The Buzz on Beekeeping

What's the latest trend to hit Northern Westchester? According to an article in The New York Times, the area is abuzz with beekeepers. Beekeeping classes at Peter Pratt’s Inn in Yorktown Heights and at the John Jay Homestead in Katonah are finding a growing number of interested attendees. Classes have also been held at the Teatown Lake Reservation, Muscoot Farm, and other area spots (and are often featured in my Weekend Picks). The Times quotes Margaret von der Meden, who tends four hives at Hilltop Hanover Farm in Yorktown Heights, as saying, “When I started 13 years ago, no one was doing it. Today, people are beekeeping all over the place.” Ms. Von der Meden belongs to Croton Bees, a beekeeping club with over 30 members, and has recently started producing a line of bee-based creams, Beehive Goods. If you'd like the pleasure of local honey without the trouble of beekeeping, Peter Pratt's Inn sells it own honey and several local brands are for sale at both Hilltop Hanover Farm and Table Local Market.

Image: The New York Times