Beekeeping Courses

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension in Cumberland County holds beekeeping classes annually at the beginning of the year. (Classes offered each year will vary based on subject interest and instructor availability.)

Beginner Beekeeping Course

bee on yellow flowerThe Cumberland County Beginner Beekeeping Course will teach beginning beekeepers the basics of honey bee biology and beekeeping. The course is designed for those considering buying their first hives, those in their first year, and even those with a couple of years of experience who want to enhance their skills and knowledge. Learn evidence based approaches to beekeeping from experienced EAS Certified Master Beekeepers, Jacky Hildreth and Peter Richardson, and Master Beekeeper in Training Lindy Allen. The $110 fee for the course includes the cost of the textbook. Register for one of the five-part courses, either January 4 to February 1 (February 8 snow date), or February 15 to March 14 (March 21 snow date).

February 2024 Course

Every Thursday for 5 weeks
February 15–March 14, 2024
6:30–8:30 p.m.
(March 21 snow date)

Falmouth Regional Learning Center
Maximum 25 participants
Instructors: Jacky Hildreth and Lindy Allen

Registration Fee: $110 (includes The Beekeeper’s Handbook).

Register Online

Artificial Swarming and Swarm Management (Intermediate Level)

2024 Artificial Swarming and Swarm Management has been canceled.

This two-session class covers swarming in-depth. We will cover swarm biology and behavior, how to prevent and manage swarming in your colonies, how to use Swarm Traps and swarm lures, and swarm retrieval. The course will be offered at the Falmouth Regional Learning Center and led by EAS Certified Master Beekeepers Erin Evans.

February 14 and February 21, 2024
6:30–8:30 p.m.
(February 28 snow date)

Falmouth Regional Learning Center
Instructor: Erin Evans

Registration Fee: $35


Advanced Apiary Management

2024 Advanced Apiary Management has been canceled.

The Advanced Apiary Management Course is designed for beekeepers with 5 to 8 hives and a minimum of 3 years of experience. This 5-part course will cover topics including overwintering hives, disease and pest identification and management, mite management including monitoring and treatment options, swarm management, and queen rearing. The program will be offered over Zoom and led by EAS Certified Master Beekeepers Erin Evans. Recommended text: Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping, Third Edition (not included).

Every Wednesday for 6 weeks

Instructor: Erin Evans

Registration Fee: $75


Financial assistance may be available; please contact us at 207.781.6099 or 1.800.287.1471 (in Maine only).


Please let us know if you have any accommodation needs. Your request will be sent to Jason Lilley (jason.lilley@maine.edu, 207-781-6099). If you would feel more comfortable reaching out directly, please feel free to do so. Receiving requests for accommodations at least seven days before the program provides a reasonable amount of time to meet the request, however, all requests will be considered.


In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).