My Davidson | A Student Blog Bees be Buzzing: Learning the Practice of Beekeeping
December 18, 2023
Noah Landau ‘25
Noah Landau '25 had never kept bees before joining the Bee Club at Davidson College. He soon found himself immersed in the world of pollinators, plants and local food systems.
About the Author
Noah Landau '25 (he/him) is an Environmental Science major from Illinois. Outside of the Bee Club, Noah works at the College Farm, the Pat Peroni Greenhouse, and is an intern with the Davidson Farmers Market.
I have always dreamt of the day when I would be able to call a farm my own. I can see it now, chickens clucking, cows mooing, veggies growing, and bees buzzing.
Although there is an immense amount of hard work, time, and dedication that comes with the role of caring for bees and growing your own fresh produce, the sun warming your skin, the taste of fruits and vegetables unmatchable by any grocer, and the sweet taste of fresh local honey is enough to keep me invested.
Having worked at an organic greenhouse and nursery for four years, I developed an ever-growing appreciation for pollinators. Pollinators make the world go around, and without them, we wouldn’t have a fraction of the food we eat.
Follow along on Instagram at @beeclub.davidson
Growing my fascination with pollinators, I ventured into study of the natural world primarily through the course “Environmental Natural Science and Biology.”
Before arriving at Davidson, I knew I had to throw myself straight into anything and everything related to my dream. Looking through the long list of opportunities, clubs, and organizations on and off campus, I found the Bee Club. I knew that with my motivation and determination, I could make a difference in the organization.
I had visited a hive only once before and was intimidated at first, but found the bees fascinating. The first time opening a hive can be scary. In Bee Club, we implement measures to ensure there is always someone to help, if needed. If you aren’t afraid of them, they won’t be afraid of you.
During the school year we regularly inspect the hives and host opportunities to become certified in beekeeping. During my research over the summer the majority of campus went home, yet the bees remained hard at work. Each weekend I took the long walk over to The Farm, where the bees are situated, and made sure everything was looking healthy. The North Carolina heat can be difficult, and we had a scare in which our valuable queen had stopped laying eggs, but through reading articles and learning from an expert, the Davidson Farmers Market beekeeper Marcel Renn, we were able to foster conditions for the hive to establish a new queen. Almost miraculously, the hive was back at it once again!
I’m grateful for my ability to express and experience the things I am passionate about on and off campus. Just like the bees, I am always working. I continue to pursue my interest in the natural world at Davidson and am able to be a part of Bee Club, work at the Davidson Farm, look after the plants in the Pat Peroni Greenhouse, and have connections with, and intern at, the Davidson Farmers Market. I continue to use the knowledge I’ve gained through academics, research, and hands-on experiences to guide me through my work. Once you get started in something you love, many more opportunities related to it become available. I hope that after reading this, you think deeply about how you can make a difference to better the world we live in, even if by just supporting the sustainable organizations of your community.
Pumpkin patch at the College Farm
Just as we look after each other, we have to look after these bees, and, although we don’t expect any honey yet, patience is a virtue and nothing is as sweet as that!
Students help maintain the grounds, grow and harvest crops, and market new initiatives at the College Farm.
Pictured from left to right: Ethan Kearns ’23, Fana Cisse ’25 (standing in back), Felix Sammons ’24 (seated on tractor), Molly McGowan ’23 (seated on step), Jordan Hauser ’26, Sam Van Horn ’23 (seated on tractor hood), Grace Rooker ’24 (seated on tire), and Noah Landau ’25 (leaning on tractor).
