Conversation With a Bee Keeper

Mrs. Cindy Jones of Windy Hill Farm & Preserve

Windy Hill Farm and Preserve is a boutique resort and upland preserve situated on the banks of the Tennessee River in Loudon County. They offer guided quail hunting, concerts, dining, lodging, outdoor activities and ……. beekeeping classes!

My most recent conversation was with the resident beekeeper from Windy Hill Farm and Preserve, Mrs. Cindy Jones. 

How long have you been a beekeeper?

Cindy Jones has not been a beekeeper for very long at all. “It (beekeeping) has always been a great interest of mine in life,” Cindy Tells me. Since coming to work at Windy Hill last October, Cindy has had the pleasure of leading several activities at the resort. “In the Winter months there aren’t as many outdoor activities, so in looking at what was available beekeeping was an option. That is when I began my research.”

Cindy shares with me that not only is she the beekeeper at Windy Hill but she is also a home school mom to five children. If you know anything about home school moms, you know that they have a love for learning that never stops. Cindy has used that love to educate herself on all things bees. 

What do your children think about mom being a beekeeper?

Cindy tells me that her children are not going to follow in mom’s footsteps and become beekeepers themselves, but they do think it is totally rad that she has taken on the role of beekeeper. 

Are there a lot of women who are beekeepers?

Being a female beekeeper is not uncommon, “It is very popular in homesteading, and anywhere that is going to help perpetuate life and food, you will generally find women working in tandem, for the greater good.” 

You remember learning about bees and pollination in grade school, right? Me too! Except…I forgot most of it. Talking with Cindy was like learning about the subject for the first time all over again! She was a fantastic teacher. I did ask her several questions along the way like:

How far do bees travel to pollinate?

Cindy reports, “Bees can travel up to 2 miles, so it is safe to say the bees at Windy Hill are all Loudon County bees.” 

What is the beehive construction? 

The box Windy Hill uses to keep their bees is a German design that is very similar to a natural hive. “It’s not exact but it is really close,” Cindy says. 

What are the roles of all the bees?

Cindy tells me there are 3 roles. The queen, the workers, and the drone. “Most of the bees in the hive are workers and they are all female.”…. Can I get an amen?

Tell me about pollinators. 

“Pollinators are not just honeybees. Mason bees, leaf cutter bees, even wasps are also pollinators. Cindy tells me it is said, “85% of the food we eat is due in part to pollinators, two out of every three bites we take, pollinators were a part of.”

What is a product that most people use every day that can be contributed to honey? 

Honey can be found in all types of beauty products, salves, and of course food. Cindy mentions that Windy Hill is considering the possibility of making mead. Mead is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey mixed with water, and sometimes added ingredients such as fruit, spices. “It is something fun to look in too.” Cindy says.

How many hives does Windy Hill have?

Some of thee hives didn’t make it over the winter and the late season frost, which is normal. They are in the process of getting new bees to begin new hives. The goal is to have 10 hives this year. 

What can you expect from a beekeeping class at Windy Hill?

Beekeeping is an art and a learning process. “This is a jump in and try it” type experience. Participants get to don the white suit and fun head gear when they are working with the bees. You can work in the hives and participate in the process of making honey. Cindy says one of the best parts about the class is tasting the honey. Guests also get to take a jar of honey home with them.

What is like to work in this beautiful setting?

“Pinch me”, Cindy replied. “It is an absolute blessing. The people that are here are top notch. We work together for the greater good. We love this property; we love each other, and we love sharing it with our guests who come here. “Windy Hill is a beautiful place, when you are around beauty your spirits are just lifted.” Cindy is correct. Windy Hill is beautiful, peaceful, AND full of adventure. 

Last question, have you ever been stung?

“Not yet!” Cindy says.