​Spring, 2025​

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This immersive workshop focuses on equipping participants with foundational and advanced skills in beekeeping while integrating sustainable living principles. Participants will learn how to maintain healthy bee colonies, support pollination for permaculture systems, and produce honey and beeswax—all vital for self-reliance in times of crisis or emergency.

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CURRICULUM:

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​            Day 1: Introduction to Beekeeping & Sustainable Practices

                      -     Morning:

                                         •    Welcome & orientation to Golden Cup Homestead’s wilderness.

                                         •    Overview of beekeeping: history, benefits, and role in permaculture.
​​​​​​​​​​​                                         •    Understanding the anatomy and behavior of honeybees.

                      -     Afternoon:

                                         •    Tour of the apiary setup and natural beekeeping methods.

                                         •    How to build sustainable and low-cost hives (e.g., top-bar and Warre hives).

                      -     Evening:

                                         •    Fireside discussion: The significance of bees in crisis-proof ecosystems.​​

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            Day 2: Practical Beekeeping Techniques

                      -     Morning:

                                         •    Setting up your apiary: hive placement, tools, and equipment.

                                         •    Hands-on hive assembly workshop.

                      -     Afternoon:

                                         •    Caring for your bees: inspecting hives, identifying queen health, and           

                                               monitoring colony behavior.

                                         •    Managing pests and diseases naturally (e.g., using essential oils or integrated 

                                               pest management techniques).

                      -     Evening:

                                         •    Starry night discussion: The art of observation and listening to nature for

                                               survival.

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            Day 3: Beekeeping for Permaculture and Survival

                      -     Morning:

                                         •    Pollination and its role in sustainable agriculture.

                                         •    Integrating beekeeping with permaculture design: crop planning for

                                               pollinators.

                                         •    Beekeeping in emergencies: how to start a colony with minimal resources.

                                         •    How to source and preserve natural forage plants for bees.​​

                      -     Afternoon:

                                         •    Harvesting and processing honey and beeswax sustainably.

                                         •    DIY: Making beeswax candles, balms, and survival products.

                                         •    Final group project: Build and present a sustainable beekeeping plan tailored

                                               to a real-life crisis scenario.

                      -     Evening:

                                         •    Community sharing: What we’ve learned and how to spread knowledge in a

                                               crisis.

                                         •    Celebration potluck featuring honey-themed dishes and a certificate

                                               ceremony.

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ADDITIONAL NOTES:

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                      •    Skills Developed: Hive building, colony management, honey extraction, permaculture

                            integration, and crisis-response planning.

                      •    Sustainability Emphasis: Workshops focus on low-tech, natural methods and emphasize

                            resourcefulness using materials from the Golden Cup wilderness.

                      •    Location Highlights: Utilize the serene natural backdrop for hands-on practice, including

                            the artesian springs and redwood grove.

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            This program ensures that participants leave with practical knowledge and confidence to support

            resilient ecosystems and communities.