Beekeeping course, new association coming to the Pee Dee

Published: December 14, 2011

CONWAY — There’s a buzz across the Pee Dee. Clemson University Extension has helped form a new beekeepers association in the lower Pee Dee called the Blackwater Beekeepers Association.  

The association will meet for the first time in January, and also will offer a fundamentals of beekeeping short course for new and beginning beekeepers.

The six-week course covers equipment and tools of the trade, proper handling of bees, harvesting honey and wax, managing pests, bee health and much more. Classes are from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 23 and 30; Feb. 6, 20 and 27; and March 3 at the Horry County Extension office, 1949 Industrial Park Road, Conway.

The cost of the course is $40, which includes all study materials. To register or for more information, call 843-365-6715 or email ndawsey@clemson.edu.

The course will be taught by Clemson's state bee specialist Mike Hood, master craftsman David MacFawn and local experienced beekeepers. This is this the first step in becoming a Certified Master Beekeeper. For more information, visit the S.C. State Beekeepers website.

The first monthly meeting of the Blackwater association is 6 p.m. Jan. 9, also at the Horry County Extension office.

Membership dues are $25 for the year, payable at the January meeting. The dues include membership in the state association.  

For more information, contact Jerry Dickinson at 843-365-4513 or Ben Powell at 843-365-6715, ext. 112.

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