Class at Elkhart botanic gardens aims to increase interest in saving bees

Seven people are participating in a weekly Intro to Beekeeping class at the gardens administration building, led by volunteer beekeeper for the gardens Stephen Pearson.

"They can expect to learn the difference between the bees, the equipment that is required for the bees and how much commitment you have to put into it," he said ahead of the first session Tuesday.

Pearson said he began beekeeping 13 years ago when he wanted to get more bees into his own garden. He brought some hives into the Wellfield Gardens and now manages those as well.

"I call it a hobby, I try to stay under 10 hives," he said. "It's not just a once a week thing, it's all the time."

According to Pearson, there is a strong beekeeping community in Elkhart County and he knows of several in Elkhart but that the idea behind the class is to get younger people involved in the activity.