valley

The Lehigh Valley Beekeepers Association will hold a 4-session class, “Introduction to Beekeeping” 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday evenings, Feb. 7, 21 and March 7 and 21. All classes will be held in Room 107/108 Rothrock Library/Alumni Center, Lehigh Carbon Community College, 4525 Education Park Drive, Schnecksville.

The registration fee for adults includes a reference book, course materials, refreshments and planned field trips to the club apiary for hands-on experience. Students with ID and youth under the age of 16, accompanied by a paying adult, are invited to attend at a reduced fee per student. Class size is limited.

Classes will cover basic bee biology, necessary equipment, setting up the hive and adding and feeding the bees, a typical year in the life of a beekeeper, honeybee pests and treatment options and honey extraction. Instructors will be experienced beekeepers including several certified master beekeepers.

For questions prior to registering, stop by the Lehigh County Ag Center, 4184 Dorney Park Road, Allentown, between 1 and 3 p.m. Jan. 20 to talk to the instructors.

This 97-year old association includes 250 members from the Poconos to Bucks County to New Jersey and west to Lebanon County. The Lehigh Valley Beekeepers hold monthly meetings/events as well as seasonal educational sessions at the Club Apiary in Schnecksville.

Registration can also be processed by visiting the association’s website at http://www.lehighvalleybeekeepers.org or by contacting Steve Finke, course coordinator at 610-737-7676 or steve@meadowviewbees.com.