Beginning Beekeeping Class in January 2026

PARKSLEY, Va. — The Beekeepers Guild of the Eastern Shore will offer a three-session Beginning Beekeeping Class in January 2026 for residents interested in learning how to start and maintain their own beehives.

The in-person class will be held on three consecutive Saturdays — Jan. 17, Jan. 24 and Jan. 31 — from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Eastern Shore Public Library, located at 24313 Bennett St. in Parksley.

Designed for beginners, the course will cover the fundamentals of beekeeping, including hive setup, bee behavior, seasonal management and honey production. Participants will also learn how to properly use beekeeping equipment and gain hands-on experience during the sessions.

Organizers said each participant will be paired with a mentor from the guild to provide guidance as they begin their beekeeping journey. Experienced beekeepers will lead the training and discuss the role bees play in agriculture and local ecosystems.

The registration fee is $50 and includes course materials, a five-month membership in the Beekeepers Guild of the Eastern Shore of Virginia — which runs through the end of the guild’s fiscal year on June 30, 2026 — and a copy of the textbook “Beekeeping Basics,” with one book provided per registered family.

Continental breakfast items, light snacks and drinks will be provided during the sessions. Participants are asked to bring their own bag lunches.

The class is open to the public, and space may be limited. Additional registration details are expected to be announced by the guild.

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