Cedar Valley Welcomes Honeybees!

Sometimes, the mission of UCCI is more internal and invisible. And sometimes, it springs to life right before your eyes! Late in May, loving the earth became a soft buzzing sound, and lovely wooden hives nestled near some trees in a more remote area of Cedar Valley Retreat Center.

We are thrilled to welcome honeybees to our property! The honeybees will help pollinate nearby farm fields and gardens while producing honey for a local business, Honey Grove Apiaries.

Taking care of honeybees is crucial for our environment and food supply. Honeybees are responsible for pollinating around one-third of the food we consume. Honeybees also play a vital role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. They help to increase biodiversity by pollinating wildflowers and other plants. By taking care of honeybees, we are not only ensuring that our food supply is secure, but we are also helping to protect the environment.

Honey Grove Apiaries is owned and operated by fourth-generation beekeeper Nick Thill. Thill was introduced to beekeeping at the age of 12 when he helped his great aunt Margaret for the summer. He was hooked and began caring for his own colony the following summer. One colony became six by the time Nick was in middle school, 20 during his high school years, and 100 when in college. In 2010, when Aunt Margie was ready to retire at age 80, Nick took over the business and carried on the family tradition.

Honey Grove Apiaries produces award-winning honey in West Bend, WI since 1956. Cedar Valley plans to sell honey produced by the bees on their property in the gift shop.