Minnesota Correctional Facility (MCF)-Willow River is a hive of activity thanks to a beekeeping program partnership between the facility and the Bee Lab from the University of Minnesota.

The beekeeping program started at MCF-Willow River in 2017 and currently has two hives, containing a total of about 160,000 bees.

“I learned a lot from the U of M Beekeeping Project. The instructor is very passionate and knowledgeable about bees and the hands-on approach was a great way for me to learn. It was the high point of my program. I looked forward to it every Thursday. I hope to take what I’ve learned and put it to practice when I get out,” said Adam Hoffmeister, one of the incarcerated participants from the bee keeping program.

The focus of this program promotes a healthy environment for native pollinators and honeybees. The University of Minnesota Bee Lab provides mentorship in beekeeping to a small group of incarcerated individuals at MCF-Willow River. The program gives participants hands-on learning and practical knowledge of raising bees and knowledge about the benefits of pollinators to the environment.

“The beekeeping program promotes a healthy environment for native pollinators and bees, as well as giving our participants a hands-on learning experience in an activity that will help the environment and provide additional skills for when they return to their communities,” said Paul Peterson, an employee at MCF-Willow River. “This program is truly a win-win for the environment and all Minnesotans.”

Besides the environmental benefits and learning for the program participants, the honey produced is used in meals at MCF-Willow River. On October 12, approximately 12 gallons of honey was harvested and will be used in the kitchen at MCF-Willow River.

The Minnesota Department of Corrections also has a beekeeping program operating through the same partnership with the U of M Bee Lab at MCF-Faribault. This year, the bees at MCF-Faribault produced 19 gallons of honey which will be donated to the local food shelf in Faribault.