About Woodland Bees
As a small family-run beekeeping operation, our primary focus is on caring for both our bees and the environment. Our bees always come first, with the honey being a natural byproduct of their well-being.
Meet Our Beekeepers
Akvile Minkevicius
Head Beekeeper
Growing up in Lithuania, where summers were spent at my grandmother's cottage, I was introduced to the enchanting world of bees. My grandmother, a devoted beekeeper, instilled in me a deep respect for these tiny marvels. To her, honey wasn't just a sweet treat; it was a medicinal treasure and an ecologically vital product. Despite dealing with not-so-friendly bees of those times, my grandmother had an extraordinary connection with them, navigating her hives without a sting.
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I cherished the moments observing her meticulous care for her bees. The honey house echoed with the rich scents of propolis, the solar melter releasing the fragrance of melting wax. Witnessing her extract honey from the combs, the essence of fresh summer honey became a memory etched in my mind. This connection with bees and nature was an integral part of her beekeeping practice.
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After her passing, my aunt took on the legacy, continuing the tradition of female beekeepers in our family. Although I moved to Canada in my twenties and couldn't receive hands-on training, the call of beekeeping reached me. In 2019, a swarm of bees landed in my cherry tree, marking the beginning of my unique beekeeping journey.
Beeing a beekeeper is a journey of constant learning and many challenges, especially for a female beekeeper. Lifting heavy honey supers and moving hives requires strength, but the fascination with understanding the intricate world of bees makes it all worthwhile. Sharing the natural treasures that bees provide—honey, pollen, propolis—is deeply satisfying.
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Bees transformed my perspective, making me more aware of my surroundings. I now eagerly anticipate the blooming of flowering trees and flowers, paying attention to the nectar flow. My flower gardens, designed with pollinators in mind, attract local bees, creating a haven for all pollinators. As the founder of Woodland Bees, my business is driven by a commitment to bees, environmental support, and the provision of sustainable local products.
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Join me in this journey of appreciation, education, and a shared passion for the indispensable role of all bees in our ecosystem.