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Community Corner

Novato Beekeeper Busy as ... Well, You Know ...

There are unique colonies throughout Marin County.

On a warm weekend morning, I met with local beekeeper Mike Johnson to discuss bees. His enthusiasm and energy for bees is contagious and he is pleased to share the knowledge he has acquired over the years.

Approximately 10 years ago, a swarm developed in his backyard. His wife called him alarmed at the sight, and it was Mike to the rescue. He purchased a the complete suit, helmet, veil and gloves and tamed the bees. The rest is history.

Right now he has very friendly, Italian honey bees on his property. Friendly bees, that seems like an contrary to our bee thoughts. Yes, these Italian honey bees are friendly, calm and behave because they're only interested in sweet pollen.

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Do you know male drone bees don't even sting. I was able to take close-up photos of the bees without them being interested in me. They are only interested in pleasing the queen!

Mike now has several hives in Novato and on a farm in Petaluma. As swarm coordinator for Marin, he has safety remove bees throughout Marin and relocated them to proper homes. In addition to taming swarms he has been an active member of both the Marin Bee Society and the Sonoma Bee Society.

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Mike has mastered the art of handcrafting bee boxes and bee frames, no artificial products here, everything is organic.

The honey he harvests is delicious, especially drizzled on crackers with blue cheese. His honey from Petaluma is close to blackberry thickets. The interesting thing about this honey is it smells like blackberries but doesn't taste like blackberries. Can you explain that?

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