About

This class has been canceled. 2/24/22 SK

This class has pre-requisites. Please see below.

Slammed by insecticides and robbed of longtime forage because of increased use of herbicides, honeybees need some love — which, of course, they return in the form of honey.

You are invited to bring a child 10 years old or older to this class, during which you will build a horizontal-style beehive. It's sized to accommodate standard-size "deep" frames, about 9½ inches tall. 

A horizontal hive offers distinct benefits compared to standard stacking-box type hives. To access their lower sections, you need to move upper boxes, which can weigh 50 pounds when loaded with honey. But with a horizontal beehive, you just lift one honey-filled frame at a time. It's less work for you and less stress on the bees because their whole environment doesn't need to be disturbed. A horizontal hive keeps the bees up off the ground, which helps keep pests out and saves you from stooping over. Also, the horizontal style is easier to adjust come winter. You can insert a board to close off unneeded space, keeping bees warmer and healthier. With stacking boxes, if you take some off for the winter, you will need a place to store the empties. 

Appropriately for this class, a horizontal hive is much easier to build than standard hive boxes are, which means you should be able to complete your hive during this two-day class. You will spend the first day cutting the parts, which include foam insulation in the lid and thick solid-wood sides. You will get practice on the miter saw and table saw, including use of a dado blade. The second day, you will assemble your hive.

If you want to paint the exterior, which will help the hive last longer, you will need to do that after you take it home. Beehives have traditionally been painted white, but you can choose any color you want. The bees don't care, as long as you paint only the exterior. Leftover house paint would work fine. 

To learn how to care for your bees, you might want to check out the website of West Sound Beekeepers Association (www.westsoundbees.org), which says April is an ideal time to start a hive in our area.

Details:

• Ages 14+ are welcome as registrants.
  
• Registrants must have taken Orientation to the Woodshop and Woodshop Tool Safety Checkout 1. Multiple sessions are listed on the Woodworking Calendar. Before you register for this class, please log in to your BARN account and click on "My event registrations" to ensure you will have completed these requirements in time.
• Please click here for BARN's current COVID-19 health & safety protocols. 
• You must wear safety glasses and closed-toe shoes, tie back long hair, and avoid loose-fitting clothing and jewelry. We recommend bringing your own safety glasses.
• BARN is committed to accessibility. Tuition Assistance is available - click here to fill out the simple application before registering for a class. For those who might need physical assistance, please learn about BARN's Companion Program here.