Buzz-Worthy Research for Honeybees

Beekeeper image courtesy of Samantha Murray © 

For over 16 years, we've proudly partnered with the E.L. Niño Bee Lab at the University of California Davis – donating a portion of BeeKind^® brand profits to support honeybee health.

Honeybees, among the most important managed pollinators, are essential for production of over 100 different crops we use, but their populations are in global decline for a number of reasons, including habitat loss, pests, diseases and improper pesticide use. Led by Dr. Elina L. Niño, the Bee Lab conducts cutting-edge research, extension programming, outreach, and education to protect these pollinators for the planet and future generations.

Here we are excited to share some of the Bee Lab’s impactful initiatives:

UC Davis Bee Haven Garden

Established in 2009, this beautiful half-acre educational garden is a home to 200+ drought-tolerant, pollinator-supportive [EN1] plants and over 80 bee species, plus hummingbirds and many other beneficial arthropods.

• With more than 26,000 visitors over the past decade, the Haven teaches the role of pollinators in our food and eco systems, including how we can support bees by planting nectar- and pollen-producing plants.
• It is also a location for the Pollinator Education Program for children.

Open daily from dawn to dusk, offering free self-guided tours.

Image courtesy of Kathy Keatley-Garvey © 

 

California Master Beekeeper Program (CAMBP)

Launched in 2016, CAMBP trains certified bee ambassadors and beekeepers. With 13 satellite locations and over 600 certified members, program participants lead meaningful bee related projects—from developing bee anatomy courses to starting queen-rearing businesses—to achieve certification.

• CAMBP offers 27+ courses annually and regularly engages communities through events and school programs.
• So far, it’s logged over 40,000 outreach hours, reaching nearly 240,000 people—valued at and inspiring ~$1.36 million in volunteer service (based on the national volunteer rate).

The Bee Health Hub

Launched in October 2023, the Health Hub team has been conducting colony health checks for over a decade.

• In the past five years, they’ve inspected up to 1,500 colonies annually across more than a dozen beekeeping operations.
• These checks—especially in early spring—play a crucial role in sustaining colonies and ensuring the production of over one-third of U.S. queen bees.

Visiting California? Don’t miss the UC Davis Bee Haven Garden for an inspiring, self-guided tour. UC Davis is located around twenty minutes outside Sacramento.

We’re proud to continue supporting the Bee Labs critical work—and you can help the ever important bees too!

 Feel good, do good.