2020 Beginning Beekeepers Class
Beginning Beekeepers Class
The Eastern Panhandle Beekeepers Association will be offering its Beginning Beekeepers Class again this winter. Classes will be held at the Hospice of the Eastern Panhandle education building in Kearneysville, WV. Classes will be held Thursdays Jan 30 and each Thursday in February. 6-830pm. In case of inclement weather check our Facebook page to see if classes are cancelled. |
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Beginning Beekeeping Classes are open to adults and children (age 9 and over) who are interested in keeping bees as well as those who are just interested. The classes will cover all aspects of beekeeping such as the equipment you need to start beekeeping, the development of your colony, and managing your colony throughout the year. See class schedule below. |
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The cost of the class is $10 per family (registrant and a family member) and includes a one year membership in the West Virginia Eastern Panhandle Beekeepers Association (WVEPBA). All beekeeping equipment, supplies and bees must be purchased separately. If you do not have a place to keep bees WVEPBA can help you locate someone who wants beehives on their property. WVEPBA also has a mentoring program for those whose wish to have an experienced beekeeper guide them. |
MISSION STATEMENT
The purpose of the West Virginia Eastern Panhandle Beekeepers Association is to promote beekeeping and the education of the public about the importance of honey bees and our mutual roles in ensuring their survival. . This is accomplished through the shared experience of working together, in the classroom, in apiaries and more broadly in our community here in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.
Who We Are
We are your neighbors, co-workers, moms, dads, and many other people you never realized kept bees! We have members from all around the Panhandle and surrounding areas, from all walks of life. We strive to promote beekeeping, while supporting each other. Many of us started with bees out of curiosity, with a desire to help pollinate naturally, or out of concern for the plight of the mighty honey bee. Whatever the reason, the love of beekeeping is what keeps us going and brings us together.
We offer beekeeping classes and provide continuing consultation and mentoring through our regular monthly meetings, workshops, field days, and other activities. Our focus is on adults, but we encourage a family approach to beekeeping. Our objective is to proactively coach new beekeepers through their first honey production cycle which is a two-year effort.
We offer:
- Honey Bee Education and updates on new developments
- Demonstrations and discussions about beekeeping and honey production
- Support for local schools, community programs, and organizations
- Access to observation hives and other training aides
- Regular meetings and social events involving the beekeeping community
- Mentors and help in problem solving as bee related issues arise
- Access to honey extractor and bulk purchasing of supplies
Bee classes start Jan 30, 2020! https://www.facebook.com/events/2461880634142112/?event_time_id=2461880650808777?ti=icl
PUBLICATIONS
A Field Guid to Honey Bees: Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences
Empty Comb Stimulates Honey Production by Thomas E. Rinderer, et al
Bee Diseases & Their Control: MAAREC Publication
Dividing Honey Bee Colonies: MAAREC Publication
Early Spring Management: MAAREC Publication
Fall Management: MAAREC Publication
Intergrated Pest Management (IPM) for Beekeepers: MAAREC Publication
Pest of Honey Bees: MAAREC Publication
Small Hive Beetle: MAAREC Publication
Swarming - Control: MAAREC Publication
Tracheal Mites: MAAREC Publication
Varroa Mites: MAAREC Publication
ASSOCIATION MEETINGS
The West Virginia Eastern Panhandle Beekeepers Association (WVEPBA) meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Hospice Education Center. Please see our Facebook page for specifics on topics and times.
Our 2020 meetings will be held on:
Feb 11th 6-8 pm
March 10th 6-8 pm
April 14th 630-830 pm
May 12th 630-830 pm
June 9th 630-830 pm
July 14th 6-8 pm
August 11th 630-830 pm
September 8th 6-8 pm
October 13th 6-8 pm
November 10th 6-8 pm
December 8th Holiday Gathering 6-8 pm
For info: President@wvepba.org
WVEPBA Officers
President: Bob Aberegg
Vice President: Curt Shade
Secretary: Tina Daniels
Treasurer: Gina Biller
MEMBERSHIP
Dues are requested to be paid by March 15th of each year for annual membership and should be sent to:
WVEPBA Treasurer
PO BOX 457
Kearneysville, WV 25430
Membership period is January 1st to December 31st.
EPBA dues are $10.00 per year.You have the option of paying $100.00 for a lifetime membership to the EPBA.
All managed beehives in West Virginia are legally required to be registered with the W. V. Department of Agriculture.
- Download
- Registration Form
- Apiary Liability Law
Registration is required annually by January 1 of each year. This is for the disease protection of both your hives and your neighbors' hives. The WVDA does not report your hives to the WV Tax Department or elsewhere. The reporting requirement is for agricultural protection and prevention of the spread of diseases. You do not have to have your hives inspected, but if you or your neighbors have an infection it is in the interest of all responsible beekeepers to then call in an inspector. Be a Responsible Beekeeper. Incidentally, you can qualify for State or USDA agricultural support grants ONLY IF your hives are registered.