Instructor: Hank Smalling is a Journeyman Beekeeper and a SC Master Gardener. He has kept bees for 15+ years, is a past president of the Aiken Beekeepers and currently coordinates and teaches their annual beginner beekeeping class. Description: Bees are crucial pollinators, playing a vital role in the production of fruits, vegetables, and other crops. They are responsible for approximately one-third of our food supply, with honeybees alone supporting around $15 billion worth of agricultural crops in the U.S. each year. Come learn with us. This course will discuss key concepts of bees, beekeeping and pollinators for your garden. Session 1 reviews basic beekeeping concepts, hive components, bee tasks within the hive, products produced by honeybees, and annual hive activities. Session 2 discusses the type of plants that will attract pollinators to your garden year-round.