Interested in learning about bees and beekeeping?
The California Master Beekeeper Program (CAMBP) has just released its schedule of classes for the 2026 year.
Some classes are in-person, some are hybrid (in-person and remote), and some are only remote (Zoom).
The first class, "Introduction to Beekeeping," is a 3-hour remote class that takes place on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
You'll explore the history of beekeeping and the basics of beekeeping today, according to the CAMBP website.
- The ancient history of the honey bee's origin and how we came to keep bees in North America
- Beekeeping protective gear and hive equipment
- Beekeeping clubs, associations and resources
- Beekeeping and honey bee suppliers
- How to make informed choices on how to start a beehive
CAMBP, founded in 2016 by bee scientist Elina Lastro Niño, professor of Cooperative Extension, Apiculture, and a member of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology faculty, uses science-based information to educate stewards an ambassadors for honey bees and beekeeping. It is a continuous train-the-trainer effort. "CAMBP’s vision," as specified on its website, "is to certify Honey Bee Ambassador, Apprentice, Journey, and Master level beekeepers so they can effectively communicate the importance of honey bees and other pollinators within their communities, serve as mentors for other beekeepers, and become the informational conduit between the beekeeping communities throughout the state and UC Cooperative Extension staff. Explore the Certifications Page for more information."
Co-program managers are Wendy Mather and Kian Nikzad. CAMBP is headquartered in the Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility, located on Bee Biology Drive, Davis, off Hutchinson Drive.
"Do you want to be a beekeeper?" ask CAMBP officials, in a post on Facebook. First, they say, "pause and consider":
- Beekeeping is more than a box of bees and a jar of honey.
- It’s seasonal care.
- It’s observation and patience.
- It’s responsibility—to the bees, your neighbors, and the ecosystem.
Before bringing bees home, CAMBP says, ask yourself these questions:
- Am I ready to learn the rhythms of a honey bee colony?
- Do my local ordinances and municipal codes allow beekeeping where I live?
- Do I have the time to monitor, feed, and manage colonies when needed?
- Am I open to science-based guidance—not just social media advice?
- Do I have the financial resources and long-term commitment this stewardship requires?
"If you’re bee-curious and want to start on solid ground, we’ve got you covered," CAMBP officials say.
Honestly, it's a bee-utiful world out there, and learning about these pollinators makes it even more so. To register for the Feb. 7th class, access this page. For more information, contact cambp@ucdavis.edu.
Cover image: A beekeeper points to a queen bee. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)