Welcome to theHive

Field notes, stories, and seasonal observations from Backyard Bees

The Hive is where the quieter side of Backyard Bees lives — field notes from the bee yard, reflections on place and season, stories from books, gardens, shoreline walks, and the everyday wonder of paying attention.

There’s always a story to tell. The best ones drift beyond my little hive—into the wide, wild, buzzing world. They’re stories of small wonders—things that surprise, inspire, and linger with the Queen Bee… and maybe with you, too.

New This Week

Explore The Hive

Recurring series and collections—follow a trail, discover a favorite, or simply wander through The Hive.

Walk with a Beekeeper

Looking beyond the hive to the parks, trails, and neighborhoods that help pollinators thrive.

Farmers Market Report

Seasonal notes from the market—what’s growing, who’s there, and what’s happening each week.

Market Conversations

Questions, stories, and unexpected moments from behind the Backyard Bees market table.

The Beekeeper Noticed

Small observations from the bee yard, the garden, and everyday life that grow into bigger stories.

Beehind the Scenes

The story behind each product—from first idea to ingredients, experiments, and finished recipe.

Recent Stories From The Hive

The newest stories from the bee yard, gardens, markets, books, and beyond.

Long Island Sound at Sunken Meadow State Park, where a beekeeper reflected on how honey bees use memory to navigate their world

What a 10K at Sunken Meadow Taught Me About Bee Memory

A windy evening at Sunken Meadow State Park led to an unexpected question: how do honey bees remember their way home? From orientation flights to flower schedules, the answer is remarkable.
a honey bee sitting on top of bee books in the garden

Bee Books | Stories That Lead You to the Bees

A collection of books that inspired a beekeeper to think more deeply about honey bees, honey, stewardship, purpose, and the world beyond the hive.
One of my first backyard honey bee hives, placed in a shaded corner of the yard as I began my beekeeping journey.

A Sense of Hive

A chapter from A Honeybee Heart Has Five Openings reminded me that a hive is more than a wooden box. It's a home, a responsibility, and the beginning of a beekeeper's relationship with the wider world.
How honey bees use scent to locate flowers like Rosa multiflora in bloom at Heckscher State Park

The Magic of Scent

The summer run series at Heckscher State Park became a fragrant reminder of how honey bees use scent to find flowers, navigate their world, and remember where food can be found.
Sunglasses, sneakers and Backyard Bees Buzz Off for NYS Parks Summer Run series.

The NYS Parks Summer Run Series With a Beekeeper

Running shoes, state parks, and a beekeeper who can't stop looking at plants. Run along with The Queen Bee.

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Field notes, seasonal stories, and the occasional surprise—delivered to your inbox,  usually once a week.