February 26th & 27th or March 5th & 6th 10am - 6pm
The focus of HoneybeeLives’ work is to encourage and support the health of the honeybee by nurturing knowledgeable, loving and confident beekeepers and property owners. Broadening the general public’s understanding and appreciation of the honeybee and their role in honeybee health, farmers and the general public can have a much needed and positive impact to this extraordinary creature which is fast facing extinction*.
"The honey bee population decreased 40% in the winter of 2018 to 2019 alone, and the annual rate loss for the 2019 to 2020 winter was also 40%, declines that experts described as "unsustainable. The situation "isn't good," and most likely is even worse than researchers are estimating" -ABC
This two-day class is offered by HONEYBEELIVES, (ticketing info below.) Introducing students to Organic/Natural Beekeeping with a Biodynamic influence, philosophy of care is imparted, as well as practical knowledge in preparation for starting hives in the spring. This is also helpful to people who are already beekeepers with limited experience. Learn a gentle way to tend honeybees while respecting their instincts and understanding their complex and beautiful lives. $225 for the weekend. Pre-registration required.
Meet Your Inspired Teachers.
Chris Harp is an organic beekeeper, beekeeping teacher, and “Bee Doctor” with 30 years of beekeeping experience. In 2005, Chris co-founded HoneybeeLives. Harp tends his hives using natural and biodynamic methods, and tends approximately 100 colonies in locations in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey for both individuals and organizations. Harp is a consultant on hive health for troubled colonies and concerned beekeepers.
Grai St. Clair Rice is an organic beekeeper, with 18 years of experience, as well as writer/ photographer based in NYC. In 2005, Grai co-founded HoneybeeLives as an organization dedicated to encouraging a strong honey bee population, co-teaching in-depth workshops with an Organic, Biodynamic approach. In 2022, she is turning her attention to her artistic nature with photography, video art, and the many books she has in her heart for children and adults on honeybees and beekeeping. Grai lectures on beekeeping and gardening for honeybees, and is expanding her work as a beekeeping coach.
HOW: This two-day class is offered by HONEYBEELIVES directly, so please explore their info for ticketing info. Cost $225 for two days. Email: honeybeeLives@yahoo.com www.HoneybeeLives.org
WHEN: February 26th & 27th or March 5th & 6th; 10 am-6pm each day
WHERE: Circle Studio 62 Plains Rd. New Paltz, NY 12561
*You can do your part to support the bees, even if you don't tend hives. Bee populations are critical for ensuring a healthy environment and NO BEES means NO FOOD. Please avoid pesticides at all costs- especially Round Up and Atrazine based products which do serious harm to our pollinators and other creatures (as well as humans and water!) Let flowers go to seed, try not mow weeds or cut trees down whenever possible to let Mama Nature keep her balance (and not only will you honor the trees, but honeybees make hives in the higher branches). Plant a bee garden with as many milkweed and flowers as you can! And say thank you to those extraordinary and generous creatures!