'Ellen, Get Me Some Bees:' Snowbee Origins
'Ellen, Get Me Some Bees:' Building Snowbees
“Ellen, get me some bees.”
That was the request from our Founder/CEO that started what became Snowbees, the 49th State Brewing apiary initiative rooted in sustainability, education, and a lot of curiosity.
What began as a simple assignment turned into research into sustainable beekeeping, with a specific challenge: How do you do this in Alaska? That question led me into a deep dive on overwintering, sustainable practices, and ultimately to finding the right beekeeping partner with the knowledge and tenacity to raise a weather-sensitive insect in a sub-Arctic environment.
From the beginning, the idea was bigger than producing honey for use in our beers, Frontier Alaska Soda products, cocktails, and menu items. We saw an opportunity to create something of community value: A platform to educate Alaskans about sustainable beekeeping and local food systems in a place where both come with unique challenges.
From the beginning, the idea was bigger than producing honey for use in our beers, Frontier Alaska Soda products, cocktails, and menu items. We saw an opportunity to create something of community value: A platform to educate Alaskans about sustainable beekeeping and local food systems in a place where both come with unique challenges.
My role included early research, helping identify and connect the right partners, shaping the broader community education concept, and later supporting the development of public programming around the project, from classes and events to helping our beekeeper think through the structure and sustainability of a beekeeping convention that grew from the momentum.
That educational piece became one of the most rewarding parts of the work. The Snowbee apiary has not only survived six winters and generated hundreds of pounds of honey, but it has also evolved into recurring classes, community conversations, and even a Brew Chat at 49th State Brewing @ The Rail exploring the connection between beekeeping and beverage-making.
The project has also generated meaningful public interest, with coverage from Alaska Public Media, the Anchorage Daily News, and local television news.
What I love most about our "littlest workers" is that it started with a practical ask, grew through research and collaboration, and became something much bigger than the original assignment. Those kinds of projects are especially satisfying to be part of.