Bee Philosophy
At the heart of our apiary is a deep respect for the land, the bees, and the balance of nature. We believe that healthy hives begin with healthy practices, which is why we follow a chemical-free, regenerative beekeeping philosophy. That means no synthetic miticides, no harsh treatments, and no imported bees—just thoughtful stewardship and a commitment to working with the bees, not against them.
Our bees are as local as it gets. We don’t import queens or bring in bees from out of state. Every colony in our care is made up of hardy, homegrown bees—true Union City, PA mutts—born and bred to thrive in our climate, forage our fields, and handle life the way nature intended. They may not have pedigrees, but they’ve got grit, and we believe that resilience matters more than paperwork.
While we are not entirely treatment-free, we are treatment-limited. We use natural methods sparingly and only when absolutely necessary, with the goal of supporting—not replacing—the bees’ own ability to fight pests and disease. We focus on raising hygienic, strong bees that can stand on their own wings, selecting for traits that promote long-term survival in our region.
Our approach is rooted in regenerative practices, supporting not just the hive, but the entire ecosystem—planting native forage, avoiding pesticides, and giving our bees space to live as bees were meant to. It’s not the easiest way to keep bees, but it’s the right way—for them, for us, and for the future.
Honey and Hive Products
We're new to the sweet world of beekeeping, but with the knowledge we've gathered, we're dedicated to bringing you the best honey and hive products our bees can offer!
Honey and Wax
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Raw Honey by the Jar – Unheated, unfiltered, and packed with natural enzymes, pollen, and rich floral notes from our local blooms.
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Bulk Honey Orders – Perfect for bakers, brewers, and wellness makers who want the purest honey in larger quantities.
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Pure Beeswax – Rendered gently and never bleached, ideal for candles, salves, balms, and crafts.
Nucs and Queens
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Overwintered Nucleus Colonies (Nucs) – 5-frame nucs with a proven laying queen, brood in all stages, and a solid worker population. Ready to transfer and build up quickly in spring.
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Locally Raised Queens – From survivor stock with gentle temperaments, strong brood patterns, and excellent honey production. No imported genetics—just hardy, homegrown bees.
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Custom Nuc Orders – Reserve early to secure your spring nucs; we raise a limited number each season to ensure quality.
Swarm Removal
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Safe & Humane - We use bee-friendly methods to remove swarms without harming them.
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Efficient - We respond quickly to swarm sightings to reduce the chances of the bees becoming a permanent nuisance.
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Free or Low-Cost - In many cases, swarm removal is free of charge depending on the location and size of the swarm.
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Swarm Traps - We offer bee traps to prevent future swarms. They are strategically placed to capture swarming bees before they settle.
The Buzz at Sunrise Hollow
~Real moments, raw honey, and the rhythm of farm life.~
