With a buzz of excitement and a bear of honey for every guest, the Toe Cane Beekeepers Association officially opened its new Educational Apiary on the campus of Mayland Community College during a ribbon cutting celebration on Monday.
The event marked the culmination of over a year of collaboration between the Toe Cane Beekeepers and Mayland Community College to create a one-of-a-kind outdoor learning space dedicated to pollinator education and sustainability. The Apiary will be used for educational purposes, hands-on training, and public awareness of the vital role honey bees play in North Carolina’s ecosystem.
“This apiary is not just for bees or beekeepers—it’s for education,” said Debbie Griffith, President of the Toe Cane Beekeepers Association. “We are here to help people understand the importance of pollinators to our ecosystem. Mayland made this possible—they have said ‘yes’ to every request, and we are so grateful.”
Dr. John Boyd, President of Mayland Community College, emphasized the importance of community partnerships in his remarks.
“Mayland is committed not only to academic excellence but to meaningful collaboration that makes a real difference,” Boyd said. “This project is a perfect example of what can happen when dedicated community members come together with a shared purpose.”
The Apiary’s development began in 2023 when the Association approached Mayland with a vision for an educational site. Mayland provided land, cleared the area, graveled the road, and installed fencing and a foundation pad. The hives—donated by a local beekeeper—were repainted by Montessori school students, adding a personal touch to the community-centered project.
The apiary also played an unexpected role as a staging ground for hurricane relief donations after Hurricane Helene, supporting beekeepers impacted across the region.
Speakers at the event included Debbie Griffith, President of the Toe Cane Beekeepers Association; Dr. John Boyd, President of Mayland Community College; Susan Spruill, Chair of the Educational Apiary Committee; and Rick Core, President of the North Carolina Beekeepers Association.
The next phase of the project includes building additional hive stands and constructing a covered pavilion for outdoor classes and workshops. Long-term goals include designating Mayland Community College as a Bee Campus USA affiliate.
Beekeeping in North Carolina is big business—and vital to the environment. The state is home to more beekeepers per capita than any other in the U.S., with approximately 15,000 registered beekeepers. Honey production generates between five and six million pounds annually, contributing around $10 million to the state’s economy. Beyond honey, pollination supports more than 130 crops, with an estimated $70 million economic impact in North Carolina alone.
The ribbon cutting concluded with refreshments and a small bottle of local honey for each attendee—each bear symbolizing the tireless work of approximately 185 honey bees over their lifetimes.
“Whether you care about education, the environment, or community innovation, this partnership is something we can all be proud of,” Boyd said. “At Mayland, we believe education doesn’t just happen in classrooms—it happens in gardens, in workshops, in apiaries like this one. We’re proud to work alongside passionate community members to build unique learning experiences that take root, grow, and make a lasting impact—not just for our students, but for the region we serve.”
To learn more about the Toe Cane Beekeepers Association, visit www.toecanebeekeepers.net. For upcoming honey bee classes, visit www.mayland.edu/ce.
