Markets & Programs
Apiary
As pollinators, bees are responsible for the majority of the food crops we eat and are therefore an integral part of the Earthworks community. Our 30-hive apiary is housed at locations in our Detroit gardens and at the Capuchin Retreat Center in Washington, Michigan. Our apiary promotes biodiversity in our gardens, increased pollination rates, attracts beneficial insects, and also provides an important venue for educating our volunteers and friends about the importance of honeybees in our society. Children in our youth program also participate in hive maintenance and honey extraction.
Our hives are robust and healthy, bursting with bees and honeycombs. In 2007, we harvested more than 1,400 pounds of honey with the assistance of more than 70 volunteers, who helped us extract, filter and bottle the honey. In 2008, we lost a number of hives over the winter and early spring months and are focusing on keeping our remaining hives strong. We harvested around 900 pounds over three days.
Our honey is considered raw and never expires. It will crystallize if left in a cold area. You can easily de-crystallize your honey by warming it in a hot-water bath or heating it in the microwave (without the metal top).
Honey is for sale year-round from the Gift Shop at the Solanus Casey Center (1820 Mt. Elliott) and from Earthworks’ garage (1264 Meldrum). Honey byproducts, such as beeswax and propolis, are used in our handbalm, which is also available for purchase.
Earthworks is a member of the Southeast Michigan Beekeepers Association and the Michigan Beekeepers Association.