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

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.
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!

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<
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)