Honey Bee Basics

An introductory class about honey bees and the Hayes Valley Farm hives

When: Sunday, September 12 - 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Description: Join us for an introductory class about honey bees in general, and the SF Bee-Cause honey bee colonies that were (and again will be) hived at Hayes Valley Farm. We will talk about the lifecycles and biological roles of individual members of the hive (workers, drones and queen), and how those members behave as a “super-organism” with its own lifecycle and biological goals that change with the seasons and environmental conditions. We will discuss the health and safety risks of beekeeping, and those in the vicinity of beekeeping activities, as well as the cost, time and other commitments critical to being a “responsible” urban Finally, we will discuss the evolutionary pressures honey bees are experiencing in the US and worldwide, how non- beekeepers can help maintain healthy populations of this “powerhouse of pollinators” and her native bee cousins. We will answer any questions you may have. At the end of this class, we hope you will feel equipped to take on the role “honey bee ambassador” whenever the occasions arises in your personal life. Help increase public understanding and appreciation of honey bees, dispel unwarranted fears with facts, and prevent senseless acts of violence against our urban bees.

Instructors: Volunteer(s) of San Francisco Bee-Cause

Cost and Considerations: $20-40 sliding scale.

Karen Peteros of SF Bee Cause, Head Beekeeper at Hayes Valley Farm
Photo by Booka Alon, July 22, 2010