Get Practical Beekeeping Knowledge at Connecticut Beekeepers Association's 2026 Online Bee School

Connecticut Beekeepers Association
10 hours ago
3 min read

Bee School 2026

1 Ticket / 4 Sessions

10AM - 12PM

Jan 10 • Jan 17 • Jan 24 • Jan 31

Are you brand new to beekeeping or already a seasoned keeper?

You'll find the basics and newly updated information at CBA's 2026 Bee School

Join us for a comprehensive online program where experienced beekeepers share the newest insights in backyard beekeeping. You’ll learn practical skills, get clear answers to your questions, and gain knowledge you can put to use right away.

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Members receive 25% off Bee School registration - Join Now >

2026 Online Bee School for Beginner and Returning Beekeepers

Whether you’re brand new to backyard beekeeping or looking to sharpen your skills and get the latest information on current practices, our 2026 online Bee School has you covered. This four-part event series is hosted by Connecticut Beekeepers Association and brings together expert instructors for two hours each Saturday in January.

Build confidence, ask questions, and leave each session with practical skills to apply right away in your own backyard apiary.

What You'll Learn

Session 1 - Saturday, January 10th

Basic Terminology and Equipment, with Walter Schwarz
The Colony and Its Organization, with Bill Hesbach

Session 2 - Saturday, January 17th

Setting Up Your Hive in Suburban Areas, with Dr. Dewey Caron
Getting Started in Beekeeping, with Dr. Dewey Caron

Session 3 - Saturday, January 24th

Navigating the Management of Your New Colony Through the Seasons, with Bill Hesbach

Session 4 - Saturday, January 31st

Bee Diseases, Pest Management and the Registration of Your Colonies, with Paula Wolfe

Learn from Beekeeping Experts

Dr. Dewey M. Caron

Dr. Caron, Emeritus Professor of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware and Affiliate Professor at Oregon State University, is a renowned entomologist with extensive expertise in honey bee biology and management. After retiring in 2009, Dr. Caron moved to Portland, Oregon, where he remains highly active in bee education, writing, and outreach. He has authored numerous publications, including the widely-used textbook Honey Bee Biology & Beekeeping and The Complete Bee Handbook. Dr. Caron is deeply involved in organizations like the Eastern Apicultural Society (EAS) and Western Apicultural Society (WAS), where he has served in leadership roles and contributed to initiatives like the Honey Bee Health Coalition. He continues to conduct surveys, write for major bee magazines, and deliver bee courses and presentations nationwide.

Bill Hesbach

Hesbach is a Connecticut native with a background in engineering. He's an Eastern Apicultural Society Certified Master Beekeeper and a graduate of the University of Montana's Master Beekeeping Program. Bill is on the Board of Directors for the Eastern Apicultural Society and is President of the Connecticut Beekeepers Association. Bill teaches bee biology and beekeeping methods at events hosted by regional organizations and appears as a guest speaker at national seminars. He's a published author, with articles appearing in Bee Culture, Bee Craft, and The American Bee Journal.

Walter Schwarz

Schwarz is a Master Beekeeper from Cheshire, Connecticut. He learned the basics of beekeeping from Dr. Chip Taylor at the University of Kansas. He earned his Master Beekeeper certification through the Midwest Master Beekeeping Program, under the guidance of Dr. Marion Ellis at the University of Nebraska. Walter has a passion for teaching and has mentored dozens of new beekeepers in Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, and Connecticut. He is the secretary of the Connecticut Beekeepers Association, where he manages its mentorship program.

Paula Wolfe

State Beekeeping Inspector

Get a Strong Start on Your Beekeeping Year

Jump into beekeeping the right way, with a solid base of knowledge and scientific understanding of what's going on in your hives. Attend the sessions that apply to your needs, and learn from top pros who really know their stuff. Each session is packed with insight, field-tested advice, and time for your questions. Whether you’re preparing for your first hive or planning your next expansion, this course delivers essential guidance and updated best practices from leaders in the field.