No-fuss honey from your beehives Imagine stirring a silky dollop of golden honey into your tea or latest recipe. You smile, knowing this gift from Mother Nature was created by thousands of bees peacefully humming through your backyard and neighborhood — it doesn’t get much better than that. Thanks to Red, White, & Bees, residents and businesses throughout Northern Nevada can now host honey bee colonies on a subscription basis. This innovative business was the brainchild of Reno locals Kim Hansen and Molly LeGoy, who share a decades-long friendship and commitment to “revive and protect the essential honey bee population while fostering local ecosystems.”  The pair behind Red, White, & Bees is excited to transform backyards, commercial buildings, offices, and even courtyard gardens into thriving ecosystems through their beekeeping leasing service. “We handle everything,” LeGoy says, “from beehive installation and maintenance to regular inspections and treatments to ensure the vitality of your hives while you enjoy the fruits of nature.” Yes, that is correct! You can enjoy fresh honey (and bragging rights) from hives and bees located at your home or business without the fuss. Now, there’s a sweet deal! “A beekeeping subscription is perfect for people with busy lives,” Hansen says. “We give subscribers peace of mind who want the glory of having their own hives — and honey — without the time commitment. It’s a win-win for businesses, homeowners, our local biodiversity, and especially the bees.” Monitoring healthy bees Beyond the HomeEnvironmentally conscious growers and ranchers alike know that a healthy bee population is part and parcel of an abundant and diverse farm-to-table food source. In addition to servicing homes, Red, White, & Bees is all abuzz to incorporate subscription-based beehives into usable outdoor spaces at restaurants, farms, and ranches.  The hives don’t require much space, and the species of bees (Apis mellifera liqustica) provided are known for their docile personalities. A widely cherished honey bee species, the queens typically live for two to three years. Worker bees have variable lifespans, ranging from two weeks to five months, depending on the season. “In most cases, beehives coexist safely with families and outdoor pets,” Hansen says. “Ensuring adequate space and maintaining a calm environment will help your pets and bees thrive together. And children love to be part of the evolution of honey.” Giving Bees a Leg UpIt’s no surprise that, over the past few decades, our nation’s bee population has declined, partly driven by the loss of natural habitat, pesticides, and parasites. And while Northern Nevada’s bee health is generally viewed as strong, our region faces continued habitat loss through development and climate change. Hansen, a teacher at Procter H. Hug High School, shares, “I’ve always been fascinated by bees, and as an educator, it feels natural to share that passion while creating something meaningful for our community.” “The bees are mesmerizing to watch with a glass of vino or your morning coffee. You get to know them and their personalities,” LeGoy says. On a business level, both Hansen and LeGoy are excited to offer beehive subscriptions to commercial buildings, rooftops, restaurants, and professional office centers where often wide-open spaces lay dormant. Commercial properties can reduce their carbon footprints while enhancing local natural beauty by fostering these petite pollinators. Additionally, the opportunity to have honey with your company logo could be an excellent marketing niche and good for your business. Quick Facts: Annual subscription levels are available depending on the number of hives Beehive subscriptions make a delicious gift for any environment-focused foodie Perfect for commercial and residential properties, open spaces, and rooftops Promotes biodiversity and strengthens our local ecosystem Honey is one of Mother Nature’s most alluring and mysterious gifts. We marvel at the sweet results created by thousands of bees pollinating gardens and natural habitats. Now, Red, White, & Bees invites you to join its mission “to celebrate our land and its natural heritage. Let’s create a buzz and support our nation’s [and bees’] future together.” For details, visit Redwhiteandbees.com or find Red_white_and bees on Instagram. The post Subscription-Based Beekeeping — a Bee-utiful Opportunity appeared first on Edible Reno-Tahoe.