Bio

a diverse background for a unique experience

beekeeping + phenology = responsible honey

I am an urban beekeeper and educator living in central Iowa. My older daughter won a beekeeping scholarship as a rising high school student, and once college was inevitable, I found that I had inherited her two bee hives. Using my education minor, I became a beekeeping instructor in 2013 to dive deep into the topic and become a better beekeeper. In the years since then, I have kept hives in residential backyards, a community orchard, a flower farm, and a university campus. I have experience removing bees from structures and fallen trees, swarm relocation, and many business topics including taking deductions related to filing IRS Schedules C and F.

I grew up in the country, and my values reflect that. Excellent soil health, air and water quality, appropriate land use, and clear, dark night skies motivate me. The combination of beekeeping with my values shows up as honey, lip balm, teaching, BeeLaws.org, A Phenology Planner for Beekeepers, and A Beekeeper’s Year (prairie edition) Calendar. When you participate in a learning circle or stay at my homeshare style AirBnb where $1 from every night’s stay goes to the Sustainable Iowa Land Trust, we are working together for good.

My resume is diverse for a unique experience and can be found on LinkedIn.