)
When:	Tuesdays 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Where:	Hoke County Cooperative Extension Service 116 W Prospect Ave # 1, Raeford, NC
Cost:	$55, includes all class materials, books, and notebooks.
Sponsor:	Hoke County Beekeepers
Additional Information:	Classroom instruction, equipment construction, hands on in the hive experiences included.
Contact:	Gloria Thomas Lengel (910)261-1160 or gtlengel@gmail.com

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Iredell County (Statesville)

Title:	First Lessons in Beekeeping by Keith S. Delaplane
Begins:	January 12 & 19, 2013 ( 2 sessions)
When:	Saturdays 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Where:	Iredell Agriculture Building 444 Bristol Rd. Statesville, NC
Cost:	$50 per person (includes course materials, textbook & a 1-year membership to Iredell County Beekeepers & NCSBA)
Sponsor:	Iredell County Beekeepers
Additional Information:	This course is designed for beginners and is a great refresher for current Beekeepers to enhance their general beekeeping skills. Our knowledgeable instructors will cover the history of beekeeping and getting started to seasonal management and the treatment of pests and diseases. The option to take the written and practical certification exams will be available after the last scheduled class and field day meeting. Bees and hive equipment will be given as door prizes for lucky ones attending all classes. Pre-registration is not required but is recommended, as space is limited.
Contact:	John Redmond (704) 876-1244 or email your name, email address & telephone # to redmond8205@roadrunner.com

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McDowell County (Marion)

Title:	The Buzz on Beekeeping
Begins:	February 2, 2013  (for 3 weeks)
When:	Saturdays, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Where:	McDowell Technical Community College 54 College Drive, Marion, NC 28752
Cost:	FREE
Sponsor:	Farm Bureau
Additional Information:	The Classes are for the beginning and inexperience beekeepers. Limited seating. Register early. Certification exam offered.
Contact:	McDowell Extension Office 828-652-7874  Greg Anderson or Ed Speer 828-724-4444

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Mecklenburg County (Charlotte)

Title:	Beekeeping School
Begins:	January 22  (for 9 weeks)
When:	Tuesdays, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where:	Providence United Methodist Church 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC  28211
Cost:	$70 (includes county and state dues, textbook & many extras)
Sponsor:	Mecklenburg County Beekeepers
Additional Information:	Introduction to honeybees, beekeeping and honey production.
Contact:	Online Registration or (704) 358-8075 Pre-registration is required.

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New Hanover County (Wilmington)

Title:	Beginning Beekeeper Course
Begins:	January 9, 2013 (for 5 weeks)
When:	Wednesdays 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where:	The Arboretum 6206 Oleander Dr., Wilmington, NC 28403
Cost:	$55.00 (includes 1 year membership into North Carolina State Beekeepers Assoc. & New Hanover County Beekeepers Assoc.)
Sponsor:	New Hanover County Beekeepers Association
Additional Information:	Certified beekeepers will share their knowledge of the history, background, bee anatomy, equipment and products involved with beekeeping. Classroom instruction, equipment construction, hands on in the hive experiences included. Payment must be confirmed for registration to be complete. Suggested book: "Beekeeping for Dummies". Students will obtain their own book.
Contact:	Deborah Flora, 910-762-9073 or honeybee@coastalnet.com

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Orange County (Hillsborough)

Title:	Bee School
Begins:	January 8, 2013 (for 10 weeks)
When:	Tuesdays 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where:	Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Hillsborough 1710 Old NC 10, Hillsborough, NC 27278
Cost:	$65.00 (includes reference materials, text book, and OCBA membership)
Sponsor:	Orange County Beekeepers Association
Additional Information:	More information and preregistration available at: Orange County Beekeepers Assoc. Bee School
Contact:	Todd Walker - mtwalker@imageray.net

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Person County (Roxboro)

Title:	Beginning Beekeeper Class
Begins:	January 17, 2013 (for 10 weeks + field day)
When:	Thursdays 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where:	Person County Cooperative Extension 304 South Morgan St, Room 165, Roxboro NC 27573
Cost:	$40 per person (includes one year membership to PCBA and the 1st Lessons in Beekeeping book)
Sponsor:	Person County Beekeepers Assocation
Additional Information:	This course designed for beginners is also a great refresher for current beekeepers to enhance their general beekeeping skills. Our knowledgeable instructors will cover the history of beekeeping and getting started to seasonal management and the treatment of pests and diseases. This course has it all! The option to take the written certification exam will be available during the last scheduled class and field day meetings. Class size is limited. Pre-registration is not required but is recommended, as space is limited.
Contact:	To reserve a spot in class, contact the extension office at 336-599-1195 or send your name, address, telephone number and email to debbie_harrelson@ncsu.edu

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Richmond County (Rockingham)

Title:	Beginner Beekeeping Workshop
Begins:	April 6, 2013 (1 day)
When:	Saturday, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where:	Richmond County Agriculture 123 Caroline Street, Rockingham, NC
Cost:	$2 (covers hot dog lunch)
Sponsor:	Richmond County Beekeepers Association
Additional Information:	Weather permitting, Live bees and hive manipulation will be on site. This workshop will include information concerning woodenware, honeybees, pollination, honey extracting, diseases/pest, equipment and much more. We’ll also include information on our upcoming field day.
Contact:	David Auman 910-652-6245 or Marvin Powell 910-652-4363

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Rockingham County (Wentworth)

Title:	Beekeeping Course
Begins:	February 9, 2013 (for 3 weeks)
When:	Saturdays, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where:	Whitcomb Student Center  (om County Home Rd.) Rockingham Community College, NC Hwy. 65, Wentworth, NC 27375
Cost:	$65 + $10 book fee (lunch on your own)
Sponsor:	Rockingham County Beekeepers Association and Rockingham Community College
Additional Information:	Basic information required to obtain and manage honey bees.
Contact:	Rockingham Community College at (336) 342-4261, x.2588 to pre-register and pay.   RCBA Website

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Scotland County (Laurinburg)

Title:	Beginning Beekeeping Workshop
Begins:	March 30, 2013 (for 1 day)
When:	Saturday, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where:	Scotland County Cooperative Extension 231 E. Cronly St, Laurinburg, NC  28352
Cost:	Free (Request donations to cover the cost of lunch)
Sponsor:	Scotland County Beekeepers
Additional Information:	This workshop is for everyone that is thinking about becoming a beekeeper. Instructors will share the history of beekeeping, background, equipment & products involved with beekeeping. We will cover how to get started, when to get started & where to get supplys. We will assemble a hive and frames & show the use of beekeeping equipment. Weather permitting, we will have a live hive on site to demonstrate. Class limited to the first 40 students.
Contact:	William Trivette (910) 462-2493 or mobile (910) 610-3369.

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Stanly County (Albemarle)

Title:	Beekeeping School
Begins:	January 28, 2013 (for 6 weeks)
When:	Mondays, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Where:	Stanly County Agri-Civic Center 26032 Newt Road, Highway 24/27, Albemarle, NC  28001
Cost:	$15 (includes Beekeeper's book and instructor fees)
Sponsor:	Stanly County Beekeeper's Association
Additional Information:	Instructor Bob Blackwelder will provide instrucition for beginners as well as advanced beekeepers.
Contact:	Call (704) 982-1861, (980) 875-0672, or (704) 983-1726 to register, or for more information.

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Surry County (Dobson)

Title:	Beekeeping for Beginners 2013
Begins:	February 25, 2013 (for 5 weeks)
When:	Mondays, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Where:	Farm Bureau (downstairs meeting room) 112 White Street, Dobson, NC  27017
Cost:	$35 per person including book and handouts; $25 additional family member without book; Children 16 and under are free but must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Sponsor:	Surry County Beekeepers
Additional Information:	Bring pen and paper to take notes. Refreshments will be provided.  There will be a field day on April 6th to give students an opportunity to work with bees. Also, anyone wishing to take the NCSBA Certification Exam may do so on April 8th.
Contact:	Surry County Extension Office (336) 401-8025

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Tar River (Greenville)

Title:	Beginning Beekeeping Course
Begins:	February 16, 2013 (for 1 day)
When:	Saturday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Where:	Pitt Agricultural Center 403 Government Circle, Greenville, NC 27834
Cost:	$25 includes textbook and lunch. $5 discount if you pre-register.
Sponsor:	Tar River Beekeepers
Additional Information:	Please Pre-register
Contact:	Andy Burlingham, Pitt County Co-operative Agent andy_burlingham@ncsu.edu or (252) 902-1700

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Warren County (Warrenton)

Title:	Beginning Basics Course
Begins:	February 28 - March 23, 2013 (for 4 weeks)
When:	Thursdays, 6:00 - 9:00 PM, Saturday Field Day on Mar. 23.
Where:	Holland Farm 531 Lickskillet Rd, Warrenton, NC  27589
Cost:	$42/person
Sponsor:	Vance-Granville Community College
Additional Information:	Personal Enrichment course to help area residents learn how to begin raise bees. It will be taught by local farmer Mike Holland.  In “Beekeeping Basics,” students will learn about bees, honey and how to set up their own colonies. Holland will discuss reasons for beekeeping, selecting equipment, caring for bees, harvesting honey, troubleshooting and maintenance.
Contact:	Theresa Somerville - (252) 738-3427 or SomervilleT@vgcc.edu

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NC State Apiculture Program, Beekeeper Education & Engagement System (BEES)

Title:	BEES Online 'Beginner' Bee School
Begins:	February 13, 2013 (3 sessions of Q&A with the instructor)
When:	Wednesdays, 7:00 - 9:00 PM (15 lectures for a total of 5.31 hours of online instruction that can be taken prior to Q&A sessions at the student's convenience)
Where:	Online through Collaborate webinar software
Cost:	$48
Sponsor:	NC State University and Cooperative Extension Service
Additional Information:	Each week will cover each course in the 'Beginner' level of the BEES network: Week 1-BEES 1.01: Basic honey bee biology and life history (5 lectures, 1.66 hours total instruction) Week 2-BEES 1.02: Introduction to beekeeping and hive management (6 lectures, 1.95 hours total instruction) Week 3-BEES 1.03: Importance of bees and beekeeping to society (4 lectures, 1.71 hours total instruction) Participants will be responsible for reviewing the week's online materials prior to the meeting time, which will then be discussed during the Q&A session. Taken together, the three courses create a condensed bee school of ~5.5 hours and 15 lectures total aimed at taking a complete novice to the point where they feel comfortable in starting their own hives. Each of the three 'Beginner' courses has an associated quiz, which is online and automatically graded in order to receive a downloadable personal eCertificate of completion. However, note that the BEES network is neither intended to replace nor supplant any existing Master Beekeeper Program, so passing (or even taking) these tests is not necessary and has no bearing on any MBP requirements. That said, these courses should be sufficient training to enable students to pass introductory (e.g., 'Certified') level tests for most MBPs, but separate arrangements need to be made for those programs.
Contact:	More information at NCSU BEES, or email David Tarpy

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Completed Courses

Cumberland County (Fayetteville)

Title:	Beginning Beekeeping Course
Begins:	October 1, 2012 (for 6 weeks)
When:	Mondays, 6:00-8:00 PM
Where:	Cumberland County Cooperative Extension Center
Cost:	Free
Sponsor:	Cumberland County Cooperative Extension
Additional Information:	Prerequisite to Spring 2013 Practical Beekeeping Course.
Contact:	Kenny Bailey, 910-321-6871 or kenneth_bailey@ncsu.edu

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