This Beekeeping for Beginner course will help get you started in BEES and BEEKEEPING. Topics of discussion will be Langstroth Bee Hives, assembling bee equipment, installing a nuc, feeding the bees, controlling swarming,and dealing with varroa mites. Other topics will be how and when to harvest HONEY, split hives, winterize the bees, and importantly how to minimizeing. There is a $55 materials fee, cash or check only, due to the instructor at the start of the first class. This fee covers the cost of the book, use of the Turner Poulin Union Hall, and membership for one year in the Somerset Beekeepers Club. Assignment of a mentor will b eavailable. Limit 25 students.

Discover the enchanting world of backyard birdwatching with Ian Lynch! In this engaging course, learn essential techniques and tools for successful bird observation. Uncover the fascinating avian residents right outside your door and cultivate a deeper connection to nature through the joy of bird identification and observation. Limit 20 students.

Please choose the correct night from your Beginners Class.

November 7th, 2024 class: Please select March 20th.

March 25th, 2025 class: Please select May 22nd.

A reconvened evening for the second session from the Beginners class. The worm bin is harvested and set up for another 3 to 4 month "harvest cycle".

This class teaches you how to use worm composting to recycle your kitchen scraps into worm castings and sets you up with a worm bin with worms to take home. It also teaches you: The benefits of worm castings as soil amendment and how to use them; What to consider before you start; How to maintain a worm bin so the worms thrive; How to avoid (and correct if necessary) the common problems Each household (limit of 5 households but not limit on attendees from the household) goes home with their own worm bin with worms to maintain for 3 to 4 months. The class is reconvened for the second session in 3 to 4 months (5/22/25). The worm bin is harvested and set up for another 3 to 4 month "harvest cycle".

In this one-night class we will explores all the things you need to know to take successful pictures after the sun sets and before the sun rises. This session reviews exposure, how to shoot images in the dark—including the Milky Way and Aurora—and how to capture your best photo under just moonlight. We will review equipment helpful for nighttime photography, including using a cell phone. Limit 20 students.

Spring days bring wonderful surprises for bird watchers. Nearly every day, new birds arrive, often species that weren't here the day before. Some of the birds are showing to breed in central Maine, but many are only stopping off on their way north. The numbers and the brevity of their visits can make identifying spring migrant birds feel overwhelming. This beginner class will concentrate on identifying the most common migrants by sight and by sound. In addition to suggestions for places to look for migrants, there will be an option for an outing together. Limit 20 students.

Have you tried Pickleball yet? It is a fun, social, and a great exercise sport. You will learn the forehand, backhand, serve, volley, and overhead strokes in a fun and supportive environment. It’s nice for friends to join together, or join and make new friends. Bring a pickle ball paddle if you have one, or there will be a few to borrow during class time. Please wear proper footwear—the instructor recommends either court or tennis shoes and preferably pickle ball shoes. Rain makeup will be Saturdays at the normal class time and depending on the forecast for Sunday we may meet a day early on Saturday. There will be no Pickle Ball on May 25. Limit 8 students.

This class is for 3.0 to 3.5 Pickleball players who wish to become a smarter, more skillful doubles player and for those gearing up for tournament play. Please wear appropriate footwear—the instructor recommends court or tennis shoes and preferably pickleball shoes. There will be no class if it is raining or has rained making the court wet. Rain makeup will be Saturdays at the normal class time and depending on the forecast for Sunday we may meet a day early on Saturday. There will be no Pickleball on May 25. Limit 8 students.