Backyard Beehive Initiative
Support local pollinators by participating in our backyard beehive initiative.
We offer two ways to host a beehive:
Become a Bee Sanctuary Supporter
When you sign up to support our campus bee sanctuary with a recurring monthly gift of $55 you can host a beehive year round.
What’s Involved?
You will be matched with an experienced beekeeper who will manage the hive. Inspections take place every 4-6 weeks on average. You will not be expected to manage the beehive.
Bee sanctuary supporters also receive 1 lb. of our ultra local honey each month!
Ideal locations receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight and are away from areas that can flood.
This option is ideal for those who are interested in hosting a beehive but are not interested in learning how to manage the hive on their own.
We offer a more involved, hands-on learning experience for those interested in hosting one of our hives with the goal of eventually taking over the care and management of the beehive. This option is an intentional 8-month long program designed to teach you everything you need to know to begin beekeeping on your own. This program costs $450 to participate, with an option to buy the beehive at the end of the program.
What’s Involved?
Training program runs from March-October.
Trainee hosts a beehive during the 8 months of the program.
Monthly inspection demonstrations take place at the host’s yard each month, with Spring and Fall workshops taking place on Living Water’s campus.
Beekeeping curriculum is provided to the trainee, with supplemental material for trainee to learn more about beekeeping on their own time.
Trainees are expected (but not obligated) to purchase the beehive at the end of the program for the cost of the woodenware/equipment, at which point the trainee will take over management of beehive.
Ideal locations to host a beehive must receive at least four hours of direct sunlight and away from the threat of flooding.
Limited spots are available so sign up early.
Join our Beekeeper Training Program
Why host a hive?
Honey bees
Honeybees pollinate 1/3 of the food we eat. When you host a hive you are helping to create a new beehive.
Are Super-Important
Hosting a beehive in your backyard is a practice of caring for the earth community. Because honeybees are such wonderful pollinators, hosting a hive will positively contribute to the health of your local ecosystem.
Pollinators
Hosting a hive is a great way to learn about beekeeping and what’s required to care for your own beehive one day. Hosts have the opportunity to work with the beekeeper in the inspections and care of the hive.