Detroit Hives

We believe a healthy future for bees reflects a healthy future for humanity. The health of those in our inner-cities, specifically people of color, is often the last to be considered – it’s our mission to change this. By transforming vacant lots into educational bee farms, we revitalize neighborhoods. We’re Detroit Hives, a pollinator education and conservation initiative that engages urban communities in our mission by creating cultural experiences that are both educational and relatable. Detroit Hives, Inc. a nonprofit 501c3 co-founded by Nicole Lindsey and Timothy Jackson.

Our work involves planting gardens that attract bees and other pollinators. In doing so, the organization preserves the bee population and transforms blighted neighborhoods, improving health, safety, and civic engagement. Detroit Hives presents environmental education programming to students enrolled in the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) and conducts tours of its sites. It also produces Bee Well Care Packages, a kit containing local, raw honey and beeswax candles. Detroit Hives co-founder had the idea for the kits after suffering a persistent health issue that was resolved using honey. Upon familiarizing himself with the product’s natural healing qualities, the organization began distributing the packages to frontline workers.

Since 2017, Detroit Hives has built and maintained 50 beehives across 20+ locations. It also engages in policy work and was instrumental in establishing July 19 as National Urban Beekeeping Day, which brings awareness to the ethical treatment of pollinators in urban setting. Detroit Hives is currently working with city council to designate Detroit as a Bee City