I have learned so much about bees since taking on this fascinating hobby! The Iowa Honey Producers Association collaborates to present excellent six-week sessions for beginning beekeepers throughout Iowa every spring. I have taken those classes two different years.
Getting to know other beekeepers has been the best way to learn about bees. I am grateful for all the advice and time spent with me by experienced beekeepers!
There also are many, many good resources on the web. Following is a list of valuable websites for more information.
National Pollinator Week (usually in June)
National Honey Bee Day (usually in August)
Plant. Grow. Fly. Des Moines Blank Park Zoo’s program to increase bee habitat in home gardens
University of Minnesota Bee Lab (all sorts of interesting things!)
University of Minnesota bee research
Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation (pollinator conservation):
Bee Informed Partnership annual winter loss survey
Cool information portal on all things bees
Pollinator Stewardship Council (beekeepers educational/advocacy organization):
Bee Lady Honey 