May 30, 2025. Update for Disaster Relief and Recovery for Beekeepers in WNC.

Hurricane Helene entered the Appalachian Mountain Region on Sept. 24, 2024. Western N.C. was the hardest hit with the most severe effects due to record breaking rainfall and catastrophic flooding. As recovery goes on we have learned that there are many more honeybee colony losses than originally thought.

Due to the hard work of NC State University efforts in organizing and joining with Greater Good Charities, Hoopers Creek Bee Supply, Mann Lake Beekeeping Supply, North Carolina State Beekeepers Association and local chapters along with NCDA&CS Apiary Inspection Service and the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service and so many more sponsors and charities not listed here are helping the beekeepers of Western North Carolina re-establish their apiaries.

Buncombe County Beekeepers Club is collecting nucleus colonies to distribute to beekeepers that have lost hives.

Mary Liske, President of Buncombe County Beekeepers Club is gathering information for her documentary she will be presenting at our September 2025 Monthly Meeting. Her documentary will cover Hurricane Helene from Sept. 24th. thru recovery to present day. Bee on the look out for a Bee Blast for more details.

Thanks to Michael Entrekin and Ted Moore From Mecklenburg County, and Kim Guillemette and Janet Ott from Wayne County, who hit the road at 4:00 A.M. to make the five-hour drive and beat the heat. It was a successful Saturday, with over 50 nucleus colonies delivered to Root Cause Farms in Buncombe County. So far we have delivered over 102 colonies to Root Cause Farms.

Visit wncbees.org. for more details and photos.

Below are a few photos of nucs at Tommy Helms Apiary and staging area.

Anton Joubert, NC State Bee Inspector, Inspecting colony going to WNC.

Nucs going to WNC May 2nd., 2025

Todd and Melinda Mitchell donating their nucs. May 1, 2025

Sean Weddington, Meckbees Treasurer and Michael Entrekin , Meckbees Vice President, loading nucs to WNC May 17th., 2025