With advice and assistance from veteran beekeeper Debby Murray two nucs of Carniolans were installed on the Island in the spring of 2007.

The hives were originally located at Meacham’s Farm and since 2008 they have been moved to a new, more protected bee yard on Farm Hill. More hives have been added over the years to expand the number and replace winter hive losses. The hives have been transitioned to Italian queens in order to reduce swarming and to have gentler, calmer hives. There is also a second bee yard along the path across Farm Hill road with swarm traps put out in the spring and summer.

If you have any interest in a tour or hive inspection or helping in any way, please reach out when you are on the Island, as we can use the help. There are activities starting in March for late-winter feeding through the fall when the hives are tucked in for winter. They are very gentle and industrious little creatures.

The Island ecology has noticeably improved since installing the first hives, with increased pollination rates and yields for apples and other fruit trees, so the girls are making a significant contribution to the Island flora. A number of fruit trees have recently been planted in the bee yard and also an attempt to start a wildflower meadow, to provide a wider range of nectar sources throughout the spring and summer.

During the summer there should be periodic Island honey extraction and bottling days likely in late July and again in late August, traditionally in the Meacham kitchen. As in the past, the honey will be sold as a fundraiser to benefit the Cushing's Island Conservation Corporation.

If any of the hives swarms and ends up in your yard I apologize in advance and promise to come collect them.