Warmer weather and more daylight mean spring is fast approaching, and beekeepers are watching for early blooms that will make this year’s honey crop.  They’re also checking their equipment and supplies.  Beginners might be a bit overwhelmed.  That’s where Brownwood beekeeper Daniel Graham can help.

“My class is for folks who are just getting started, or maybe just thinking about getting started,” says Graham, who keeps bees near Willis Creek.  “It’s also a good introduction for a general audience who’s curious about what goes on in those bee boxes they see around.”

 Beekeeping Fundamentals for Beginners is scheduled for Sat Feb. 24, at 1 pm.   Topics  include an equipment checklist, a survey of the structure and function of the Langstroth (standard American) hive, and overviews of bee behavior, basic safety, and Colony Collapse Disorder.

“Honeybees and beekeeping look pretty trendy right now, and I’ve never seen so much merchandise and marketing that incorporate bees, hive products, and bee culture,” Graham observes.  “If you want to take the next step from a consumer to a producer, or from observer to participant, then you’ll probably enjoy the class.”

The class will be outdoors, at Bettie Coggin Taber Park, located at Vincent St. and Ave. I in Brownwood, (one block from the Brownwood Dairy Queen on Austin Ave).  Bring your own lawn chair, and dress for the weather.  A handout will be provided, but bring your pen and notebook if you like.

Pre-registration is required.  To pre-register, call 325-641-9029 (land line—no text messages) or email [email protected].  The class fee is $25 per person, cash or check only, and children 12 or under may attend for free.  Pay at the class.   The class runs about 1 ½ hours.