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Due to Colony Collapse Disorder, the Honey Bee population is declining, and needs help. Bees pollinate crops to produce food, as well as performing many other useful functions for humans. Becoming a beekeeper isn't difficult, and can be a fun hobby for you to get into in your backyard.

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[edit] Steps

See if any local resources offer a beekeeping course. It may cost you a couple hundred dollars, but the experience will teach you the many things you'll need to know about bees and keeping them. Check with your state's public college or university's cooperative extension. States with schools that specialize in agriculture are most likely to host such a course.
Read up on beekeeping. Numerous books and websites offer advice and instructions, but make sure the author is well-versed in the topic (reading their biography may help). These books offer great help for the bee-ginner:
- The New Starting Right with Bees, published by A.I. Root.
- The Beekeeper's Handbook, by Diana Sammataro and Alphonse Avitabile.
- Beekeeping, A Practical Guide, by Richard Bonney.
Purchase a "starter" kit. This will include the necessary equipment you'll need to get going with bees. It should include:
- Hive Bodies
- Frames
- Bottom Board
- Entrance Reducer
- Hive Outer Cover
- Hive Inner Cover
- Feeder
- Varroa Screen/Monitoring Tray
- Hard Plastic Helmet
- Round Tie-down Veil
- Stainless Steel Smoker with Heat Shield
- Hive Tool
- Gloves
Get some bees. Contact a local beekeeping association for advice on where to get your bees.

[edit] Tips

Contents of "starter" kits may vary.
Beekeeping is certainly not for everyone. Every beekeeper will be stung, and you should determine first if you may have an allergy.
Avoid ALL clothing or anything at all on your body that is made from animal products. Remember, the bees' main natural predators are mammals, and they will become extremely agitated if they sense wool, leather, fur hats, and the like. Cotton is not the best either since it is related to one of their natural food sources. Wear smooth white polyester/nylon clothing and gloves throughout your body.

[edit] Warnings

Bees can be harmful or fatal to those who are allergic to them. You may want to see a doctor to determine if you are allergic before beginning with beekeeping.
Local, county and/or state laws may exist in your area regarding beekeeping. Check with your township, county and state before preparing to keep bees.