Bee Haven, the name of our apiary, was chosen not just because it is catchy phrase, but because that is what we are trying to create: a haven for bees. It includes an environment following the principles of permaculture: canopy, understory, flowering trees, bushes, and ground cover. It includes the most harmonious housing for bees: tall and thin as opposed to flat hives. And it includes the very best bees we can breed: mild mannered, winter hardy, parasite resistant, and productive. All these attributes are interdependent. The best environment with the worst tempered bees is no fun, the best bees in a poor environment will be unproductive, dead bees in the spring are a heart breaking set back. Too often we seek improvement by focusing only on one part of the equation when we need to look at the whole situation and make educated decisions.

Springtime means new colonies. We are offering Nucs from our own bees. Lessons and consultation will be scheduled throughout the summer and fall including hands-on workshops covering everything from perennial plantings to primitive hives. Lets build our own Northern Michigan ‘Bee Haven’ together.

Please join and support your local bee club!