Hive to Bottle

Click here to register via the U of MN's Bee Lab website

Beekeeping is no longer only a rural pastime. Honey bees can be kept in a variety of places- from back yards to balconies to rooftops. Yes, honey bees can live and thrive within city limits, and we can help. Hive to Bottle is for those who enjoy honey bees and would like to reap a sweet reward at the end of the season but do not want to personally manage a colony. A Bee Squad beekeeper takes care of your bees on your property while the bees are busy taking care of your neighborhood by pollinating food and flowering plants up to 2 miles away. Any honey that the bees don't need for winter will be harvested and given to you to enjoy!

We can help you coordinate when and where to purchase your own bees and equipment, and help you apply for a permit if necessary in your city. You will also receive real-time hive updates during colony inspections every 12 to 15 days!

Program requirements
• You purchase the bees and equipment
• A location for the hive approved by a Bee Squad team member
• A place to store extra equipment accessible to your beekeeper
• Permit if required by local ordinance

The Bee Squad will manage up to four colonies on your property. If you would like more than four colonies or your property isn't an appropriate home for bees, colonies can be placed in our teaching apiary on the Saint Paul campus contributing to bee research and education.

Bringing Back a Bee Friendly World

Delivering research discoveries to beekeepers and bee supporters in the greater Twin Cities area.

Promoting awareness about the critical contribution of pollinators to nutritious foods and a green environment.

Helping people make choices that are good for the bees and ultimately good for us all.