The NRVBA’s 2026 Beginner’s Beekeeper Course (BBC) is open for registration. The course will include one in-person all-day session as follows:
Date: Saturday, February 21st, 2026
Location: Selu Conservancy in Radford
Time: 9:00AM – 4:00 PM
Hands-on instruction at an apiary will also be offered later in the spring as early as weather permits. Date(s) are TBD.
Topics for the course will include:
- Intro / Terminology
- Bee Biology / Lifecycle
- Diseases and Pests
- Site Selection, Getting Bees, Tools, Woodenware
- First Hive and Install
- Varroa and Options
- Hive Evaluation
- Seasonal Beekeeping
- Tips and Q&A
The deadline to register is February 10, 2026. Sign-ups will be limited to 50 individuals. Free raffle prizes and snacks / lunch will be provided. The cost for the course is:
– Single attendee: $65, including a 1 year family membership to the NRVBA (NOTE: current members receive a $20 discount off this price).
– Up to (max) one additional attendee / family member: additional $30
– Student price: $25
TO REGISTER FOR THE COURSE: Please follow the below instructions carefully.
1. Payment can be sent by one of three methods; it is recommended to include a note with your name(s) and info in your payment:
– Send a Paypal payment to nrvbeekeepersassoc@gmail.com OR
– If your bank supports Zelle, send a Zelle payment to treasurer.nrvbeekeepersassoc@gmail.com (Note! The prefix “treasurer.” is required for a Zelle payment.) OR
– By check payable to NRVBA, mailed to:
NRVBA
PO Box 6
Pilot, VA 24138
2. REGARDLESS of payment type sent, ALL enrollees should send an email to bbc.nrvbeekeepersassoc@gmail.com giving full name(s), contact information including email and phone, and how payment was sent. Please make sure to include your contact information to ensure your registration is completed properly.
Here’s a recording of a previous information session that includes general information about beekeeping and the course:
New River Valley Beekeepers' Association 