Master Beekeeper · Owner since 2010
About
ABC Bees founder Eliese Watson brings unmatched expertise, captivating energy, and passionate advocacy to beekeepers across North America.
2010
Teaching beekeepers since
1000+
Level One Certificate graduates
50+
Free video guides
2
Post-secondary accreditations: Olds Agricultural College and NAIT
Beekeep better with ABC Bees
Welcome to ABC Bees—where deep expertise meets an extraordinary community. Through master-level courses and a hands-on approach, we guide you through every stage of your beekeeping journey. Learn to read your hives, protect your colony, and master the art of sustainable apiculture alongside a passionate network of growers.
Don’t leave your bees to chance. Start learning with ABC Bees today.
Watch video
Beekeep better with ABC Bees, on YouTube
Guiding principles
Education
Master-Level Learning. Real-World Results.
For over a decade, we’ve delivered world-class training and continuous resources to empower beekeepers globally.
Community
A Thriving Hive of Passionate Beekeepers.
Connect, collaborate, and grow inside a supportive virtual network where ideas, experience, and resources are freely shared.
Mastery
Your Clear Roadmap to Beekeeping Excellence.
Transform your commitment into true expertise with the guidance, structure, and foundational tools to hone your craft.
ABC Bees Founder and Master Beekeeper
Meet Eliese
“I have a passion for our bees and a passion for supporting the people who care for them.”
Since founding ABC Bees in 2010, I’ve dedicated my career to advancing the practice of beekeeping. As a Master Beekeeper and lead educator, my work focuses on:
- Pioneering Accredited Education: Teaching foundational apiculture through our 5-week, post-secondary accredited Level One Beekeeping Certificate and Queen Rearing Essentials: Techniques, Biology and Best Management Practices.
- Fostering Sustainable Apiaries: Guiding beekeepers through seasonal management plans designed for long-term hive health and resilience.
- Empowering Local Stock: Training beekeepers to rear their own queens, ending dependence on costly and unpredictable imports.
- Bridging Science & Practice: Connecting cutting-edge apiculture research, technology, and management to beekeepers via keynote addresses and master-level courses.
Ultimately, I exist to show what’s possible for hobbyists and small-scale producers alike. I’ve built apiaries on shoestring budgets, tested techniques, and made the mistakes firsthand—so I can give you step-by-step strategies, clear formulas, and proven methods that actually work.
Equal parts accessible mentor, passionate advocate, and forever a student of the hive, I bring dynamic energy and an open-book approach to every course. Learning with ABC Bees isn’t just about taking a class—it’s about joining a hive.
Don’t just take our word for it
“Eliese is smart, knowledgeable, personable and just plain nice. Her beekeeping knowledge is far beyond most and she knows how to communicate it. But beyond that she has a charisma that I don’t know how to put into words. People just find it a joy to be around her.”
Michael Bush
Author, “The Practical Beekeeper”
“Eliese, the format of her webinars and question and answer period, is the best I’ve ever participated in. This was a great event to take part in.”
Dr. Tom Seeley
Author, “Honey Bee Democracy”
“Amazing support from the initial education/class to ongoing mentoring and general availability for questions. I cannot stress to beginners enough how starting with ABC is like having a bee master in your back pocket! Thank you for the support and many opportunities to learn and experience.”
Nicole L.
Level One Beekeeping Grad
“As someone who wanted bees and finally managed to get some, I need all the help I can get and really appreciate your help. Thank you.”
Carrie S.
Beekeeping Basics Grad
“Eliese has literally counselled us through tricky installs, pest/disease management (oxalic acid!) and we’ve had to purchase queens from ABC Bees many times. Thank you for all that you do!”
Marie E.
Master Academy Student
“ABC Bees provides amazing support and learning opportunities for new beekeepers. I know I’ll hit bumps in the road but right now I’m feeling well equipped and am really enjoying the journey.”
Heather R.
Better Beekeeping Business
Freebies & resources
Take what you need.
Winter2 min read
Diutinus Unveiled: Exploring Winter Bees
Explore the extraordinary realm of winter bees (Diutinus bees), and discover the environmental triggers that influence their development. Watch and read
Feeding3 min read
Supplemental Feeding
Learn when and how to nourish your bee colony responsibly, ensuring health and vitality. Explore feeding practices, timing,… Watch and read
Philosophy and Culture3 min read
Reducing the Stress of Your Honey Bees
Join Julia Common on how to maintain low-stress colonies, decrease stressful inspections, and treating colonies with respect. Watch and read
Start where you are
From your first hive to raising your own queens, every course is built around the Prairie beekeeping year.