Beekeeping
Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to keep bees? Whether you’re just beginning to explore the idea or you’ve done the research and aren’t sure how to take the first step, this hands-on class will guide you from curiosity to confidence. Join us for an engaging afternoon exploring the fascinating world inside the hive. Learn how bees live and work together, what equipment you truly need to get started, and what a full year looks like in the life of a beekeeper—from spring setup to winter care. Watch a live hive-building demonstration, then choose to observe or build your own hive to take home. By the end of the class, you’ll walk away with practical knowledge, clear direction, and the confidence to start beekeeping as a rewarding hobby—or even the foundation for a small business.
Optional – Materials Cost $130, payable to the instructor during class
This will be for an unassembled hive, which includes the following to get you started
(does not include bees):
1 9” (24.45 cm) Unassembled 10 Frame Hive Body
Assembled frames with Beeswax Coated Plastic Foundation
1 Assembled Telescoping Cover w/Notched Inner Cover
Assembled Solid Bottom Board w/Reducer
10 9” (23.18 cm) Unassembled Groove Top/Groove Bottom Frames
10 8½” (28.59 cm) Natural Color Waxed Rite-Cell® Foundation
7D and 1¼” Nails for assembly
Meet Your Instructor:
Patti Travioli
Patti is a traditional herbalist, horticulturist, and beekeepress at Heartwood Forest Farm in Cedar, Michigan, where she specializes in cultivating culinary and medicinal herbs. With a deep connection to the land, she draws artistic inspiration from the diverse plants around her, using nature as her canvas. Patti is passionate about sharing the healing and creative potential of the natural world, encouraging others to step outside and immerse themselves in the beauty and wisdom nature has to offer.
Class Details:
Location: Green Door Folk School – 2312 E Kasson Rd, Cedar, MI
Date/Time: March 28 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Additional Materials Cost: For students interested in building a hive, a materials of $130 will be collected during the class.
Prerequisites/Skill Level/Age Requirements:
- No prior experience required.
- Ages 18+
Booking Information:
What happens after I book the class? After you book, we will send you a confirmation email that you are IN! A week out from the class, we will send you an email with more details about our meeting locations and some housekeeping items.
Where can I stay if I’m coming from out of town? If you’re traveling for a class, we highly recommend a stay at Cedar North, a cozy farm-stay just steps from the Green Door Schoolhouse. Nestled on a permaculture farm in Leelanau County, Cedar North offers peaceful garden views, the charm of a working goat farm, and room to roam and reflect. NOTE: Indicate you are a Green Door student at checkout for a discounted rate.
Policies:
Go for it! If you’re curious about getting into beekeeping, or simply love to enhance your knowledge about pollinators, this is the class for you!