BEEKEEPER “Protecting the Hive of Humanity” 911BEEKEEPERS.ORG.png

connection | Well-being | empowerment

As part of our 911 Navigators program, FRTS offers a therapeutic beekeeping initiative for current and retired first responders and frontline workers, providing a calm, hands-on environment to support healing from trauma and chronic stress. Participants learn hive care, pollinator behavior, and sustainable practices while benefiting from the calming, purposeful nature of working with bees —an activity shown to reduce anxiety and build emotional resilience. This unique program fosters peer connection, promotes mental well-being, and empowers participants with new life skills rooted in nature and sustainability.

Therapeutic benefits

Stress Reduction

The gentle buzzing of bees, the hum of the hive, and the concentration needed to care for it all create a calming atmosphere that eases stress and encourages relaxation.

Mindfulness and Focus

Beekeeping involves careful attention to detail, observing bee behavior, and staying fully engaged in each task, which cultivates mindfulness and a strong sense of being present.

Anxiety and Depression Management

Engaging in the tasks of beekeeping can help redirect attention away from overthinking and intrusive thoughts, offering a sense of relief for those dealing with anxiety and depression.

Sense of Purpose

Tending to a bee colony, maintaining hives, and harvesting honey can foster a sense of purpose and achievement, enhancing self-esteem and motivation.

Green Space

Being outdoors in a natural environment while beekeeping has been shown to positively impact mental health and overall well-being.

Social Connection

Beekeeping can also be a social experience, offering chances to connect with fellow beekeepers, exchange knowledge, and foster a supportive community.

program timeline

Workshops

We’ve hosted two Beekeeping Basics workshops - in Fall 2024 and early Spring 2025 - introducing participants to the fundamentals of beekeeping. These sessions covered essential skills, key practices, and the many benefits of maintaining healthy hives. Looking ahead, we’re excited to offer another workshop in late April or May 2025 to continue sharing knowledge and inspiring new beekeepers.

Bee arrival

In May 2025, we’re thrilled to welcome our bees and begin filling our hives! This marks an exciting step as we help them settle into their new homes. Bees typically acclimate within just a few hours and resume their normal routines within a few days, setting the stage for a productive and healthy season ahead, for the bees and our first responders.

Hands-on experiential

Following the arrival and acclimation of our bees, we’ll be hosting an engaging, hands-on learning experience exclusively for our 911 Beekeepers. This interactive session will offer a unique opportunity to explore hive management up close and build confidence in practical beekeeping skills. We anticipate this experiential workshop will take place in late May 2025.