Take a beekeeping class

Here are two beekeeping classes offered in the metro area.
The University of Minnesota Beekeeping in Northern Climates: taught by
Dr Marla Spivak, Bee Scientist Gary Reuter, and Bee Lab students and staff.
At the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska, MN -  March 2nd - 3rd
http://beelab.umn.edu/Education/Public_Courses/index.htm
Some beekeepers can't attend due to scheduling conflicts. The course materials can be purchased online. I would also recommend purchasing the DVD and the Diseases and Pests manual with the booklet. It takes the beekeeper through two years of Beekeeping.
http://beelab.umn.edu/Resources/Beekeeping_manuals_videos/index.htm#northern

Backyard Beekeeping: by Master Beekeeper Bob Sitko, dsrhsitko@msn.com
Century College, White Bear Lake, MN
Thursdays - Feb 7 - Mar. 28th, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, plus a field trip to a beeyard on a Sat TBD
http://century.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=19362
College phone 651-779-3341 course id 19362