Our Mission

Our mission is to create safe spaces where all pollinators can thrive within our modern landscape. In the beginnings of bees and humans, the honeybee was revered and having a deep relationship to our hives was the norm. Over time, our relationship with the honeybee has become distorted and that original reverence has been lost. In fact, many of the widely accepted practices in modern conventional beekeeping are now being found to be highly destructive to the honeybee’s actual survival. 

Our goal is to teach people a different way of stewarding and working with bees; one that has conservation and a deep reverence at its heart. Through observing how honeybees live in the wild, we are able to create new management practices that support their health and vibrancy rather than threaten it. Science is showing that if we allow our bees to express their wildness, over time natural selection begins to bring their vitality back. Again and again we are shown that nature knows best. 

Bees are such magical beings, and have much to teach us if we have the wisdom to slow down and learn to listen. The best way to truly care for the bees, is to base all of our management decisions on the question ‘what is best for the bees?’ If we truly do what is best for the bees in every moment, we will inevitably be supporting all of our native pollinators as well. 

Welcoming a honeybee swarm to a log hive

A process video showing the relocation of a swarm to a bee-centric log hive in SW Portland.

Video by Peter Orsini

Collecting a honeybee swarm

Watch Onyx gently collect a swarm of honeybees.

Video by Peter Orsini

Mayb