Get the buzz about beekeeping from experts

The Gaston County Beekeepers Association presents its Annual Bee School 2019 starting Monday, Jan. 28.

Participants will learn everything they need to know to get started in beekeeping. The course covers beekeeping history, bee anatomy and behavior, setting up and managing a hive, keeping bees healthy, nectar sources and blooming times and honey production and marketing.

In addition to classroom lectures, students will participate in a field day in April, where they will get the opportunity to work with live bees, and apply what they’ve learned to demonstrate the proper way to open a hive, use a smoker, inspect a hive for the different types of bees, brood and honey and pollen storage. There will also be additional optional workshops to teach specific activities (e.g., assembly of hive parts).

Tuition is $95 and includes the class textbook and a one-year membership in the Gaston County Beekeepers Association and the NC State Beekeepers Association.

The class will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays through April 1 at the Gaston County Citizens Resource Center, 1303 Dallas-Cherryville Highway, Dallas.

Pre-registration is required. Visit www.gastonbee.org and click on "Bee School" to register and pay online.

For more information, call 704-922-2119.