Introduction to Beekeeping Course – El Paso & Las Cruces

Interested in becoming a beekeeper? Join the Paseo del Norte Beekeepers Association for our Intro to Beekeeping Course - a beginner-friendly program designed specifically for Southern New Mexico and Far West Texas region. This course blends weekly virtual instruction with hands-on field experience, giving you the knowledge, confidence, and local mentorship needed to start beekeeping successfully in our desert borderlands.

Whether you’re completely new to bees or looking for a refresher, you’ll learn practical hive management and seasonal best practices, and you’ll connect with a local community of beekeepers who can support you long after the course ends.

Note: This Intro to Beekeeping course is open to participants from across Southern New Mexico and Far West Texas. The hands-on portion is held at our community apiary in El Paso.

Virtual Classes & Hands-On Learning

Our Intro to Beekeeping Course combines the best of both worlds: weekly virtual learning and in-person practical sessions in our El Paso community apiary.

The course includes:

Weekly live Zoom classes with instruction, discussion, and Q&A. The day of the week and class time will be decided by the class members during the first session.
Hands-on weekend sessions (Saturday or Sunday) with live hive inspections and demonstrations in the El Paso and Las Cruces area. The exact day will be based on instructor availability and student preference.
Practical experience to build real confidence working with bees

What you’ll learn:

Hive setup, equipment, and basic management
Honey bee biology and behavior
Pests, diseases, and seasonal health awareness
Best practices for safe and sustainable beekeeping
Honey harvesting basics

By the end of the course, you’ll be prepared to manage bees as they become available in packages or small colonies (NUCs), with a strong understanding of what works locally in the El Paso and Las Cruces region.

Course Details

Start Date: February 9, 2026 (Time: 7PM)

Length: Approximately 6–8 weeks

Format: Weekly Zoom classes + hands-on weekend sessions

Location: Designed for participants in El Paso, TX, Las Cruces, NM, and surrounding areas

Pricing & Membership

The total cost includes both the course fee and your annual PDNBKA membership.

Individual: $100 + PayPal processing fee
Couple: $130 + PayPal processing fee

Your registration includes:

Access to all online and hands-on sessions
PDNBKA annual membership for 2026 ($30 value per person)
Ongoing access to monthly meetings, education, and local mentorship

If, after attending the first class, you decide beekeeping isn’t for you, we will happily refund the course portion of your tuition. Please note that annual membership dues are non-refundable.

Prices are subject to change. Any updates will be communicated in advance.

Local Mentorship & Community Support

Beekeeping is highly regional, and local mentorship is one of the most important tools for long-term success. Course participants are encouraged to connect with experienced PDNBKA members who can provide:

Practical guidance and troubleshooting support
Insight into seasonal management specific to the Southern New Mexico and Far West Texas
A welcoming community for questions and continued learning

We will also maintain a course curriculum page on our website so students can review lessons, follow along week by week, or revisit specific topics at any time.

How to Register

To register, please use the payment buttons on this page to complete your enrollment through PayPal. Once your payment is received, you will be added to the course list and receive further details.

Why Join?

Learn beekeeping with guidance from experienced local mentors
Build confidence through hands-on work with live hives
Connect with a supportive El Paso and Las Cruces beekeeping community
Get a strong foundation for success in your first season

Introduction to Beekeeping Course – El Paso & Las Cruces