University of Nevada, Reno Extension is holding a beginning beekeeping workshop for new beekeepers and beekeepers looking to hone their skills. The two-day workshop will be held Feb. 18, 6 – 8:45 p.m., and Feb. 19, 8 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., at Fuji Park, 601 Old Clear Creek Road in Carson City.

Lindsay Chichester, Extension educator in Douglas County, and Del Barber, a multi-generational and certified Master Beekeeper who founded the Great Basin Beekeepers, will be teaching the workshops. Other presenters will also share their expertise with participants, including:

• Jessica Gardner, Extension horticulture outreach coordinator in Douglas County, will discuss plants for pollinators and other forage habitat points of importance.
• Kay Godbey, a member of the Douglas County Bee and Pollinator Club, will bring years of financial expertise and educate participants in budgets to help beginning beekeepers evaluate the costs of beekeeping.
• Daunelle and Weldon Wulstein with Sierra Shadows Honey and Lavender Farm, will discuss treasures from the hive. With over 300 lavender plants on their acreage, the Wulstein’s have created an oasis for a variety of pollinators, including their own honeybees.

Chichester started a beekeeping program in Gardnerville in 2020 and currently has six hives that she is overwintering. In 2021, the Douglas County Bee and Pollinator Club began, and now the Douglas County 4-H Beekeeping Club is kicking off its first year.

“I’m hoping this class will help beekeepers make fewer mistakes through education, thus saving money on the investment,” Chichester said. “For those asking themselves ‘to bee or not to bee?’ this class will go through the ins and outs of beekeeping by offering more than 10 hours of instruction.”

Individual tickets are $100 per person until Feb. 15, and discounts are available for additional family members. Tickets for 4-H Youth Development members are $50. After Feb. 15, ticket prices will go up to $125 per person and $75 per 4-H youth. Participants will receive handouts and snacks. Lunch will be provided on Feb. 19.

To sign up for the Beginning Beekeeping workshop or for more information, contact Chichester at her email or 775-782-9960. Or, register for the event online. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should call or notify Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator, at Lessick's email or 702-257-5577 at least three days prior to the scheduled event.