Between towering Douglas firs and the misty coastline, Oregon is a state host to an extraordinary variety of nature and wildlife. As the seasons ‘Sprinter, Summer, monsoon, and Autumn’ (that’s spring, winter, summer, and fall to you non-Oregonians) roll past, Oregonians marvel at the vibrancy and resilience of Mother Nature’s tapestry. But it’s not just the larger-agents – the salmon swimming upstream, the elk playing in the forests – that are the unsung heroes of our ecosystem. Let’s talk about our buzzing neighbors: the bees. In urban environments across Oregon, a fascinating movement is taking flight: urban beekeeping.
The Buzz in the City
In spite of what you might think, urban environments like Portland are fantastic for bees. Have you ever noticed how diverse the flowers are, stretching from the Lan Su Chinese Garden at Old Town/Chinatown up to the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park? Now you might be thinking, why is that? It’s the urban gardens. Unlike mono-crop farmlands, city gardens offer a smorgasbord of floral varieties that provide healthier diets for bees.
Bee-ing Busy in Portland
Urban beekeeping pioneers like the Portland Urban Beekeepers association and local honey gurus at Bee Thinking are dedicated to promoting bees in the city. The group’s efforts have resulted in hives popping up in community spaces, like atop the Zenger Farm in Powellhurst-Gilbert and even the city’s backyard gardens. Plus, ever noticed those hives tucked on the roof of Powell’s City of Books? Bees, just like us, enjoy a good read!
Local Honey, Local Flavor
Beyond the environmental benefits, these city bees are producing honey that is uniquely Oregonian. A honey infused with the flavors of a Portland garden is going to be wildly different from a honey hailing from the lavender fields near Mt. Hood or the pear orchards in the Rogue Valley. And what a treat they are! Next time you’re at your local market, look out for jars from Bee Local or Honey Mama’s, and you’ll get what I mean.
Bridging the Gap: Staying True to our Roots
Urban beekeeping isn’t a hip new trend or a frivolous hobby: it’s a reminder of the pioneering spirit in Oregonians’ DNA. Just ask those tending bee colonies in the city, and they will tell you: urban beekeeping provides a connection to Mother Nature right in our backyard. It’s a nod to the settlers who craved fertile land and plentiful hunting grounds – a tangible connection to our history.
In Salem, for instance, beekeepers are reviving bees in a way that feels almost symbiotic with the city’s cherishing of its historic roots. Harken back to the bushy branches of the Oregon Pioneer Cemetery bursting in wildflowers, and you see why bees and Salem are truly a match made for each other!
Here Comes the Rain – and More Bees
In proper Oregon style, even our rainy weather plays a role in urban beekeeping. Who would’ve thought that our long, wet Springs would be beneficial for beekeeping? But those drenching rains result in an explosion of blossoms in late spring – providing an all-you-can-eat buffet for our buzzing friends.
You might think bees wouldn’t fare well in the soggy drizzle, but here’s where the local architecture comes in handy. Those old porch eaves, attics, and even abandoned birdhouses in the historic Ladd’s Addition neighborhood are just the right spots for a cozy bee colony.
Growing Together: Urban Beekeeping and Sustainability
Oregon is known for its environmental ethos, and urban beekeeping is undoubtedly part of that tradition. City beehives not only provide a sanctuary for the bees but also play a vital role in local food security by pollinating our home gardens and community food projects like Growing Gardens in Northeast Portland.
So, step outside and listen. You might hear that familiar buzz with a newfound appreciation. These city bees are tireless workers, making our urban green spaces thrive while creating that liquid gold, one flower at a time. Whether you’re in bustling Portland or tranquillity infused Salem, there’s so much to discover about urban beekeeping in Oregon.
The resilience of Oregonians is echoed in our buzzing neighbors. The synergy between us and our shared commitment to caring for the environment is embodied in urban beekeeping, a venture where nature meets city-life, and generations connect. Maybe it’s time to let a little buzz into your life and consider what you can do to contribute to this incredible, shared effort to keep Oregon alive, buzzing, and beautiful!