2025 Beekeeping Classes

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Honey bees are a wonderful addition to any garden. They remind us over and over that flowers and bees are dependent on each other for their survival But beyond that, honey bees have a magical quality to them that seems to charm and enthrall all those that keep them in their backyard gardens! 

Beginning Backyard Beekeeping

Instructor and long-time Northeast Portland beekeeper Glen Andresen will take you through the basics of backyard beekeeping using only gentle and organic mite treatment techniques, which leads to less-stressed—and easier to handle—bees! Topics include basic Langstroth equipment (but also the pros and cons of Warre' and top bar hives), sources for bees, what to look for inside the colony, handling swarms, good nectar producing plants, hive maintenance, retrieving honey and beeswax, over-wintering, and pests and diseases. The class includes a three-hour+ classroom lecture and a one-hour+ field trip. Questions? Email Glen

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1.  Date: June 27 and 28, 2025, Portland Community College Community Education at SE Campus; $65

Class includes Friday night classroom session, 6pm to 9:20pm, and Saturday afternoon field trip to Glen’s home apiary in NE Portland. Registration through PCC.

2. Date: September 26 and 27, 2025, Portland Community College Community Education at SE Campus; $65

Class includes Friday night classroom session, 6pm to 9:20pm, and Saturday afternoon field trip to Glen’s home apiary in NE Portland. Registration through PCC begins in August.

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Backyard beekeeping: Intermediate

**NO CLASSES SCHEDULED AT THIS TIME**

Take a deeper dive into beekeeping and cover important topics such as mite control, making splits, requeening, evaluating hive strength, deadouts, swarm control and honey production. Students will also learn tips on making their own equipment. This class is designed for intermediate beekeepers with at least a year of beekeeping experience.

HONING YOUR BEEKEEPING SKILLS

A series of short monthly classes for beekeepers who are in their second or third year of beekeeping or beyond. Each month Bridgetown Bees will explore a timely beekeeping topic in detail. Classes are held at Cully Farm Store, 4209 NE Alberta St. Next class: ALL CLASSES POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. PLEASE CHECK BACK IN 2025.

Second Year Beekeeping: What Do I Do Now?

Designed for the city beekeeper who likely already has a colony of bees who is ready and eager to learn more. Topics include evaluating the strength of spring colonies, making splits, swarm prevention techniques, capturing swarms, maximizing honey production and making some of your own equipment. The class includes a two-hour classroom lecture and a two-hour field trip to Glen’s apiary in Northeast Portland for live
demonstrations and hands-on learning
(weather permitting). Check back for next class.