Spring is on Its Way: The Bees Know It, and So Do We

Something about those crisp 50-degree days and the extra hours of sunlight signals it—spring is heading our way! Here in Wisconsin, we know the reality: winter isn’t quite done with us yet. Another snowfall is almost inevitable. But still, the green shoots of grass are emerging, and that undeniable energy of renewal is in the air. We’re ready for it.

And we’re not the only ones. The bees feel it too. As the seasons shift, their colony gears up for what’s to come. The queen is increasing her egg-laying in preparation for the honey flow, which arrives in our part of the state around early June. It’s a carefully timed effort—more bees mean more foragers at the peak of nectar availability, ensuring the colony’s survival and success. Right now, the hive is focused on expansion, nurturing the next generation to be ready when the floral bounty arrives.

This growth requires resources. While the hives remain stocked with honey from last fall’s surplus, stored protein levels are low. That’s why we’re supplementing with pollen this year, giving the bees the fuel they need to rear healthy brood and build strength for the season ahead. It’s always incredible to watch the hive adapt—working together, adjusting to conditions, and pivoting when necessary. Every bee plays a role, supporting the greater good of the colony.

A single bee cannot survive on her own. She needs her sisters to keep her warm, to share food, to care for the young, to protect the hive. She needs the plants that provide nectar, pollen, and propolis—the resin bees use to seal their home and create an antimicrobial shield. And in return, the plants need the bees for pollination. This intricate, interdependent system ensures life flourishes. Did you know that bees actively seek out the plants with nectar containing the highest antiviral or antibacterial properties when their colony is fighting illness? They instinctively know what’s best for the health of their hive.

We humans aren’t so different. We, too, thrive in community. We need each other. We need nourishing foods, meaningful connections, and shared experiences to truly flourish. Just like the bees, we’re at our best when we work together, support one another, and embrace the richness of diversity.

So here’s our challenge to you: gather your colony and bring them to The Hive this weekend. Celebrate joy, connection, and the arrival of spring. Even when life feels heavy, these moments of lightness and togetherness sustain us. Let’s raise a glass to nature’s wisdom, to resilience, and to choosing joy—because that’s how we move forward, stronger and better, together.