Honeybees
Honeybees are native to Europe and were brought over by European settlers in order to pollinate the seed crops that they brought with them. Although they are not native to North America, and in fact, compete with our native pollinators, they have been treated harshly by the commercial beekeeping community and deserve our respect.
Honeybee populations are declining rapidly due to commercial beekeeping (focused on honey and money), pesticides and mites. But it is possible to enjoy a more organic relationship with the bees in a form of natural beekeeping or what some call “Preservation Beekeeping.” Preservation Beekeeping is guided by doing what is best for the bees instead of what is best for the beekeeper. There are some guiding principles to this way of tending bees which can be found in the book “What Bees Want” by Susan Knilans and Jacqueline Freeman. More information can be found on their website. Honeybees also benefit from plenty of flowers and a healthy habitat just like the other pollinators so plant lots of native flowers and avoid the use of pesticides.
Preservation Beekeeping Hive (Barrel not included)
Preservation Beekeeping Hive with Stand