Over the course of two summers, I completed the most in-depth and comprehensive training in biodynamic beekeeping in the country at Spikenard Farm Honeybee Sanctuary in Floyd, Virginia. By far, this was the best investment I made to further my stewardship of honey bees and such an expansive learning experience, connecting with beekeepers from across the country, making life-long friends. I continue to learn the art of tending bees in various hive styles, and employ natural, foundation-less, treatment-free methods of beekeeping.

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I began tending bees in a non-conventional way that continues to evolve. I do not use plastic foundation in my hives. Plastic foundation was created for ease of use and transport by the beekeeper, and to support quick extraction of honey. By allowing honeybees to build their own foundation out of wax (foundationless beekeeping), honeybees determine the size of the cell for laying eggs, which differs from cells created to store honey. I do not treat with miticides or pesticides often used to keep varroa mites at bay. This supports the honeybee's ability to adapt to the environment long after I'm gone, breeding  resilience within the local honeybee population. To further aid their ability to control the mite population, I allow for swarming in the spring. With this break in the egg-laying cycle significantly reduces the mite population (and it's amazing to watch!). I catch and share most of the spring swarms with other local beekeepers. If the season allows, I will harvest only true surplus honey. This means I only take that which they don't need. Honeycomb is crushed and strained (or spun carefully), bottled and only sold locally.