Join Janine in exploring what is involved in stewarding the honey bee. Some of the many topics covered will be:

• uncovering the reasons you would like to steward honey bees

• location recommendations for the hive

• options for hive bodies

• set up of your hive

• financial investment

• products of the hive

• seasonal timeline for preparing to steward bees

You will have an opportunity to see the tools, explore resources, ask questions and better understand what is required to support you in keeping bees in the coming year. 

Beginning on Saturday, January 13th, over the course of 3 consecutive weeks, Janine will guide you through an introduction to the first year of beekeeping. For more hands on learning, register for an additional 3 weeks where we will meet in spring, summer and fall - onsite at an apiary - to support your learning with the bees.

Janine lives in Columbus Ohio and currently stewards several hives of honey bees in both urban and rural environments. She and her husband have been beekeeping for the past 10 years and are stewarding a variety of hives using sustainable practices; Top Bar, Langstroth (10 and 8 frame) and a Long Hive. Janine grew up keeping bees with her family in southern Indiana through much of her childhood.

In July 2014, Janine completed a 2 year natural and sustainable bee keeping certification with Gunther Hauk of Spikenard Bee Sanctuary in Floyd Virginia. She continues to travel to Virginia to deepen her studies with Spikenard Bee Sanctuary and biodynamic farming practices. Janine has a passion for honey bees, pollinators of all kinds, honey and the natural world.  Janine currently teaches a unique natural and sustainable beekeeping series at City Folk’s Farm Shop in Columbus Ohio.