“Knowing them was a blessing both ways.” This was a quote that Sandy said several times about Dave and William Harness while talking about her experience as a beekeeper on Harness Farm. She got into beekeeping because she always wanted to try it. One Christmas her husband asked her what she wanted, and she said, “a beehive.” “My husband never gets me what I want, but I became a beekeeper. That was in 2011. I started in Waupaca and the first year a bear took them out. Then someone, a friend, hooked me up with the Harness’—I didn’t even know them—and I’ve been there ever since. That was 2012 and no bear problems there.”

When asked about the health and decline of bees, she said, “You have to do a mite check on them.” Mites are an invasive species that were introduced in the 90’s that along with other factors have been causing colony decline nationwide. Sandy reports one thing that has been a problem for several local beekeepers is that the hive absconds—that is, the whole hive leaves. This is different from swarming, which is when the hive gets so crowded, half leaves to form a new colony elsewhere. She said that no one knows why this happens. Researchers are trying to solve this.

Harness Farm is a good location for Sandy because it is only three miles from her home, so she can check on her bees frequently. And, it’s a great location for the bees. Saving Wisconsin’s native and other pollinators depends on the wildflowers, ecosystems, crops and natural areas they need for food and nesting. Loss of bee habitat is a serious problem. A problem that could be addressed when the Land Trust takes over—especially if prairie is encouraged in open areas. Sandy’s reaction to this idea was that of a typical committed beekeeper. “It would only make the honey better.” she said in support of the idea.

Sandy has additional hives in her garden at home. When asked how she sells honey from so many hives, she said she does not sell in farmer’s markets – it’s all by word of mouth. She also makes a hand grease from the wax she harvests.

Sandy admires David and William for their knowledge of the property. When she wanted to make a salve from cottonwood buds, they knew exactly where the cottonwoods were. “Any question I might have about gardening or anything, they have so much knowledge. I will miss them terribly when they are both gone.”