Beekeeping Program

 

Bees are amazing! They pollinate many food crops, provide a variety of useful products (honey, beeswax, propolis, pollen) and they are fascinating to care for. Trained beekeepers learn to be in tune with the changes of the season and how the hive ebbs and flows throughout the year. Currently, bees and beekeepers are facing many challenges. Pests, climate change, and the use of toxic pesticides have contributed to annual hive losses on average more than 50%.

Below are ways you can get more connected to beekeeping in Detroit. The Sweet on Detroit Beekeeper Training, Sweet on Detroit Beekeeping Club, and related support are exclusively for Garden Resource Program members.

2026 Sweet on Detroit Beekeeper Training

The Sweet on Detroit Beekeeper Training program is a series of hands-on classes designed to introduce gardeners to the art of beekeeping. Since 2007, this program has taught new beekeepers the skills needed to create and maintain healthy and thriving bee hives. The series is designed to address the essentials of starting and maintaining a hive including: the biology of bees, building hive equipment (supers and frames), installing bees in the hive, managing pests and diseases, hive maintenance, honey extraction, and winterizing hives. In addition to classes, Bee-ginners will have opportunities to gain hands-on experience during hive inspection sessions.

This is a comprehensive class with a requirement of attendance at 6 classes and at least 2 of the hive inspection days available. All classes and hive visits will be IN PERSON.

Students will be required to do independent reading and watch content related videos between sessions.

NOTE: This class is designed to teach students about beekeeping BEFORE they make the investment to start bees on their own. If you intend to start bees this season contact us for more information on and considerations before you get started. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, March 27th, 8PM.

THIS CLASS HAS A LIMITED CAPACITY OF 25 STUDENTS. NOT ALL APPLICANTS WHO APPLY WILL BE ACCEPTED

QUESTIONS? CONTACT KIDO@KEEPGROWINGDETROIT.ORG

  • Saturdays from late April to beginning of June 2

    Classes will be held at the Georgia Street Community Collective, 8902 Vinton St.

    NOTE: No class 5/23 in observance of Memorial Day weekend

  • Students are required to attend at least 2 inspections at local beekeepers hives. Dates, times and location TBA.

    NOTE: There will be several dates to choose from to accommodate peoples schedules.

  • The total cost for the course is $65. Payments can be made by check or paypal once you have been accepted into the class. Persons who wish to withdraw from the class will receive a full refund if notification is sent by 5PM on April 17th.

  • Limited full and partial scholarships are available for low-income households. We will let you know if you have received a scholarship by April 17th. Payment plans are also available upon request.

APPLY HERE

Sweet on Detroit Beekeeping Club

If you are actively keeping bees in Detroit and interested in participating in the Sweet on Detroit Beekeeping Club that meets monthly, reach out to Kido at kido@keepgrowingdetroit.org for more information.

Are you currently keeping bees in the city? Consider joining the Sweet on Detroit Beekeeping Club. The Sweet on Detroit Beekeeping Club provides beekeepers in Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park with opportunities to build their skills as beekeepers and connect with other beekeepers across the city through hands-on workshops, club meetings, and educational opportunities. To join you must be a member of the Garden Resource Program and actively keep bees in the city. Graduates of the Sweet on Detroit Beekeeper Training Program are encouraged to participate.

The Bee Club gathers monthly for workshops on advanced beekeeping topics, and field trips to local conferences, and provides a forum for urban beekeepers to share their knowledge and experiences with each other. Once a member you will receive a schedule of meetings, monthly updates, and meeting reminders. Club members also have access to our hand-crank and motorized honey extractors. Generally, the Bee Club meets on the last Tuesday of the month.

Interested? Contact Kido

Here’s an insider look into beekeeping

 

Did you know one beehive has over 60,000 bees and produces more than 100 lbs of honey in one season? This video gives an insiders’ look at this fascinating pastime as we dive into the inner workings of a hive, how bees make honey and what it takes to get a hive started.

 

Additional beekeeping support outside of Detroit

 

Let’s BEE buddies in the garden!

Join the Garden Resource Program