JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Beekeeping has become an increasingly popular hobby. People become involved in beekeeping for a variety of different reasons. They may be interested in producing their own honey, keeping bees for their pollination services, are concerned with bee populations or just find them fascinating.
Regardless your reason, beekeeping can be a rewarding activity if you’re willing to put in the work. University of Illinois Extension will be offering Beginning Beekeeping course. The course will take place on Thursdays, September 6, 13, 20, 27, and October 4 at the Morgan County Extension office in Jacksonville from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. There will also be a Hive Day on Saturday, September 15 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.
Classes will cover the basics of keeping bees from the history of beekeeping, honey bee biology, beekeeping equipment, beekeeping through the seasons, installing packages and nucs, honey extraction, as well as other products from the hive.
Participants will also have the opportunity to attend a meeting of the Apple Creek Beekeepers Club. During the Hive Day participants will be able to observe an active honey bee hive as well as have the opportunity learn how to work with the different tools used in beekeeping.
Pre-registration is required. Class size is limited. The fee for this course is $35 per person. You can register online at http://go.illinois.edu/beginbeekeeping or call 217.243.7424.
–University of Illinois Extension