A Chilly Day, Warm Hearts: Hood Brook Apiary Hosts Its First Student Tour

Hood Brook Apiary, home of the Saving the Honeybees Initiative, reached an exciting milestone this week: our first-ever student apiary tour, hosted for the Wisdom Circle Home Schoolers of central Maine.

Yes, it was chilly. And yes, it snowed the very next day.

But Mother Nature clearly approved of the visit — she held off just long enough for the kids and parents to explore the apiary, learn about honeybees, and enjoy every moment.

Hands-On Learning, Minus the Stings

Led by Bob Donovan, founder and operator of Hood Brook Apiary and the Saving the Honeybees Initiative, the students got a rare, hands-on look at the inner workings of a hive. For safety, we opened hives that didn't survive the winter, giving everyone the chance to:

• Open a real hive
• See drawn comb up close
• Explore honey stores, pollen, and nectar
• Understand how a hive is structured from the inside out

No bees meant no stings — just pure curiosity and discovery.

The kids also got an introduction to beekeeping tools, how they're used, and what it takes to start a colony using packaged bees or a nuc.

And one of the biggest highlights?

Each student got to take a frame of capped honey, poke it with their fingers, and taste fresh, raw honey straight from the comb. For many, it was their first time experiencing honey in its purest form.

A Nervous First… That Turned Into a Joyful Success

As our first official tour, I'll admit I was nervous. But the moment the kids stepped out of the car — excited, polite, well mannered, and full of thoughtful questions — those nerves melted away.

Looking Ahead

We're thrilled with how this first tour turned out, and we're already looking forward to hosting more apiary visits in the near future. Sharing the magic of honeybees with young learners is one of the most meaningful parts of our mission.

Here's to many more adventures, curious minds, sticky fingers, and future beekeepers in the making right here in Maine.