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ILLINOIS STATE BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION
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Calendar Page
Events


​Northern Illinois

None scheduled at this time in the Northern Region

Downstate Illinois

December 6, 2025 1 Day Beginner Beekeeping Class - Decatur Illinois
Sangamon Valley Beekeepers is conducting a 1 day Beginner Beekeeping Class.  See the below PDF for all the details.
If you cannot make the December class, it will be repeated two more times on January 17,2026 and February 28,2026.

If the PDF is not visible in the below window, click here to download the PDF
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February 12 - March 19, 2026 Introduction to Beekeeping -Springfield, Illinois
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Explore the fascinating world of honey bees and the steps to becoming a beekeeper at “Introduction to Beekeeping.”

The six session series is designed for someone interested in starting beekeeping or would just like to learn more about honey bees. Topics covered by experienced beekeepers include:
  • life of the bee
  • common pests and diseases
  • bee equipment
  • how to assemble bee equipment
  • new package installation
  • how to inspect a hive
  • care of the colony.

The six part series will be offered in person and via zoom on Thursday nights (6 PM to 7:30 PM)

The class session dates are February 12, 19, 26, and March 5, 12, 19 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm

All class sessions are scheduled for the Sangamon County Extension Office.

In addition to the weekly sessions, participants will be encouraged to view assigned recorded videos and review reading material.

If weather permits, an outdoor hive viewing inspection will be held on the last night.

This program is sponsored by University of Illinois Extension Logan-Menard-Sangamon Unit, Sangamon County Farm Bureau, and Prairie State Beekeepers Association.

Prairie State Beekeepers offer a limited number of scholarships for youth (ages 8 to 18).  The scholarship will pay for registration fee and starter bee equipment package and bees. The person(s) awarded a scholarship will need to attend in person with a legal guardian (no charge for the guardian to attend the class sessions).

Interested youth should visit Prairie State Beekeepers website at: 
 
https://www.prairie-state-beekeepers.com/scholarship-application.html

Registration fee of $45 includes copy of First Lessons in Beekeeping book, shipping of book is an additional charge if you cannot pick up the book and other class materials before the start of the 1st class session.

Advance registration is required and is on-line and is open January 2 through January 31.

Class registration will close at end of the day on January 31, 2026

The below registration link will not be active until January 2, 2026


The direct registration link to the Introduction to Beekeeping Class is here (not active yet) 

​In person attendance will limited to the first 40 persons to register.   Zoom attendees will be limited to the first 25.

To see all other education opportunities (including this class) on the University of Illinois  Extension Logan-Menard-Sangamon events webpage click here.

Questions, call the Extension office at (217) 782-4617​

WEEKLY
"Breakfast with Bees"
Open Invitation To All Beekeepers
Weekly Zoom Meeting

Join James and the “Breakfast with Bees” community.
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Are you a Beekeeper looking to expand your beekeeping experience?
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You are invited to join in and participate in a free Zoom meeting every Saturday morning.
with an expanding community of beekeepers from all levels of experience.
Hosted by: JAMES KONRAD, FVBA

All are invited to: "Breakfast with Bees" – Saturdays 7:30 am. via zoom.
  • We are a group chat and beekeeping community open to all who want to participate.​
  • Each week our gang of beekeepers of all levels; hobbyists, masters, sideliners, educators and commercial, all join via zoom to discuss weekly beekeeping topics for successful “sustainable management” of our hives.
  • Everyone is encouraged to contribute, ask questions, discuss, and learn.
  • Our community of beekeepers meets every week to discuss our beekeeping experiences.
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Meetings every Saturday morning, Start time is 7:30am.
Join us on zoom with the following,
Meeting ID = 889-0962-1870
Passcode = bees

For more information.
​Email: [email protected]

OUT OF STATE
No out of state events listed at this time

Contact ISBA
Illinois State Beekeepers Association      -    P.O. Box 21094    -   Springfield, IL   62708
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