First Day of Bee School

     Wow, what a turn-out!  We had about 85 people come to learn about bees today.  I'm so happy to see that so many people are signing on to take care of our precious little honey bees.  It is such a gratifying thing to do.  You might feel like you are being a good environmentalist when you recycle and conserve, but nothing makes me feel more like a steward of the earth like keeping bees.
     I always wonder when I look out over the class of new, "recruits", what on earth put the, "bug" (haha, I made a joke) in their head to keep bees.  Maybe some are gardeners and want the pollination services of the bees.  Maybe some just love science.  Maybe some need something therapeutic to do.  Maybe some inherited bees and/or equipment from a relative and figured they might as well put them to use.  Or maybe, some just really love honey.  But I will issue this caveat to any of you who are hoping to strike it rich with all the honey you are gonna make and sell.  It ain't gonna happen!  Now if you plan on maintaining 75 or more hives, then you might make some money, but let me tell you, you will earn every penny of it.  It is hard work!
     So, what did we talk about today at Bee School?  Let's see, mostly bee biology - and how to assemble hives.  Christopher and I had a station on types of foundations and how to assemble frames.  I hate to bombard students with so much information but on the other hand, I don't want to leave anything out. I remember how I felt when I took the class - information overload!  I wasn't even sure what to buy to get started.  I guess the best advice that I can give to new beekeepers is - just dive in and do it.  You'll make mistakes, but whoop-dee-doo!