Help replace hives damaged or destroyed in the storm

Information for new and experienced beekeepers

Help select the area’s best tasting honey on Dec. 2

Join the association and access the members-only section

News

Articles and news for beekeepers and friends of bees, plus, updates on our upcoming activities and events.

The bee club already has lots of interesting plans for the new year, with high hopes for good overwintering success for everyone. We are all a little stressed by the events of the past few months, and our bees are no exception.  They will need our […]
A Queen Bee
Toe Cane Beekeepers Association (TCBA), representing beekeepers in Mitchell, Avery and Yancey Counties, has received a $2,500 grant.
Left to right, honey contest winners: Camille Collins, Suzanne Garland (representing Kim Gunter), Susan Spruill, Peggy Watson, Yancey Jones, Ed Geouge, Ann Coomber, Jim Coomber.
Honey lovers from across three counties and beyond gathered on Dec. 11 at Homeplace Beer Co. to select the best tasting honey from Mitchell, Avery and Yancey Counties at the Mayland Black Jar Honey Contest.The contest, sponsored by Toe Cane Beekeepers Association (TCBA), is designed to […]

How Can We Help You?

These are just some of the services we offer to community

Capture a Swarm

If you’ve spotted a swarm of bees outside their nest, we can help re-home them.

BEES IN YOUR BUILDING?

If bees are living in your house, outbuilding or anywhere else they don’t belong, we may be able to help.

REQUEST A SPEAKER

Ask our experienced beekeeping experts to talk to your group, class, or gathering.

BUY BEES OR QUEENS

Some of our members sell packages, nucs, and queens. Many are bred for our higher altitudes.

A hive body with frame

Find Bee Supplies

We maintain a relationship with multiple vendors in the area. From hives to tools and protective clothing, they have you covered!

Honey display

Buy Honey

Buy local honey, including our famous sourwood honey, as well as beeswax and products made from beeswax

Did You Know?

When honey bees collect nectar and pollen from blossoms and flowers, they help pollinate some of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts we eat, increasing harvests and helping farmers feed the world. The bees consume some nectar but turn much of it into honey and store it for later use. At the peak of the season a beehive might contain 100,000 bees and more than 100 pounds of honey.

TCBA members provide local bees with a safe, secure place to live and help protect them from predators, invasive mites, and deadly viruses. In return, we collect honey the bees have made from a wide variety of sources, including tulip poplars, wild flowers, clover, basswood and sourwood trees.

About us

Promoting the art and science of beekeeping

The TCBA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping bees and beekeepers flourish in our neighboring communities. We achieve our goals via education, outreach, cooperation and mentoring.

Association Officers

Here are the dedicated beekeepers that keep our association humming.

My bee story began in 1977, but I returned to the bee world 9 years ago with 9-12 colonies at Whippoorwill Hill Apiary in Avery County. The Toe Cane club has not only helped my beekeeping knowledge but has broadened my circle of great friends. Mentoring new keepers and giving presentations to school groups also has been rewarding.

Debbie Griffith

President

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John Pearson

Vice President

I started beekeeping in 2023 as a new hobby to coincide with my love of gardening. My brother has kept bees in Eastern NC for several years and thought I would enjoy keeping bees too. He suggested that I join my local club (TCBA). What great advice!!! I have learned so much from our members and speakers along with gaining some great friends. 

Peggy Watson

Secretary

Two years ago, my wife expressed an interest in getting into beekeeping, being the daughter of a beekeeper. After nearly a year of studying and being TCBA members, we finally have 3 hives and both enjoy volunteering with the association.

Brian Brumbaugh

Treasurer

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