By Michael Hargrave and Shayna McKie:
Beekeeping may be finding a home here in Buffalo, at least in some small way. Discussion on whether to permit beekeeping within the city limits is rekindling after quieting down at the end of last summer. “So far there’s been a couple meetings (about beekeeping),” said Patti Jablonski-Dopkin, general manager at Urban Roots on Rhode Island Street. “But, no resolution has been passed.”
Honeybees are important for pollinating flowers and fruit trees, not to mention the fact that they produce honey, so they certainly have their value. They also have something else, a stinger. According to Rick Thompson, Secretary for the Western New York Honey Producers, honeybees are not inherently aggressive. They do still present some danger, especially for those that are allergic to the stings. “If you are walking in grass or clover, you could easily step on them,” said Thompson. “Then they would attack you.”
Catherine Herrick, a 25 year beekeeper and board member at Urban Roots, keeps a small hive, and is currently one of a handful who keeps bees within the city. Herrick said her neighbors have been understanding of her beekeeping and some have mentioned to her that they are seeing their gardens flourish more.
The proposals surrounding beekeeping in the city are reserved, in particular considering the amount of bees a person could keep. The most current thought is that people would be restricted to two small hives.
If you are interested in beekeeping in general, Herrick will be lending her expertise on beekeeping during a class at Urban Roots on April 21 (click here for more info). Spaces for the class need to be reserved ahead of time. Here’s a short video from Urban Roots…