When spring blossoms open and the bees come out, it's natural to think about these industrious creatures. For those who want to take thoughts of bees further than watching them pollinate apple blossoms, however, the possibilities of keeping a hive are all too real. Beekeeping has become popular nationwide and Albuquerque is keeping pace with the trend, with beekeeping organizations and communities.


Keeping bees in an urban environment has particular challenges and benefits, and there are support systems well in place to help anyone interested in taking up this hobby. Bees are, thankfully, here to stay in the city with the help of the many stewards keeping this art and science alive and thriving.

Getting started with beekeeping in Albuqueruqe can take place a number of ways. Classes take place at different times of the year, either through the city's program, or through a hobby or professional beekeeper. Many of the hobbyists carry the supplies needed to set up a hive in your own backyard. 

A great place to start is with the beekeeping associations. The Albuquerque Beekeepers also called Beeks, have an extensive website where beekeepers and beekeeper wannabes can network, gather information and ask each other questions. Reading through the forums gives new beekeepers the opportunity to learn about what kinds of challenges there are in keeping bees.

The New Mexico Beekeepers Association provides information for beekeepers throughout the state.

The association is made up of professionals and hobbyisits and those in the honey industry. 

Lessons

Open Space
The city of Albuquerque's Open Space division has classes in the essentials of beekeeping for the urban environment. Classes are taught by long time beekeeper Les Crowder. Learn how to work with topbar hives. Topics include introduction to beekeeping, hive maintenance for different seasons, and making wax products. Classes begin in April and contuine through October. Classes can be taken as a series or individually. Find out more.

Hays Honey and Apple Farm
Ken Hays has been keeping bees since the 1970s, and is a commercial beekeeper who harvests and sells honey. He has classes in the spring to get you started on keeping your own bees. His one day workshop takes place in May.

Equipment

With an initial investment in purchasing a hive, smoker, mask, gloves and bees, the hobbyist can get started. There are enough equipment suppliers in the Albuquerque area to get what's needed for the initial setup, or for replenishment of supplies. 

Albuquerque

T.J. Carr, 505-263-3025, tj_carr@comcast.net
Sells hand made hive tools for top bar hives.

Jason Fink, 505-266-1908, mandofink@gmail.com
Sells Top Bar Hives. Mike Griffin, 505-823-1045 (hm) 505-463-3812 (cell), jugriffin@yahoo.com

Langstroth Honey Extraction, Honey Extraction Pricing and Hours

Taylor Horst, Rio Bees, 505-217-5200, riobees@gmail.com

Sells new and used 8 and 10 frame Langstroth woodenware.

Phil Remick, 505-238-5621, http://www.newbeerescue.com/

Sells a full line of Langstroth beekeeping equipment in the north valley.

Bosque Farms

Hays Honey & Apple Farm, 505-869-2369, 400 Esperanza Rd, Bosque Farms, 87068
Ken Hays sells hive tools, smokers, brushes, gloves, Langstroth equipment. 

Rio Rancho

Matt Pickard, 505-404-1592(h), 505-999-9914(c), matthew.david.pickard@gmail.com
Sells Top Bar Hives with 2 windows, one window or no window

Tijeras

Brian Anderson, misterb.hives@gmail.com
Sells hives, supers, woodenware