Susan Knilans and Jacqueline Freeman are in love with bees. So in love that they observe their bees – their work, communication, seasonal activity, and more – for hours each day. And with observation came realization: when bees are allowed to live as they would in nature (with smaller hives, no chemicals, freedom to swarm, and little-to-no human interference), they will thrive. Accordingly, Knilans and Freeman have spent decades perfecting the revolutionary practice of preservation beekeeping, guided by the simple question, "What do the bees want?"
A surprising page-turner, this instructional book tells the story of their successes and failures, demonstrating what was learned along the way. Sharing preservation beekeeping's key tenets, the authors provide concrete, simple ways to implement their approach, from finding the right hive location to honing observation skills. This preservation manifesto is a vital addition to any beekeeper's library, imparting all the joys of a beekeeper's life.
Susan Knilans teaches beekeeping classes as part of the Preservation Beekeeping Council. She is the author of Animals as Teachers. She lives in Washington. Jacqueline Freeman teaches beekeeping classes as part of the Preservation Beekeeping Council. She is the author of Song of Increase. She lives in Washington.