edibleportland.com | 33 At the Zidell Yards apiary, there are 20 to 30 year-round hives, all of which are non-migratory. They remain in this spot for pollination, and since there are no agricultural crops on the site, Schmiedel says the bees forage on all the native plants and gardens in the immediate area. Honeybees are also known to travel up to six to seven miles to forage, which is what makes honey so complex, as it showcases minor variances season to season. “Honey is one of the truest representations of any region's flora,” she says. “Tasting raw honey is like tasting a floral moment in time.” For Schmiedel, she’s proud to represent the industry as a woman, as there are still fewer women who lead commercial operations. Her practice of stewardship beekeeping is also critical to her curiosity, growth and success. “We are bee-centric. We only use organic treatments on the colonies when necessary and try to support our colonies without intervening too much with their natural processes,” she says. “We build the environment around the hives. By providing successively blooming plants and nectar sources for the bees, we also encourage biodiversity.” In one season, Schmiedel says a healthy colony will produce an ample amount of honey to sustain itself through winter, and during harvest, plenty of honey is left for the bees to overwinter. The Portland Riverfront microlot honey is harvested in late July to early August and typically released in January. While she is passionate about teaching these practices to local youth and using that opportunity to discuss a broader perspective, Schmiedel also invites the wider community to the apiary, whether they are curious about getting started in beekeeping or simply interested in being introduced to bees. The Beekeeping Event Series offers a hands-on educational opportunity to hear from Schmiedel, along with guest speakers, about beekeeping practices and the intricate life of bees in general. “It’s an artful science and an intuitive practice,” she says. I’m very proud of the program we’ve built and how it can continue forward. Opposite page: Portland Riverfront Raw Honey by the Willamette River. Above Tending the hives at Zidell Yards apiary.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==