HAMPDEN, Maine — Bee-ing a bee isn't always sweet. With a changing climate and multiple pesticides hindering their numbers, the bee population in Maine isn't guaranteed to thrive. That's why a handful of beekeepers in the state are looking to share the buzz about beekeeping to a new generation.
"We've got less pollinators right across the board—not just honeybees, right across the board. Honeybees are one way we can bring those pollinators back, by having managed hives," Peter Cowin, owner of The Bee Whisperer said.
Cowin has grown up around beekeepers and oftentimes manages between 10 and 100 colonies at a time at his shop in Hampden.
Alongside his business partner and former student Amy Nickerson, they sell beginner equipment and offer classes to anyone interested in starting the hobby.
The two have also gained a massive following on their website and YouTube pages, where they film how-to videos and offer advice to budding new beekeepers.
"There's people out here that I've mentored, and they've turned around and now they're mentoring, and it just makes you feel really good," Nickerson said.
Helping a younger generation get into beekeeping is David Fiacco, who oversees students at The University of Maine's beekeeping club, The Black Bear Beekeepers.
"We just want to introduce them to that, and if they have a real interest in beekeeping, we can get them pretty deeply involved here," Fiacco said.
In addition to helping colonies in Maine stay healthy, Fiacco also pointed out beekeeping can help local environments as well.
"Neighbors' gardens are more productive. My own garden and flowers are more productive," Fiacco said.
If you are interested in starting your own hive, experts say getting proper equipment and training from a mentor is key. You can register and attend Cowin's next class next Saturday, April 29, in Hampden on their website.