Trainee Beekeepers
Each year, Appalachian Headwaters trains and supports a class of new beekeepers as they learn the art, science, and business of beekeeping.
Through the fall and winter, our staff members teach a series of programs designed to introduce beginners to the skills and knowledge required for successful beekeeping. We then use an application process to select a class of trainee beekeepers from the pool of people who attended our classes.
In late spring, we provide our new partners with strong hives of overwintered bees and the equipment necessary for their hives to thrive. Headwaters provides these materials on a sliding scale based on household income. Many of our members receive their materials for free, while others have their portion of the cost deducted from honey sales later in the season.
Our staff works closely with our partner beekeepers throughout the year as they maintain their hives and process their honey. We support ABC members with regular visits to their apiaries, open hive demonstrations, and on-call help for any beekeeping issues. This support also ensures that all members are abiding by our natural beekeeping protocol. To learn more about how you can join next year’s class of new partner beekeepers, visit here.
Hear more about the experience from of one of our member beekeepers:
2018 Class of Beekeepers
Mike Davis – Coal City, West Virginia
Emily Landseidel – Ronceverte, West Virginia
Beth and Neal LaFerriere – Alderson, West Virginia
Gail Murano – Flat Top, West Virginia
Melvin Smith – Fayetteville, West Virginia
Lynn Reed – Hinton, West Virginia
Vickie Hylton – Danese, West Virginia
Clinton Curtis – Fayette County, West Virginia
Bruce Alley – Rupert, West Virginia
Carie Ortman – Alderson, West Virginia
Larry Cochran – Jumping Branch, West Virginia
Jennifer Ford – Princeton, West Virginia
Walker Hager – Ronceverte, West Virginia
Lora Winston – Lewisburg, West Virginia
Vicki Gallaher – Crawley, West Virginia
Curtis Jones – Hinton, West Virginia
Richard Allen Hawver – Ronceverte, West Virginia
Leisa Moten – Pipestem, West Virginia
Jerry Belcher – Princeton, West Virginia
Kate Wood – Alderson, West Virginia
Jana Walls – Athens, West Virginia
Kevin Johnson – Alderson, West Virginia
Timothy Hoke – Peterstown, West Virginia
Benjamin Hatcher – Beckley, West Virginia
John Sharp – Ghent, West Virginia
Taylor Ray – Beaver, West Virginia
Jason Young – White Oak, West Virginia
Drema and Billy McNeal – Beckley, West Virginia
Kenneth Meadows – Pipestem, West Virginia
Theresa Biggs – Alderson, West Virginia
Kenny Brogan – Jumping Branch, West Virginia
Jonathon Lipscomb – Hinton, West Virginia
Bob Matson – Beckley, West Virginia
John Pauley – Crawley, West Virginia
Mark Richmond – Sandstone, West Virginia
Steve Pack – Hinton, West Virginia