Morris Somerset Beekeepers Association Presents: Beginner Beekeeping
This three-day course includes 2 full days in the classroom, lunch provided, & 1 field day.
​
It will cover all aspects of entry level beekeeping for the Hobbyist in NJ. This course fulfills the legal requirements of the State of New Jersey for beekeeper education.
​
No prior knowledge of honeybees or beekeeping is required. This class is offered by the Morris Somerset County Beekeepers Association and instruction is led by Master Beekeepers Bailey Wright and Kathy Liu. The class will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 140 S Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Directions Here
Class dates are February 7 and 21, 2026. There will be at least one ‘hands-on’ field inspection of bee hives held at a location to be determined, and which will be subject to weather conditions.
​
The classes are held on:
Saturday February 7th from 8:30 – 3:30
Saturday February 21 from 8:30 – 3:30
​
Class size is limited to 40 students NJBA scholarship is available, click for details.
​
Attendees must be at least 14 years of age.
​
Topics Covered:
-
Biology & Behavior
-
Beekeeper’s Toolkit – Equipment
-
Safety & Stings
-
Setting Up Your Apiary
-
Bee Health Fundamentals
-
Seasonal Management
-
Plants for Pollinators
-
Queens & Colony Dynamics
-
Reading Frames
-
Honey Harvesting & Hive Products
The textbook “Storey’s Guide to Keeping Honey Bees” by Sanford and Bonney, and handouts will be provided. The cost is $150
​
There is a $25 discount for the following (verification required):
-
active 4-H members (use registration code 4-H)
-
active FFA members (use registration code FFA)
-
all U.S. Veterans (use registration code Vet)
-
First Responders (use registration code FR)
There will be an opportunity to purchase equipment, supplies and bees at the conclusion of the course.
​
Questions or concerns? Fill out our contact form and we would be happy to help!
​​