Nature's Bounty,
Crafted with Care
At The Foraging Bee, our mission is rooted in Connect, Explore, and Sustain. We connect people with nature and pollinators by embracing the healing power of the wild and the wisdom of the hive. With a spirit of exploration, our small, dedicated team roams diverse landscapes, ethically foraging botanicals and tending to our thriving apiaries. Through sustainable beekeeping and eco-friendly practices, we craft exquisite honey-related products and botanical salves—harnessing the pure essence of the wilderness to nourish both people and the planet.
Connect | Explore | Sustain
🐝 The Hive Awakening: Beekeeper Mark’s Buzz-Worthy Presentation That’s Captivating Audiences of All Ages
Created and delivered by Master Beekeeper Mark Vanderende of The Foraging Bee, this dynamic keynote presentation is more than educational—it's a heartfelt, humorous, and deeply inspiring journey into the science and soul of bees.
The Hive Awakening is not your average lecture. It’s a lively story—Mark’s personal journey from sting to spark, from a single hive to stewarding sustainable ecosystems. Blending practical science with engaging storytelling and laugh-out-loud moments (yes, there’s a story about a bee on the nose), Mark takes his audience on an unforgettable ride through:
The biology and behavior of honeybees
The essential role of pollination
The art and ethics of beekeeping
Seasonal hive management and hands-on tools
Life lessons from the hive on connection, curiosity, and care
With over a dozen “Crazy Bee Facts” woven throughout, even the most reluctant bug-watchers leave with newfound wonder—and maybe even a dream of donning a beekeeper’s veil.
🐝 “A buzzing blend of science, story, and smiles—for every age and stage.
Reparative, potent and nourishing instruments for the skin and soul.
Meet Wild Healing Salve, your friendly solution for soothing skincare! Packed with calendula, yarrow, and plantain, this all-natural salve helps calm irritation and supports healthy skin recovery.
Calendula is celebrated for its ability to promote skin regeneration and reduce inflammation, making it ideal for soothing minor cuts, scrapes, and irritations. Yarrow adds an extra boost with its natural antiseptic qualities, helping to prevent infection and support the healing process. Meanwhile, plantain is a powerful herbal remedy known for its calming effects on the skin, effectively alleviating itch and discomfort.
This versatile salve’s rich and nourishing formula absorbs smoothly, providing moisture and protection. Embrace the benefits of Wild Healing Salve as an essential part of your natural skincare routine!
Raw Crafted Wildflower Honey
Harvested from Rain Bird Farms, local to the Delta, BC area, our signature Over Flow Honey captures the subtle nuances of the seasonal crops available.
Pollinator Corridor Program
Pollinators are essential to biodiversity and food security, but habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change threaten their survival. The Pollinator Corridor Program, by The Foraging Bee, empowers communities to create pollinator-friendly spaces, linking urban and rural landscapes with native plants, reduced pesticide use, and safe nesting sites.
Get involved
Plant native flowers & herbs for year-round blooms.
Avoid harmful pesticides that threaten pollinators.
Provide water & shelter with bee hotels and shallow water sources.
Encourage schools, businesses, and neighbors to participate.
🌱🐝 Let’s Connect, Explore, and Sustain—one pollinator corridor at a time!
Welcome to our buzzing world of beekeeping and foraging.
Here, we explore the enchanting synergy of nurturing honeybees and uncovering nature's edible treasures. Whether you're a hive-tender, a wild herb enthusiast, or simply captivated by the wonders of the natural world, our blog is your guide to the sweet art of beekeeping and the joy of foraging.
Join us as we dive into the hive's secrets, venture into the wilderness, and savor the bounties of the Earth. Get ready for a journey that's as rich and sweet as the honey we'll harvest together.
Workshops
Beekeeping and foraging workshops are like a fun adventure in nature. These workshops are not just about learning; they're about getting closer to nature, understanding the environment better, and doing our bit to take care of it. Whether you're new to this or a nature lover, these workshops promise an exciting journey into the natural world.
Want a custom workshop developed for you or your group? Let’s chat!
Community Partners
Rain Bird Farms
Located in North Delta, Vancouver, this 5 acre Urban Farm boosts an incredibly diverse blend of Wildflower Honey that is rich in floral and fruit flavors. Its color ranges from light amber to dark copper depending on what the bees are foraging on. We currently have 10 Hives with room to expand to 25 -30 Hives.
Similkameen Valley Apiary
In the backcountry of Princeton, we have set up a fenced Ten Hive Apiary. Nestled in a backdrop of mountains, rolling hills, and grassy valleys, this location offers endless Beekeeping opportunities while the wild grasses, trees, and flowers give the bees endless foraging. The Honey from this location is lighter in colour, and the clover, alfalfa, wild rose, fireweed and goldenrod lend their sweet flavors. This mild, sweet honey is perfect for teas, baking, and a variety of culinary dishes.
Shieling Farms
Located in Princeton BC. Providing all natural, made by hand Botanical Skin Products. Soaps, Oils, and Salves.
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