Maine Bee Schools in 2026

Acquiring some basic but essential skills is critical to becoming a successful beekeeper. “Bee School” will get you off to a great start. Classes run for varying lengths from January through April, all over the state. They are conducted by local chapters, adult education programs, beekeeping supply businesses and in cooperation with county extension offices.

These practical courses are a must for beginners, and a great chance for intermediate level beekeepers to update and refresh their skills. In-person learning has many advantages, but due to public health concerns some programs have been switched to online. Either way, acquiring an educational foundation in beekeeping will greatly improve your chances of success!

If you are a new beekeeper,  locate a chapter in your area to get help or find a mentor. Most of these clubs also hold open hive demos during the summer months.

2026 In-Person Courses

Bath
Intermediate Beekeeping with Master Beekeeper Carolyn Nichols

This six-session intermediate beekeeping course is designed for beekeepers with at least 2–3 years of hands-on experience who are ready to deepen their skills and expand their hive management knowledge. Participants will learn to identify and treat diseases, integrated pest management for varroa mites, hive configurations (nucs, splits, double nucs, Demaree) queens and swarm management, honey bee nutrition, and processing beeswax.

Thursday nights at Morse High School in Bath, 826 Shipbuilder Way, Room 160. Cost: $150
March 12, 19, 26; April 2, 9 and June 13 open hive session (raindate June 14) in the Morse High School apiary. Bring your bee suit!

Online Courses

Beekeeping Through the Seasons
With Master Beekeeper Karen Thurlow

Improve your apiary skills with a comprehensive, 6-month course designed for current beekeepers. From hive dynamics to winter prep, learn to make sound decisions in real-time.

What You’ll Learn:
Seasonal Management: Honey production, queen health, and brood patterns.
Hive Health: Varroa monitoring, pest control, and disease management.
Practical Skills: Troubleshooting common challenges and late-season transitions.

When: 2nd Wednesday of each month (May–Oct)
Time: 7:00–8:00 PM AST | 6:00–7:00 PM EST

Format: Live via Zoom

(All sessions recorded for later viewing)

$40 per class or $210 for the full season (Save $30)

Karen Thurlow is the former Chief Apiary Inspector for the Province of New Brunswick. Prior to that she ran New Moon Apiary for many years in Yarmouth, Maine and continues to consult for beekeepers across North America.
Register Now: newmoonapiary@gmail.com

Free Online Courses

Many online courses and YouTube videos are helpful as a supplement to in-person Bee Schools, but they may not be an adequate substitute for local learning. Your beekeeping management must be geared to Maine’s climate conditions.

University of Guelph (Ontario)

Honey Bee Research Centre
“How-To Beekeeping Video Series” a comprehensive library of videos from getting started to more advanced topics.

National Cooperative Extension Resource

First Lessons in Beekeeping: Honey Bee Biology
Basic Beekeeping Techniques

Scientific Beekeeping

First Year Beekeeping is presented by biologist and commercial beekeeper Randy Oliver

Heroes to Hives

Free online beekeeping program for Veterans, Reservists, Active Duty or National Guard members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their adult children, spouses, partners and caregivers. www.HeroesToHives.com

Hives for Heroes

Hives for Heroes® is a national non-profit service organization focusing on sustainability, conservation, and providing a healthy transition from service. Through our national network of beekeepers, we provide connection, purpose, and healthy relationships, through access, resources, and funding for Active Duty, Veterans, and First Responders. www.hivesforheroes.com

Watch videos here to learn the step-by-step process, roles, responsibilities, and expectations of Hives for Heroes membersc