Our Community Impact
At Bee-hively, our work extends beyond honey production. Through our Hives & Humanity initiative, we're creating positive change by training future beekeepers, restoring ecological balance, and building partnerships that amplify our impact throughout San Jose's East Hills.
Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges
Bee-hively's unique approach focuses on creating opportunities for two communities that deserve more recognition and support:
Native American Communities
We honor the deep connection between Native peoples and the natural world through:
- •Beekeeping training initiatives on reservations
- •Native plant restoration projects centered on traditional pollinator species
- •Documenting and preserving traditional ecological knowledge about pollinators
- •Creating economic opportunities through sustainable honey production
Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
As someone who has personally experienced incarceration, I understand the challenges of reentry and the power of meaningful work:
- •Skills training in beekeeping, equipment building, and honey production
- •Apprenticeship opportunities with pathways to employment
- •Entrepreneurship mentoring for those wanting to start their own apiaries
- •Changing perceptions by showcasing success stories
Ecological Regeneration
Since launching Bee-hively, we've:
Spreading Knowledge, Sparking Curiosity
Our educational initiatives have:
Reaching people of all ages and backgrounds
Developed for local schools
Created storybook to engage children
Experiences at our East Hills apiaries
Trained in basic beekeeping skills
Built for community and school gardens
Art as Environmental Advocacy
The Buzz Haven Art Collective transforms beehives into conversation starters:
Collaborations
We've worked with over 30 local artists to create unique, educational hive designs that raise awareness about pollinators and their importance to our ecosystem.
Public Installations
Our artistic beehives can be found throughout San Jose, bringing pollinator awareness to unexpected places and sparking conversations about bees, art, and ecology.
Community Painting
Regular community painting events bring neighbors together to create beautiful, educational beehives while learning about pollinator conservation.
Educational Signage
Each artistic hive includes informational signage, transforming it into a learning opportunity that connects viewers to the bees inside and the ecosystem they support.
Join Our Mission
Host a Hive
Offer space on your property for a beehive and become part of our network of pollinator havens.
Learn MoreVolunteer
Help with swarm rescues, hive maintenance, community events, or administrative support.
Contact UsAdopt a Hive
Support a colony through our subscription program and receive regular honey deliveries.
Learn MoreSubmit Artwork
Share your creative vision for our artistic beehives through the Buzz Haven Art Collective.
Join the CollectiveAttend Workshops
Learn beekeeping skills, artistic techniques, or ecological principles through our educational programs.
View SchedulePartner With Us
Businesses, schools, and community organizations can collaborate on custom projects and initiatives.
Get in TouchLooking Forward: Our Goals for 2026
As we grow, we're focused on expanding our impact through:
East Hills Honey Hub
Establishing a dedicated East Hills Honey Hub facility for production and education
Apprenticeship Program
Launching a formal apprenticeship program certified by the state of California
Expanding Our Network
Expanding our network of artistic beehives to 250 colonies throughout the region
Educational Curriculum
Creating a comprehensive curriculum for schools about pollinators and ecological stewardship
Native Seed Bank
Developing a seed bank of native pollinator plants adapted to our changing climate
Native American Partnerships
Building partnerships with 5 additional Native American communities
Join Our Golden Hive Collective
Your contribution helps us create more opportunities, save more bees, and build a more sustainable future for our community. Become part of our collective today!