Continuing Education

julia teaching beekeeping class

beekeeping classes in person

Traditional learning in the classroom, using the State Apiarist’s slides as a backbone and updated yearly

  • Beekeeping 101 (Tuesdays beginning in January)
  • Beekeeping 201 (Thursdays in February)
  • Winter Beekeeping (Tuesdays in July)
  • Offered through Johnston Community Education

All courses include an in-person group hive inspection. 101 is certified with the Great Plains Master Beekeeping Program. 

Register by Jan. 13, 2023, and get a new Beekeepers Calendar

Sign up now
julia gets a swarm of bees from a tree

be a beekeeping shadow

Like job shadowing. Be one of four “Shadows” to aid your own beekeeping journey for a season.

  • Take part in hive inspections. One Shadow per inspection, once a month with a maximum of 4 inspections per year (offered in May, June, July, August, and September), on a weekend afternoon in beautiful Madison County. Holiday weekends are available and will take 2 – 4 hours depending on the work plan for the day.
  • Use your shadow time for technical questions about your bees.
  • Get last minute invitations to participate in swarm calls at your comfort level as Julia collects swarms for her apiary.
inquire here

monthly newsletter goodness

Val said it well:

Julia is passionate about bees, and it shows in every project and communication that she gets involved in!  She sends out informative emails that provide essential information on what a beekeeper should focus on, based on the time of the year.  Her content is written in a manner that makes you feel like you are sitting with her, having a conversation!  I highly recommend getting on her distribution list if you aren’t already!

Send it to me!
julia with a sunflower at sunset

beekeeping classes on demand

Recorded classes will be available for

  • Beekeeping 101
  • Winter Beekeeping

anticipating a launch during the second week of Feb. 2023 

>Keep an eye on this spot<

chelsea and julia with bees

bee club's private facebook group

Engage with over 1000 members of the Des Moines Backyard Beekeepers Club and draw on years of tradition and knowledge.

  • Access to posts, files, and photos dating from 2013 to the present
  • Monthly club meetings
  • Ask questions to community members will all levels of experience
  • website available for non-facebook users (click here)
Join here