First Prison Beekeeping Program Starts at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility

This new program will keep inmates buzzing with intrigue.

Inmate beekeepers learn how to care for three hives, hosted by the Oregon State Beekeepers Association.

(WILSONVILLE, Ore.) - A group of honey bees arrived at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility late last month to take up residence in three hives that will be cared for by inmate workers as part of the first prison beekeeping program in Oregon.

The hives each contain one queen and up to 5,000 bees, which include drones and worker bees. Ten adults in custody from the minimum facility will ensure the bees are well fed and cared for.

Since all worker bees are female, it seems somehow appropriate that this brand new program should begin at Oregon's only women's prison.

In addition to taking care of the bees, the inmates will take classes and work toward becoming certified apprentice beekeepers.

The program, sponsored by the Oregon State Beekeeper Association, is part of DOC's sustainability efforts.

One of the agency's sustainability goals is to provide adults in custody with job skills through sustainability practices.

Job preparedness is one component that contributes to successful reentry into society and reduced recidivism.