About Sustainable Honeybee Program
We are an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization that promotes sustainable practices in beekeeping. In addition, our program is distributed both nationally and internationally as a vehicle for regional economic development.
Our Organization
SHP is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains in Loudoun County Virginia; however, distribution of our lines are now in many of the surrounding states as well as many other areas of Virginia.
Presentations
SHP is available for 1-, 2-hour, or 1/2-day presentations that explain the SHP protocols, results and special techniques and equipment we have developed to help improve the honeybee and its capacity to manage threats to its survival. Please use the contact tab to request a visit from one of our presenters.
Genetics
We develop and sustain a line of honeybees that are acclimated to the local area. Our standards require them to be hygienic, gentle and reliable producers that have the natural inclination to survive the winters.
Workshops
We frequently conduct workshops in the Fall and Winter each year to help beekeepers prepare Winter and Spring. Much of our focus is on best practices for sustainable beekeeping in the local region (adapted as needed for each region).
Development and Culture
Traditional beehives in Ethiopia are developed from logs, elevated in tall trees to protect from predators. A planned SHP/Global Bees project aims to introduce european style hives to reduce injuries to beekeepers, lumber wasted and provide for local beekeepers to improve honey production.
Environment & Sustainability
SHP supports the use of Integrated Pest Management techniques. Our methods have reduced the need for intervention in the hives to a minimum. For example, we use benign methods inside the hive to mitigate the threat from varroa mites. We plant beneficial pollinator plants and manage the yard without glyphosate or neonicotinoids.