Southern Oregon Beekeepers Association
Spring Bee School April 20, 2024
The Art and Science of Keeping Bees in the Rogue Valley
Presentations and hands-on demonstrations
Date: Saturday, April 20th 2024 – 8AM to 4PM
Speakers:
Dr Dewey Caron
Amanda (Mandy) Shaw
Program:
TOPICS COVERED DURING BEE SCHOOL
- Beginning Beekeepers (who have NEVER had bees)
- Beekeeping Equipment – Equipment you will need
- Beekeeping Basics – terminology and information for a great start
- Anticipatory Beekeeping – What Do I Do Next
- Novice/Intermediate Beekeepers (who have or have had bees)
- Sustainably maintain and grow you beekeeping hobby
- Integrated Pest Management
- Swarm Mitigation and Swarm Catching
I CLUB HIVE DEMONSTRATIONS:
- How to Install Nuc or Package
- How to Manage Varroa Mites
- How to Test for Varroa Mites using Powdered Sugar Shake vs. Alcohol Wash
- Reading Frames—How to Understand What You Are Seeing on Frames
Smoker Lighting Competition:
Prizes will be given for the fastest lit that stays lit for over 10 minutes, longest lasting and best smelling.
Bring your own smoker fuel and smoker. Some ideas for fuel are:
burlap – make sure that it is untreated for insects and mice,natural baler twine, pine needles, fine wood chips, small twigs, dry lavender and rosemary, dry rotten wood, dry tree leaves, untreated straw, uncolored paper, rolled, corrugated cardboard, rolled and untreated, .sumac bob, wood pellets, corn cobs, Dadant Smoker Fuel, beeswax comb
Things NOT to use include:
gasoline or other combustible oil, anything treated or painted or colored etc
Location: Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center
569 Hanley Road, Central Point, OR (map)
Cost: $50
Registration deadline is April 10th and is limited to the first 100 people.
The class fee cannot be refunded less than 7 days prior to bee school.
Scholarships for Next Generation Beekeepers
- If you are 15-18 years old, or under 15 and accompany an adult attending the class, and
- Are a member of SOBA.
You can attend Bee School for FREE! Contact Barbara Watson.
Register by mail (before April 7)
- Download form. SOBA 2024 BEE SCHOOL REGISTRATION FORM
- Make check payable to — SOBA
- Mail to:
SOBA c/o Barbara Watson
PO Box 711
Grants Pass, OR 97526
OR
Register using PayPal. A PayPal account is not required. You can pay with your credit or debit card using the PayPal service.
