LOCATION & Dates

• Driftwood, Texas

• 2024: March 22-23-24, April 19-20-21, October 18-19-20, November 22-23-24

• 2025: Spring Session 1: March 21-22-23, Spring Session 2: May 30-31-June 01, Fall Session 1: TBD Fall Session 2: TBD

• Each day will start at 8:30am for registration, and 9am for program content

• The weather in Texas is typically warmer than the rest of the country - check out https://www.weather-us.com/en/texas-usa/driftwood-climate for averages (typically warmer these days)

 

DURATION / OPTIONS AVAILABLE

• OPTION 1* = FULL WORKSHOP (Day 1, 2 and 3) - $200 (includes a horizontal double hive and the knowledge to make more)

  • On Day 1 and 2, enjoy a thorough mix of theory and lots of hive time in our Teaching Apiaries with several hive styles (Langstroth, Layens, Horizontal Top-Bar Hives, Warre, Barrel, Log hives, etc.)

  • On Day 3, learn to build

    • a double horizontal hive in less than 2hrs for free or less than $60 in material,

    • a Langstroth to Horizontal Hive easy conversion box

    • a Horizontal NUC box

    • an easy, efficient swarm trap

  • Take home your own double horizontal top-bar hive (a $195 value, included in the price of the workshop)

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• OPTION 2* = FIRST 2 DAYS only (Day 1 and 2) - $50 (no hive making)

  • ​Enjoy a thorough mix of theory and lots of hive time in our Teaching Apiaries with several hive styles (Langstroth, Layens, Horizontal Top-Bar Hives, Warre, Barrel, Log hives, etc.)

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• OPTION 3* = DAY 3 only (Hive Making) - $160 (includes a horizontal double hive and the knowledge to make more)

  • This is the maker part of the workshop, in which you will learn to build:

    • a double horizontal hive in less than 2hrs for free or less than $60 in material,
    • a Langstroth to Horizontal Hive easy conversion box
    • a Horizontal NUC box
    • an easy, efficient swarm trap
  • Take home your own double horizontal top-bar hive (a $170 value, included in the price of the workshop)​

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*Additional hive kits available for purchase onsite

 

DESCRIPTION

• Are you fascinated by the intricate world of bees and their incredible contributions to our ecosystem? 

• Do you want to learn how to keep your bees successfully, sustainably and mindfully, without pesticides or harsh treatments, by leveraging swarms and splits from locally adapted survivor stock, for naturally resilient and fit colonies?

• We invite you to join us for 1, 2 or 3 days, for an immersive and educational journey into the art of Mindful, Natural Beekeeping.

• In this comprehensive workshop, world-renowned beekeeper Les Crowder and Nathalie B. will equip you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to embark on your own beekeeping adventures. 

• These Master Beekeepers and expert instructors will guide you through the following elements:

 

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.

 

Hands-On Hive Experience

• Venture into the hives of our comprehensive Teaching Apiary, which includes Horizontal Hives (Top-Bar, Long Langs, Layens), Vertical Hives (Langstroth, Warre, Apimaye), versatile Vertical-to-Horizontal conversion hives, and others.

• 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.

 

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.

 

OPTIONAL: Horizontal Hive & Swarm Trap Making Workshop 

• Hands-on demo of simple horizontal hive & swarm trap making

• Hand on demo of horizontal hive & swarm trap assembling

• Horizontal hives & swarm traps available for purchase

• Bring a caulk gun, a charged up cordless drill, and a T-25 hex bit to assemble your own hive

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ABOUT YOUR TEACHERS

 

• Les Crowder is a world-renown Expert with over 50 years of experience in the US, Jamaica and Azerbaijan. He's also the author of "Top-Bar Beekeeping: Organic Practices For Honey Bee Health"

• Nathalie B. is a certified Master Beekeeper with over 13 years experience in Natural beekeeping in the US and Africa

• Together, Les and Nathalie professionally manage almost 400 colonies across 45 yards in Central Texas.

• For more information, read www.Bee-Mindful.com/the-hive

 

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TESTIMONIAL FROM EDINA TOTH, New York

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Dear Nathalie and Les,

 

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

 

The knowledge, wisdom, and passion you both shared have left an indelible mark on my journey as a beekeeper. Les, your book, "Top-Bar Beekeeping," served as a guiding light for me even before I embarked on this incredible adventure. Your extensive experience spanning over 50 years in the field of beekeeping is awe-inspiring, and 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.

 

Nathalie, 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.

 

Coming all the way from New York to Texas to learn from both of 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 both invested in creating such a meaningful and enriching learning experience. Once again, thank you, Les and Nathalie, for opening your hearts 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 Les and Nathalie. 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 both of YOU.

"Les is more" 🐝.