NATURAL BEEKEEPING WORKSHOPS | Learn Beekeeping with our Natural, Horizontal Beekeeping Workshops

NATURAL BEEKEEPING WORKSHOP

Bee Mindful Workshops offer an exceptional value for beekeepers of all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, who want to learn how to keep bees successfully in a simple, natural, and sustainable way without the use of pesticides or chemical treatments. Our approach reconnects beekeepers with the essence of the honey bee and encourages a deeper respect for the biology and wisdom of this remarkable animal.

Our methods are designed to be mindful of both the bees and the beekeeper, while making beekeeping simpler, lighter, and more affordable. They are intentionally inclusive and accessible to people from many walks of life and physical abilities, because successful and enjoyable beekeeping should not require exceptional upper body strength, a large budget, or complicated equipment or management techniques with extensive storage requirements. Around here, we often joke that our approach is Better for the Bees and the Beekeeper’s Back and Budget (BBBBB). 🐝

Participants should bring their own bee suits, notebooks, cameras/video recorders, and be ready to learn through a combination of engaging classroom presentations and hands-on demonstrations in our teaching apiaries.

These workshops are offered several times each Fall and Spring. If a particular date fills up, simply choose another session or consider registering early to secure your spot.

For details and registration, see below.

To select 1, 2 or 3 days, follow these steps:

Step 1

In the calendar of dates, select the first day of the desired workshop (in green - e.g. Thursday, Nov.

Select "3-day beekeeping workshop".

Calendar showing 3-day Beekeeping Workshop on November 2nd, 2023.

Step 2

In the blue drop-down menu, choose your # of seats (1 or more), which will bring up the option list

Step 3

Select your desired option (3 days, 2 days or 1 day). Your total and payment options will appear below.

Complete your purchase to reserve your spot(s).

Workshop options dropdown with prices: Full 3-day $200, First 2-days $50, Third day hive making $160

LOCATION & DATES

Driftwood, Texas
Several sessions in the Spring and Fall (no sessions in the Winter or the Summer)

DURATION / OPTIONS AVAILABLE

OPTION 1 (RECOMMENDED) - FULL 3-day WORKSHOP (includes HIVE)
- On Day 1 and 2, enjoy a thorough mix of theory (bee biology, yard and hive management, and integrated Pest Managment) and lots of hive time in our Teaching Apiaries with over 17 different hive styles (Langstroth, Layens, Horizontal Top-Bar Hives, Warre, Barrel, Log hives, etc.)
- On Day 3, the maker part of the workshop, learn how to cut and assemble your own:
  - double horizontal hive in less than 2hrs for free or less than $80 in material,
  - FLEX Hive (Langstroth to Horizontal Hive adapter) in less than 10 minutes
  - Horizontal NUC box / swarm trap / Toolbox etc.
  - Also take home your own double horizontal top-bar hive (a $295 value, included in the price of the workshop)

OPTION 2 - FULL 3-day WORKSHOP / NO HIVE

OPTION 3 = DAY 3 only (Hive Making) (includes HIVE)

*Additional hive kits available for purchase onsite at the discounted rate of $195/ea

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Theoretical Foundations

Explore the fascinating world of bees: their biology, behavior, and social structure.
Understand the vital role bees play in pollination and agriculture.
Learn the basics of hive equipment, safety, and beekeeping terminology.
Discover the environmental importance of sustainable beekeeping practices.
Learn about Natural, Sustainable Integrated Pest Management and how to keep your bees healthy without treatments / pesticides

Hands-On Hive Experience

Venture into the hives of our comprehensive Teaching Apiary with over 17 hive styles
Observe the inner workings of colonies in different hive styles at various stages of their lifecycle
Learn how to conduct an inspection, and how to identify the different inhabitants of the hive, the various stages of brood, food stores, and common bee diseases,
Gain confidence in handling bees and beehive components.
Learn how to keep bees calm and healthy

Hive Management and Best Practices

Delve into the seasonal rhythms of beekeeping and understand hive management throughout the year.
Discover sustainable beekeeping techniques that promote the well-being of both bees and beekeepers.
Discuss honey production, harvesting, and processing.
Learn how to assess hive health, and explore methods for mitigating common challenges and pests

Safety and Tools of the Trade

Learn basic safety protocols for beekeepers and the importance of bee-friendly practices.
Learn about what is needed in terms of protective equipment and which kinds of tools you will need to keep bees.

TESTIMONIAL FROM EDINA TOTH, New York

Dear Nathalie,

I hope this message finds you in high spirits. I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for this great experience I had at your school.

Your expertise and dedication to the craft of natural beekeeping added a beautiful dimension to the course. Your insights, practical tips, and unwavering support throughout the day were invaluable. Your passion for honeybees and your ability to impart knowledge with such enthusiasm were truly remarkable. I am grateful for the knowledge and skills you shared and the inspiration you provided. The knowledge, wisdom, and passion you shared have left an indelible mark on my journey as a beekeeper. I am humbled to have had the opportunity to learn directly from you. Your profound understanding of sustainable natural beekeeping practices and your commitment to the well-being of honeybees have truly inspired me.

Coming all the way from New York to Texas to learn from you was an invaluable journey that I will forever cherish. The hands-on experiences, the enlightening discussions, and the camaraderie among fellow beekeepers created an environment of growth and learning that surpassed my expectations. Words cannot adequately express my gratitude for the transformative experience I had under your guidance. The knowledge, inspiration, and memories I gained during the course will stay with me throughout my beekeeping journey.

I am deeply thankful for the time and effort you invested in creating such a meaningful and enriching learning experience. Once again, thank youfor opening your heart and sharing your expertise. You have not only imparted knowledge but have also empowered me to be a more responsible and compassionate bee-guardian. I am forever grateful for this incredible opportunity. Our world needs more passionate, mindful beekeepers. The knowledge I have gained is a treasure and pure gold.

Warmest regards,

Edina

P.S. I cannot wait to come back to TX to learn more from you.