Intro to Conservation Beekeeping

Our goal is to teach people a different way of stewarding and working with bees; one that has conservation and a deep reverence at its heart. Through observing how honeybees live in the wild, we are able to create new management practices that support their health and vibrancy rather than threaten it. Science is showing that if we allow our bees to express their wildness, over time natural selection begins to bring their vitality back. Again and again we are shown that nature knows best.

— Onxy Baird, Honeybee Conservationist & Filmmaker

Conservation style beekeeping differs from conventional backyard beekeeping in both ethos and practice, offering a unique and thoughtful approach for folks who are committed to the health of the bees and the environment, first and foremost. In this one-day intensive, students will visit a rural property to see a hive in action, and learn about the key elements of conservation beekeeping and how to get started. Onyx will cover the following topics: 

- What is conservation beekeeping vs conventional beekeeping?

- How do bees live in the wild? What qualities make a good bee habitat?

- Basic honey bee biology & behavior

- How to select a hive, and modify a conventional hive for  bee-centric beekeeping

- Preparing for bees & creating good bee habitat/balancing with native pollinators

- Ethically Sourcing your bees

- Feeding your bees

- Bee-Centric Management

- How to develop intuitive communication with your bees

Onyx will demonstrate the process of wax rendering and propolis harvesting and students will leave with a piece of natural comb, a beeswax candle, and a bottle of propolis infused oil. In lieu of printed handouts, Onyx will grant access to her Intro to Beekeeping online course for all participants in this workshop. 

This class is designed to be supportive to both beginning and advanced beekeepers alike.