Learn about bees and beekeeping: Helpful Resources
The resources on this page are aimed at helping you learn about bees and beekeeping. We hope you find this list of bee reference resources to be of some value.
Sign-up for Beekeeping Help
New to beekeeping? Beekeeping Classes
Beekeeping 101 Class is a 3-hour course designed for those interestng in learning about Honey Bees as well as those diving into beekeeping itself.
WHERE: 2990 Experiment Station Drive Hood River Oregon 97031
WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 2020
TIME: 9:00 AM to Noon
There are three proven keys to success for the new beekeeper:
- Join your local bee club – Columbia Gorge Beekeepers Association
- Take a beekeeping class
- Obtain a mentor – Consulting
Beekeeping should be understood from both biological and behavioral aspects.
Live in the Columbia River Gorge region?
Tell us about your needs or interests, and someone will be in touch with you soon.
About this Service
This service is being provided by a network of beekeepers in the Columbia River Gorge region, who are members of the Columbia Gorge Beekeepers Association.
The service is offered to beekeepers or wanna-bee beekeepers who live somewhere in Oregon or Washington, between Corbett to the west and Goldendale to the east.
Learn about Bees and Beekeeping Associations in Oregon
Oregon Master Beekeeper Program
The Oregon Master Beekeeper Program represents a cooperative effort between Oregon State University and the Oregon State Beekeepers Association to contribute to both the health of honey bee colonies and the integrity of the practice of beekeeping throughout the region.
- The Program begins January of each calendar year. Typically new students are selected for the coming year around September. You must have submitted your intent to enter the program by this time. To do so, go to this link – Apprentice Class Waiting List
Honey Bee Lab at Oregon State University
The OSU Honey Bee Lab conducts scientific research and engages in community outreach to help ensure the health and well-being of pollinators. They are a valuable resource for beekeepers as well as for community leaders and legislators wishing to learn more about what can be done to create sustainable environments.
Oregon State Beekeepers Association
Oregon State Beekeepers Association (OSBA) serves beekeepers throughout Oregon through its network of community branches. Branches are listed under Local Branches, with links to websites where applicable.
Washington State Beekeepers Association
Washington State Beekeepers Association (WSBA) serves beekeepers throughout Washington through its network of community branches. Branches are listed under Local Orgs, with links to websites where applicable.
National & Regional Beekeeper Associations
Western Apicultural Society
- A non-profit educational beekeeping organization, focused primarily on the needs of beekeepers in western North America.
Eastern Apiculture Society
- An international, non-profit educational organization founded in 1955 for the promotion of bee culture and beekeeper education.
American Beekeeping Federation
- The national beekeeping organization.
Bee Resources: Magazine and Online Bee Community Links
- The Magazine of American Beekeeping
American Bee Journal
- A magazine featuring news and practical information for both hobby and commercial beekeepers.
- Provides an online beekeeping forum where a range of beekeepers of varying levels of experience, can share information about beekeeping.
Bee Research and Advocacy Links
Specific to bees and pollinators
Bee Informed Partnership
- A collaboration of efforts across the country aimed at better understanding what’s causing, and how to prevent, honey bee declines in the U.S.
Honey Bee Health Coalition
- A coalition made up of almost 40 organizations and agencies from across food, agriculture, government, and conservation arenas.
- A non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to the protection and promotion of pollinators and their ecosystems.
Pollinator Stewardship Council
- Provides support to beekeepers and pollinators by ensuring the enforcement of pesticide laws and regulations, and by providing guidance and tools to defend pollinators.
Associations with a broader environmental focus
Pesticide Action Network-North America (PAN)
- PAN is one of five regional centers in the world which works to challenge the global proliferation of pesticides.
- An international, science-based conservation organization that protects wildlife through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats.