"Most people don't have any idea about the complicated life going on inside a hive.
Bees have a secret life we don't know anything about."
~Sue Monk Kidd, "The Secret Life of Bees"

Los Angeles County Beekeepers Association Beekeeping 101:
A Class for beginning beekeepers

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND CLASS

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

2024 Classes will be from 9am to noon. Currently, we plan to hold all classes in-person, in an outdoor setting.

  • Sunday February 11, 2024 - 9am to noon @ The Valley Hive

  • Sunday March 10, 2024 - 9am to noon @ The Valley Hive

    • PROTECTIVE GEAR REQUIRED STARTING WITH THE APRIL CLASS

  • SATURDAY April 13, 2024 - 9am to noon (Location in The Apiary - Chatsworth/Northridge area) POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER. CLASS IS RESCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY APRIL 2OTH

  • SATURDAY May 11, 2024 - 9am to noon (Location in The Apiary - Chatsworth/Northridge area)

  • SATURDAY June 8, 2024 - 9am to noon (Location in The Apiary - Chatsworth/Northridge area)

  • SATURDAY July 13, 2024 - 9am to noon (Location in The Apiary - Chatsworth/Northridge area)

  • Sunday August 11, 2024 - 9am to noon @ The Valley Hive

  • Sunday September 8, 2024 - 9am to noon @ The Valley Hive

  • SATURDAY October 5, 2024 - 9am to noon (Location in The Apiary - Chatsworth/Northridge area)

Who can attend:  Current 2024 Los Angeles County Beekeepers Association Members; The membership is a family/household membership, children under the age of 18 are welcome with accompanying adult member.

What:  9 Classes to guide you during your first year as a beekeeper

Where:  Chatsworth/Northridge, CA:  Class topic will determine class location (registered participants will receive an email the Friday before class with more details)

When: Sunday Feb. 11, Sunday March 10, Saturday April 13, Saturday May 11, Saturday June 8, Saturday July 13, Sunday August 11, Sunday September 8, Saturday October 5

Time:  9am to Noon

Cost:  Suggested donation of $20 per class per person or $100 per person for all 9 classes.  (LACBA is a non-profit 501c3.  Your class donation is tax deductible)

Class Requirements: 

  • You must have a paid 2024 LACBA Membership

  • Signed up/Register for the class

  • Bring a notebook and pen/pencil to take notes

  • Protective clothing – for classes located in the apiary (starting with the April class)

    • Full bee suit with veil - White in color (or light pastel is ok - NO DARK COLORS)

    • Bee Gloves

    • High top boots/shoes (no sandals or open shoes)

    • Not required, but suggest you have a roll of duct tape in case you rip a hold in your suit.

  • Seating is limited if you want a chair you should bring one with you

  • Positive attitude with a willingness to learn!

Most of the information you need to attend our Beekeeping 101 Classes can be found here. Class location, parking information and specific class information will be e-mailed to registered participants the day before class. Beekeeping is weather dependent. All classes will be held outside. While we make every effort to stick to our schedule sometimes class content will change due to the weather (rain, fog, cool temperatures, excessive heat, change in weather) and/or needs of the bees.

Class Goals:  The Los Angeles County Beekeepers Association Beekeeping 101 Classes will walk you through your first year of beekeeping.  Things you should learn if you attend all classes: 

  • Responsible beekeeping in an urban environment

  • Learn about keeping bees in the Los Angeles area from experienced beekeepers

  • Meet like minded people who can support your efforts in becoming a beekeeper

  • Safe placement of a hive

  • Basic bee biology

  • The life cycle of a colony

  • Proper protective equipment

  • Honeybee Nutrition: Flowers that bloom in our area that benefit the bees

  • General maintenance of a hive

  • Colony inspection

  • Pest & Diseases that can affect a colony

  • Best management practices and IPM (integrated pest management)

  • What to expect your first year with bees

Registration is required to attend classes.



History of LACBA Beekeeping Class 101

LACBA Beekeeping Class 101 2009.jpg

The Los Angeles County Beekeepers Association Beekeeping Class 101 first began in 2009 at Bill’s Bees Apiaries in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains.

We'd like to thank Bill Lewis and Clyde Steese of Bill's Bees for making their apiaries available to us year after year and for sharing their experience, knowledge, and time with us. Their dedication to the art and craft of beekeeping made these classes available, affordable, and highly enjoyable. Their steadfast adherence to Best Management Practices for the bees and beekeepers continue to make keeping bees an adventure in responsible beekeeping.

We’d also like to thank the experienced beekeepers from the LACBA who give of their knowledge and time to make these gatherings of beekeepers intimate groups of hands on learning. Thank you to all the beekeepers who have participated in our Beekeeping Class 101 over the years.

Our Beekeeping Class 101 grew from under 20 newbees in 2009 to over 200 in 2016. There's nothing like the beauty of standing on top of a mountain, surrounded by millions of honey bees. We are forever grateful to Bill and Clyde for giving us the appreciation for the gift of the bees!