SKOWHEGAN — Somerset Beekeepers will conduct a basic beekeeper class for beginners Feb. 19-March 19.

The five classes are set for 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Somerset County Extension Office.

Registration will be 6-6:30 p.m. Feb. 19. Cost is $40 per person/couple, which includes one-year membership in Somerset Beekeepers and course manual.

The textbook “Beekeeping Basics” is available as a free PDF download from the MAAREC website.

For more information, call Samantha Burns 696-4906 or email [email protected].

The sessions are:

Session 1 Feb. 19 – About Bees, and Equipment and Tools

Session 2 Feb. 26 – Integrated Pest Management, Identifying and Managing Pests and Diseases, guest speaker – Tony Jadczak State Apiarist

Session 3 March 5 – Natural Beekeeping Techniques, Establishing Hives and Spring Management

Session 4 March 12 – Summer Management and Honey Production

Session 5 March 19 – Late Summer and Fall Management, Wintering Hives. Snow date is March 26.