June 2009 Meeting

Kim Flottum Editor of Bee Culture Magazine “From the perspective of probably every beekeeper in the U.S., the first day of spring 2009 should be one of the most memorable in decades. It was on that day … announced that not only would there be a garden on the White House lawn, the first since FDR was in office, but there would be, yes, BEE HIVES! “

Toni Burnham’s blog – City Bees.

“On Tuesday, March 24, the first known hive of bees at the White House arrived at their location on the South Lawn. Just stop by the fence on the Ellipse (south) side: two deeps and a medium of Maryland mixed breed bees, with known Russian and Caucasian genetics. The White House beekeeper is Charlie Brandts, someone who has been a quiet beekeeper in this area for three years now. His reserve is probably why he asked me (Toni) to do some of the talking about his idea to include bees in the White House Victory Garden project. During the 2008 campaign, Michelle Obama emphasized healthy, local food, and since arriving here has tasked her family's personal chef, Sam Kass, with putting a garden in to supply fresh produce for the Executive Mansion and educational events for the community. ”

“Charlie realized that this was a chance to include bees, and to show their important role in putting one of every three bites on your plate. Charlie allocated (free of charge, people!) one of his own hives for the White House Victory Garden. Why are you hearing this from me? Even though I am supposed to be a secret beekeeper, I am actually the noisiest hive-minder in Washington. I was invited to meet with the staff, and to tell folks how we get it done in DC! The folks who run the place had some questions about urban beekeeping, but I have spoken to garden clubs who were more resistant to pollination. I think they were just looking for a reason to say "Yes!" It takes more than ideas, excitement and a presentation to make things happen at such a special place, however. It took a few weeks and approvals from everyone from the First Family to, of course, the lawyers. We've been wanting to tell everyone, and finally, a little while ago, the news broke.”

“Needless to say, many beekeepers are very excited, and some of them think that Charlie has the responsibility to be some kind of spokesperson for beekeeping in THEIR area. I disagree: he has done his part, it is time for us to do ours. Now that you know some of the details, it would be great if we … use the fact that bees are at the White House to advocate and educate about beekeeping in the wide range of communities and contexts that make up our country. Don't let this news fade: use this moment to make bees shine in the spotlight, and to tie them to the place where your families live. It is hard for me to imagine a location with more special requirements and available excuses for not including honeybees. If they can make it there, we can take them anywhere.” Toni Burnham

Charlie Brandts