Serious bees-ness in south-central Michigan
Restoration at Marshall takes another important step forward
June 19, 2024
It’s a cool, crisp Michigan morning on June 5—temperature in the high 50s.
Beekeeper Jim Baerwald uses a small forklift to gently lift pallets of honeybees from his truck to a grassy section of land near Marshall, MI.
The owner of His Bee Farm in Eau Claire, MI, Baerwald has chosen this day because the cool weather keeps the bees calm.
There are some 24 beehives that Baerwald carefully puts in place—around one million honeybees in all. The bees are pollinators that will enhance and restore the natural habitat here.
“This is very important work that the bees will do,” said Baerwald.
“In addition to the pollination, or visiting flowers, they are also indirectly contributing to restoring critical wildlife habitat.”
“Honeybees contribute to biodiversity and help with conservation. They have important work here in Michigan to do by pollinating flowers and many wildland plants.”
—Jim Baerwald, owner of His Bee Farm in Eau Claire, MI
Bees carry pollen from flower to flower to fertilize wild and cultivated plants. Fertilized plants produce seeds, helping to ensure the surrounding habitat continues to thrive.
The USDA estimates that 75% of North American plant species and more than 80% of flowering plants worldwide rely on pollinators, such as bees, to grow.
“I give Enbridge a lot of credit for financially supporting this effort,” said Baerwald. “It speaks to the company’s commitment to improve this area.”
Transformation continues
The bees have been placed in a rural area where the 2010 Marshall release occurred.
In 2023, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) designated a portion of Talmage Creek—where the 2010 Marshall release occurred—as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. This area received the national certification designation because it met certain criteria that fosters wildlife, including food (native plants), water sources, cover for shelter, and places (habitats) to raise young species.
“Now, the honeybees will play a critical role in helping nature recover in this area,” said Baerwald.
“I’ve been in the bee business since 1988. I can say with firsthand knowledge that the bees will definitely help. Bees are such efficient pollinators they are used throughout the nation to pollinate crops such as almonds and blueberries. While we’re not farming here, the restorative nature of the bees will lead to a healthy habitat for many species, and that’s really exciting.”
Jim Baerwald, beekeeper and owner of His Bee Farm.
His Bee Farm is located in Eau Claire, Michigan.
Baerwald has stationed around one million honeybees at this location.
There are 24 beehives in total.
The transformation of Talmadge Creek and the Kalamazoo River is tangible, real
“We made a commitment to restore this area,” said Brent Rush, Enbridge’s a manager of U.S. Tribal Engagement. “If you take a kayak ride on the Kalamazoo River, you will discover the natural beauty of the area; the clean water, and the elegance of the trees and plants that line the river. It took the effort of many people to achieve this transformation.
“This commitment, combined with Enbridge’s recognition of the strong Indigenous connection and traditional importance of the land, air, animals, and water, drives our ongoing efforts to keep the area pristine. Introducing beehives is an important part of this process and will benefit the local ecosystem for many years to come.”
In partnership with 7th Legacy, an Indigenous-owned business, Enbridge has worked to revive the natural landscape near Marshall, in the Kalamazoo River watershed, into a thriving wildlife habitat. 7th Legacy applied for the habitat certification and also helped secure His Bee Farm to continue the transformation.
“Our partnership with Enbridge exemplifies the potential for positive collaboration between Indigenous-owned businesses and companies to drive meaningful change in our communities and environment,” said Desmond Berry, CEO and managing partner of 7th Legacy.
“In addition to the bees, there are six raised beds onsite. Our plans are to plant the four sacred medicines—tobacco, sweetgrass, sage, and cedar—of the Anishinabek in the raised beds. These plants will then be available for use by Tribal Citizens when gathered on the property for talking circles and other events,” continued Berry.
While there has been some discussion on planting fruit, nut, and berry bushes, the focus this year is on the pollinators—the bees.
Busy bee work
Back at Talmadge Creek, Baerwald sits atop one of the pallets and simply smiles. He understands that important pollinator work is about to begin.
In the quiet morning, he can faintly ear the hum of some bees as they emerge from the hives.
Baerwald has no fear about being stung; he was worked with honeybees for more than 30 years.
“They have an important job to do here in the Talmadge Creek area,” says Baerwald.
“I believe they will enhance the transformation here. It’s wonderful what nature can do with a little helping hand.”
