Violet Forster, a student at the University of Minnesota Duluth, did not envision starting a club on campus. “Growing up, I always loved flowers,” Forster said. “I would garden a lot with my mom and dad and I always loved to be connected to nature in some way, shape or form.” 

Her first job was working in a greenhouse and since then she has worked at three different greeneries, the most recent being at Glensheen Mansion. Forster wants to do good in her community and that is why she decided to major in environment, sustainability and geography (ESG) and geographic information systems (GIS). 

With all of this love for nature, Forster wanted to do some research on pollinators and how to help them by hosting an event called “What’s the Buzz?” Through a grant process, she was able to fund a community-wide event on campus that had different beekeepers and native greeneries come out and speak. They also had hands-on workshops. 

A friend of Forster’s, Ella Stewart suggested that more events like “What’s the Buzz?” should happen and together, they created a club. It was the spring of Forster’s freshman year in 2022 when they started the club called Helping Hives. Stewart has since graduated.

Helping Hives was mainly funded and developed by students. One way the club fundraises is by selling beeswax wraps, which are a more sustainable substitute for tinfoil. The club sometimes has fun, hands-on activities where they make things like chapsticks and honey goat milk soap. It also hosts speaker events and seminars as well as volunteering out in the community. 

Helping Hives has accomplished planting a native garden on campus with the help of a grant. They also have two apiaries —a place where bees are kept —on campus located across the street from Bagley Nature Area, a nature preserve at UMD behind parking lot D. 

The location was chosen for the bees specifically because of the pond near it and the way the sun hits. There is also a windblock from the building next to it. Helping Hives also wanted it to be on campus to make it accessible for students.

Forster is hoping to get more students involved over the summer. They are specifically looking for anyone interested in beekeeping. The bonus is, you don’t need to know how to beekeep. 

“I’m still learning how to beekeep,” Forster said. They host info sessions on how to beekeep through UMD’s Recreational Sports Outdoor Program (RSOP).

In the summertime, club members will walk students through the entire beekeeping process. All the equipment and experience is free. “We’re all learning together,” Forster said. “Now’s the time to learn.”

Some members are only dedicated to the summer to beekeep. You don’t have to attend meetings or events if you only want to beekeep. Helping Hives is a place to come and go where people can feel relaxed, make crafts, have educational opportunities and learn how to beekeep. 

“I feel like some clubs can be super stressful and I want my club to be a place to relax,” Forster said.

Forster said it can be relaxing to beekeep. Bees can read your energy, so it works best to be in a meditative state. If you’re scared of bees, there are still plenty of research opportunities available.

The bees are left alone during the winter months. The apiaries gain a hive hugger, which acts as a blanket for the bees. Although, Forster says it’s not the cold that can kill them, but rather the moisture. 

Forster did not expect as much engagement as there is. She has made lots of friends and has created a community. “I feel very proud of all the work I’ve put into it,” Forster said. 

She is now looking for more leadership. “This is my baby,” she said. “It’s tricky to find someone as passionate about it.”

Helping Hives have weekly meetings from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays in the Lakeview room in the Multicultural Center.