Get ready to buzz into the world of beekeeping!
In this hands-on, family-friendly workshop, you’ll dive into the fascinating world of honeybees. Learn about their biology, social structure, and what it takes to start a hive. Observe a working bee colony and taste this season’s honey right from the comb. Whether you’re bee curious or considering keeping your own hive, If you already have hives or are just curious, local OSU Extension Bio Science Research Technician in Apiculture, Heike Williams, will answer your questions from her extensive knowledge of backyard and commercial beekeeping, native bees and latest research.
When: September 9th, 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: Central Oregon Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Oregon State University, Teaching Apiary, 850 NW Dogwood Ln, Madras
Ticket Price: Contribute-What-you-Can
Number of Tickets: 25
Sold Out? Can’t Make the Date? Pre-Register!
Pre-registration is free; we only charge your credit card when we’re ready to schedule (and you say ok). When 12 people pre-register, we’ll set up the next workshop with your input on dates!
The Details
Meet the Bees!
Honeybees are way more than just honey-makers—they’re pollination powerhouses! Learn all about their fascinating roles within the hive, from the hardworking foragers to the all-important queen. We’ll break down honeybee biology and why they’re so essential to our ecosystem.
Beekeeping 101
Thinking about getting a hive? Find out what it takes to become a beekeeper! We’ll cover the basics, from hive setup to seasonal care, look at equipment needed to get you started and discuss whether keeping bees is a good fit for your home or property.
Bee Encounter
Get hands-on experience (from a safe distance or up close) and gain confidence around bees. Plus, enjoy a honey tasting right from fresh honeycomb and learn why honey comes in so many different colors and flavors.
Workshop Leader
Heike Williams
Born in Germany and raised on the family farm in Lower Saxony, Heike earned a college degree in Food Technology before taking a job in Portland, analyzing foods for Nutrition Facts labels. In Oregon, she discovered her passion for beekeeping and returned to Germany to participate in a 2-year beekeeping apprenticeship. Returning to the US, she gained valuable experience as a commercial beekeeper in Western Oregon. Now, Heike manages the teaching apiary at OSU’s Central Oregon Agricultural Research Center in Madras, a popular gathering site for the Saturday in the Apiary series. Besides counting mites and bee foragers for research projects, she also works with the Oregon Master Beekeeper Program and the Oregon Bee Atlas.
Partner
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Save 20% On This Workshop!
Join School of Ranch and get 20% off all workshops for a year. Your membership helps us cover our costs. Being non-profit doesn’t mean you can lose money! We need your support and nothing shows support as much as a membership.
frequently asked questions
What should I wear?
For safety and comfort, wear long sleeves, pants, and close-toed shoes. We’ll provide beekeeping veils, bee suits, or jackets for those who want to participate in the hive inspection. We even have a couple of kid-sized bee suits!
What should I bring?
A notebook, a water bottle, and your own veil if you have one!
What about food?
We will have a potluck so bring a dish to share plus your own plate and silverware. We will taste this season’s honey right from the comb.
Can kids attend?
Yes! This is a family-friendly workshop. Just make sure to supervise your little ones, especially around the hive. Also, make sure that they have a ticket!
Do I have to participate in the hands-on part?
Nope! If you’d rather observe from a distance, that’s totally fine. We want everyone to feel comfortable.
What is School of Ranch?
School of Ranch is a Central Oregon based 501c3 nonprofit. We hire experienced locals to teach practical and artisan skills, live and in person. Beyond teaching skills and helping grow our workshop leader’s businesses, we create common ground for neighbors. School of Ranch brings together people regardless of politics, age, background or beliefs.