Holistic beekeeping class offered

The Sustainable Living Coalition is offering a holistic beekeeping class from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 5-6 at its Sustainability Education and Enterprise Development Center near Abundance EcoVillage.

The introductory workshop in holistic beekeeping taught by Karl Kates is designed to help teach people interested in learning alternative methods in beekeeping, working with native pollinators and developing a greater understanding of the connection people can achieve with nature. The philosophy engages all aspects of nature from perception, conceptual understanding, and includes practices from which everyone, both experienced beekeepers or novices, can benefit.

?The main goal of offering this class is to provide knowledge to concerned individuals,? said Kates. ?With this knowledge, the hope is that they will consider options that they can comfortably incorporate into their lives. Even the smallest act on behalf of nature will make a difference. Building habitat, planting flowers, giving nature a little space, building a series of permanent local sanctuaries for all pollinators both domesticated and native.?

Advanced registration is required. Cost is $100 per person, which includes all materials and handouts. Contact Kates at beebuddies@me.com or 641-455-4445 for information or registration.

Space is limited.

Course materials and handouts help provide a foundation and reference guide to allow every student to formulate an ideal oasis that allows for a reconnection with nature. It will simplify the process and place knowledge into the hands of those wishing to embrace nature and offer assistance.

The class is broken up into four sections:

? Section 1 Honeybees

A. Guide to keeping bees

B. Small scale beekeeping

C. Basic management and honey standards

D. Survivor stock

E. Bee breeding secrets

F. Healing tea

G. Feeding honey and Sugar

H. Document A-J

I. Mistakes to avoid

J. IDALS sensitive crop directory

K. Iowa honey plants

L. Iowa honey producers

M. Parts of the honeybee

? Section 2 Hive Systems

? Section 3 Plants and Benefits

? Section 4 News, Miscellaneous