New beekeeping classes scheduled for Springdale, Magnolia and Monticello
By Ryan McGeeney
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts:
- Classes taught one night a week for three consecutive weeks
- Free to attend; registration required
(402 words)
LITTLE ROCK — Arkansans interested in beekeeping will have an additional opportunity to learn everything they need to know to begin safely and successfully keeping honey bees during a series of weekly classes offered at multiple locations throughout the state.
An additional three-date class in introductory beekeeping has been added to the roster of dates and locations the class is offered to include a January-February class in Springdale.
The Complete Beekeeping Short Course will also be taught in Magnolia and Monticello. Each course will meet one evening a week for three consecutive weeks, and 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.”
The course will be held in Magnolia at Union Street Station, located at 406 W. Union St. The class will meet 6-9 p.m. Nov. 2, 9 and 16.
The course will next be held in Springdale at the Northwest Technical Institute, 709 Old Missouri Rd. The class will meet from 6-9 p.m. Jan. 25, Feb. 1 & 8, 2016.
The course will again be held in Monticello at the UAM Agriculture Building, located at the corner of Scrogin Drive and Stadium Drive. The class will meet 6-9 p.m. Feb. 15, 22 and 29, 2016.
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. Vendors will also be available during the courses, so that students can learn about or purchase available beekeeping products.
The courses are free to attend, although participants must register for each. To attend the Magnolia course, contact the Columbia County Cooperative Extension Office at 870-235-3720. To attend the Springdale course, contact the Washington County Cooperative Extension Office at 479-444-1755. To attend the Monticello course, contact the Drew County Cooperative Extension Office at 870-460-6270.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu
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