Charleston Buzzes with Beekeeping Passion
In the charming city of Charleston, the sweet sound of nature’s buzzing companions is enlightening the community. Tom Knaust, a devoted beekeeper and the face behind Queen & Comb, spends his days tinkering with hives, teaching children, and forging bonds with fellow pollinator enthusiasts. Recently, he showcased his passion at various events, and it’s clear that his love for these tiny creatures goes beyond just honey production.
Bees in Action: A Tale of Relocation
On a sunny September day with temperatures reaching nearly 85°F, Knaust was busy at The Bend, an eco-friendly space in North Charleston. Earlier that week, he had successfully relocated a hive extracted from the awning of a West Ashley apartment. “I can’t imagine myself, you know, maintaining my own personal sanity if I were to work inside,” he confessed, revealing that finding bees had brought clarity and purpose to his life. Indeed, it seems beekeeping has become his calling.
From Honeycomb to Classroom
Knaust’s commitment doesn’t stop at caring for hives. He has been instrumental in providing educational experiences for children. In his recent visit to Saint John’s Catholic School, he demonstrated an observation hive—a unique learning tool where students can view bees in their daily routines without breaching their environment. The Bee Cause Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating future generations about pollinators, has collaborated with Knaust to install these observation hives in schools over the last nine years.
“If the hive at St. John’s is suffering, then the kids see that firsthand,” noted Knaust. His goal is to help children understand how environmental factors, such as the use of pesticides, can have serious repercussions on bee health. “It’s a vivid way to learn about how everything in nature is connected,” he added with conviction.
A Community of Support
Charleston boasts a rich and thriving beekeeping community, where hobbyists come together. The Charleston Area Beekeepers Association serves as one of the largest networks in the state, patiently nurturing both new and seasoned beekeepers. Eric Sellers Jr., who leads A&E Bee Extraction and Control, shared his enthusiasm for community learning: “If someone approaches me and wants to learn how to do bee extractions, I’m gonna teach you.” It’s this sense of camaraderie that invigorates beekeeping in the region.
Hands-On Experiences and Mental Health Benefits
During a recent hive extraction, Knaust helped to carefully remove honeycombs from an awning. “This is the stickiest I’ve been in a while,” he joked as he worked alongside Sellers, sharing a laugh and a mutual respect for the craft. Knaust later described the calming effect of working with bees, citing studies that suggest beekeeping can aid in alleviating symptoms of PTSD. “They require you to be in a chill state and moving slowly,” he explained. “The act of focusing on these creatures can be quite therapeutic.”
Protecting Pollinators for Future Generations
As the sun set over Charleston, Knaust continued his mission to foster a sense of environmental responsibility and love for nature among children and adults alike. With a smile, he reflected on his journey and the many hives he manages across the Lowcountry. “To me, I would definitely consider myself a bee guy,” he laughed, indicating that this vibrant community of pollinator lovers is just getting started.
As Charleston continues to grow its beekeeping efforts, the hope is that these small but mighty creatures will thrive, and in turn, inspire future generations to cherish and protect our planet’s delicate ecosystems.
