The Toe Cane Beekeepers Association (TCBA) has started construction on an open-air, covered pavilion at its Educational Apiary on the campus of Mayland Community College (MCC) in Spruce Pine. Expected to be completed in time for spring beekeeping activities, the pavilion will provide a sheltered space for outdoor classes, school field trips, beekeeping events, and other activities, all in proximity to the bee hives housed at the apiary.

“We would not have been able to build this important addition to our educational apiary without the continuing support of Mayland, the Mountain Air Community Fund, and generous donations from our members and the local community,” said Ann Concannon Coomber, president of the TCBA.  “We appreciate their continued support of our mission.” 

Dr. Gabriel, president of MCC added “We’re proud to partner with the Toe Cane Beekeepers Association to bring a greatly enhanced educational area to the apiary on Mayland’s Spruce Pine campus. This area is all about learning by doing—giving students and community members a hands-on way to understand the importance of pollinators, agriculture, and caring for the land we all share.”

Hands-on Learning

The apiary currently houses seven honey bee colonies. Planned 2026 activities include training new beekeepers, hosting the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association’s Certified Beekeeper practical exams, supporting MCC beekeeping classes; and expanding school and community outreach programs.

The TCBA Educational Apiary was established in 2024 after the TCBA approached MCC to create a public, hands-on learning space focused on the importance of honey bees and sustainable beekeeping practices. MCC provided a secured site on its Spruce Pine campus, while TCBA members contributed bees, equipment, funding, and volunteer labor.

MCC, with assistance from TCBA, is pursuing designation as a Bee Campus USA™, recognizing the college’s campus-wide commitment to pollinator conservation through pollinator-friendly habitat management.

In late 2024, the apiary escaped damage from Hurricane Helene and served as a staging site for distributing donated bees, equipment, and supplies to beekeepers in Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties impacted by the storm.

The Toe Cane Beekeepers Association is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit promoting sustainable beekeeping practices in Mitchell, Avery, and Yancey counties. The association is also a chapter of the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association. TCBA supports the beekeeping community by encouraging cooperation among local beekeepers and through hands-on training, mentoring, guest speakers, and classroom lectures. FTo schedule a tour of the Educational Apiary for your community organization, fill out the Contact Us form.

Mayland Community College offers a variety of educational programs aimed at fostering student success and community development. The college is dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality educational opportunities that lead to personal growth and professional success.  For more information, visit www.mayland.edu.