Notes from a Beekeeper
Using our knowledge of beekeeping to continue rescuing dogs in the Redlands
Welcome to Buzz and Bone, where the worlds of bees, rescue animals, and sustainable stewardship come together. Our story begins long before the sanctuary itself — in Brazil, where our founder’s family has been practicing beekeeping for generations. From a young age, he learned the delicate balance required to care for hives, the dedication it takes to nurture these vital pollinators, and the incredible impact bees have on the environment. When he brought this knowledge to Florida, he combined it with a lifelong passion for animal rescue, creating a sanctuary where bees and rescued animals can thrive side by side.
“Bees have taught me more about community, resilience, and care than I ever imagined. At Buzz and Bone, every hive we nurture helps protect these incredible pollinators — and every effort we make here at the sanctuary helps give rescued animals a second chance at life. To me, caring for bees and caring for animals are two sides of the same mission: creating a world where all life can thrive.”
—Newton Siquira Jr., Founder of Buzz and Bone
Why Bees Matter
Bees are far more than honey producers — they are the backbone of ecosystems. Through pollination, they help plants reproduce, which supports everything from vibrant wildflower meadows to the food that animals and humans rely on. A single hive can pollinate millions of flowers each season, and their presence ensures that ecosystems remain balanced and resilient. Without bees, our environment would struggle to sustain the diversity of life we often take for granted.
At Buzz and Bone, caring for bees isn’t just about producing honey — it’s about creating a healthier, more sustainable environment for all living creatures at our sanctuary. The plants and flowers our bees pollinate provide food and enrichment for the dogs and other animals who call the Redland Sanctuary home.
Products from the Hive
Our bees are busy little workers, creating a variety of natural products — each with its own story and purpose:
The importance of bees for an ecosystem
🌸 Helping Plants Reproduce
When bees collect nectar, they also move pollen from one flower to another. This helps plants make seeds and grow new plants.
🐝 Pollination Power
Bees help pollinate about 75% of all the plants we eat, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Without them, many of our favorite foods would be harder to grow.
🐾 Feeding Other Animals
The plants bees pollinate are also food for animals like birds, rabbits, and even bears. Bees help keep the whole food chain strong.
🧃 Supporting Our Food Supply
Thanks to bees, we enjoy a wide variety of foods from apples and almonds to blueberries and cucumbers.
🌍 Keeping Nature in Balance
Bees pollinate wild plants too, not just crops. This supports entire ecosystems, providing food and shelter for birds, insects, and other wildlife.
🌿 Improving the Environment
Healthy plant life (thanks to bees) keeps soil strong, reduces erosion, and helps trap carbon from the air — all great for fighting climate change.
🐝 Products made by bees consumed by humans
🍯 Honey
A natural sweetener made by bees from flower nectar. Honey is widely used in cooking, baking, and beverages, and is valued for its antibacterial and soothing properties in natural remedies.
🌿 Propolis
A sticky resin bees make from tree sap and plant resins to seal and protect their hives. Propolis has been used in traditional medicine for its antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
🌸 Bee Pollen
Collected by bees as a food source for the hive. For humans, it’s considered a superfood and is consumed as a supplement due to its high protein, vitamin, and antioxidant content.
💉 Bee Venom
A complex mixture used by bees to defend the hive. In controlled forms, it is used in a practice called apitherapy to treat conditions like arthritis and has been explored in cosmetic products for its anti-inflammatory effects.
👑 Royal Jelly
A special, nutrient-rich substance that bees feed to larvae destined to become queens. It’s used in health supplements and cosmetics for its potential benefits to skin and immune health.
🕯️ Beeswax
Bees produce this wax to build their honeycombs. Humans use beeswax in candles, cosmetics (like lip balm), skincare products, and even as a natural alternative to plastic wrap
The Power of Propolis
Propolis is a resin-like material made by bees by mixing plant resins, wax, and their own enzymes. Bees use it to seal gaps in their hive and protect against bacteria and invaders. Humans have valued propolis for thousands of years due to its wide range of health-supporting properties. Below are some of the benefits associated with propolis and it’s common uses
🦠 Antibacterial
Studies have shown propolis may help reduce the severity or duration of viral infections, such as colds and flu.
🧪 Antiviral
Some studies show propolis may help reduce the severity or duration of viral infections, such as colds and flu.
🔥 Anti-inflammatory
Propolis may reduce inflammation, making it helpful in treating sore throats, skin irritations, and minor burns.
🩹 Wound Healing
Thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, propolis can speed up healing of cuts, burns, and mouth ulcers.
🛡️ Immune Support
Propolis is rich in flavonoids and other antioxidants, which may strengthen the immune system and protect cells from damage.
🧬 Antioxidant
The flavonoids in propolis help neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and possibly lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
🦷 Oral Health
Used in toothpaste and mouthwashes, propolis helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and mouth infections like canker sores
🧘 Skin Health
Found in many skincare products, propolis helps calm irritated skin and may benefit those with eczema, acne, or psoriasis.
🫁 Respiratory Support
Propolis may soothe airways, ease cough and throat irritation, supporting respiratory health during seasonal infections.
⚠️ Note on Safety ⚠️
Propolis is generally safe for most people, but those allergic to bee products or pollen should avoid it. Always consult a healthcare provider before using it as a supplement or topical treatment, especially for children or those with existing health conditions.
A Day in the Apiary
Walking through our hives is a humbling and inspiring experience. You’ll hear the gentle buzz of the bees, see the orderly work of thousands of tiny wings, and learn about the intricate social structure that keeps a hive alive. Our team inspects each colony carefully, ensuring the bees are healthy, the queen is thriving, and the environment remains safe for both pollinators and animals.
Every visit, every interaction, and every drop of honey produced contributes to a bigger purpose — supporting our rescued animals. By maintaining healthy hives and habitats, we enrich the sanctuary grounds and provide natural enrichment for the dogs and other animals who call Buzz and Bone home.
Join Us on a Tour
We invite you to experience the magic of the hive firsthand through our educational apiary tours. You’ll explore a working apiary, learn about sustainable beekeeping practices, and taste our freshly harvested honey. Visitors also get an inside look at how we care for each hive and how our work supports the rescued animals at the sanctuary.
Tours are designed to be hands-on, educational, and inspiring, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature, see conservation in action, and understand the importance of protecting bees and habitats. It’s a day full of learning, wonder, and tangible ways to make a difference.
How You Can Help
Supporting Buzz and Bone goes beyond visiting. By participating in our tours, purchasing our products, or sharing knowledge about bee conservation, you’re helping protect pollinator habitats, promote sustainable practices, and support rescued animals. Even small actions, like planting bee-friendly flowers or avoiding harmful pesticides, can create a lasting impact.
Every step you take with Buzz and Bone strengthens the link between bee conservation, environmental stewardship, and animal rescue. Together, we can ensure a future where pollinators flourish, habitats are protected, and animals live happy, healthy lives.