Bee the Difference: Help Cook’s Apiaries Protect Honey Bees

One out of every three bites of food we eat exists because of honey bees. Yet these incredible pollinators are disappearing at an alarming rate.

At Cook’s Apiaries in East Tennessee, we are working every day to protect honey bees, strengthen healthy colonies, and educate our community about why pollinators matter now more than ever.

What started as a passion for bees has grown into a mission.

Our mission is simple:

Bee the Difference.

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Our Mission

At Cook’s Apiaries, we believe protecting honey bees means protecting our food system, our farms, and the ecosystems that sustain life.

Through our work we:

• Maintain and care for healthy honey bee colonies across East Tennessee

• Work on breeding resilient bees with mite-resistant genetics

• Provide live honey bee removals that save colonies instead of exterminating them

• Attend farmers markets and community events to educate people about pollinators

• Work toward expanding hands-on beekeeping education for our community

These bees are not just livestock — they are essential pollinators responsible for supporting agriculture and biodiversity.

But the need to protect them has never been greater.

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Why This Matters

Honey bees pollinate many of the fruits, vegetables, and crops that feed millions of people.

Without them, our food system and ecosystems would look drastically different.

Honey bee populations continue to face serious challenges including:

• Habitat loss

• Pesticide exposure

• Parasites like Varroa mites

• Environmental stress and climate instability

Beekeepers across the country are working tirelessly to protect these pollinators, and Cook’s Apiaries is committed to doing our part right here in East Tennessee.

Our Goal: $35,000

This fundraiser will allow us to expand our mission of protecting honey bees and educating the community.

Funds will help us:

Expand the number of healthy honey bee colonies

Invest in mite-resistant queen genetics to improve colony survival

Purchase additional hive equipment and apiary supplies

Expand bee yards throughout East Tennessee

Support live bee removals that save colonies

Develop community education programs for children and adults

Continue building our upcoming beekeeping supply and education center

Every dollar raised will go directly toward protecting pollinators and educating our community.

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Ways You Can Support

If you would like to help support this mission, here are some suggested giving levels:

$10 – Pollinator Friend

Helps provide flowers and forage support for honey bees.

$25 – Bee Supporter

Supports nutrition and care for colonies during difficult seasons.

$50 – Hive Helper

Helps fund hive equipment used to house and protect honey bees.

$100 – Honey Bee Guardian

Supports breeding programs for stronger, mite-resistant honey bees.

$250 – Pollinator Champion

Helps fund community education programs and youth learning opportunities.

$500+ – Queen Bee Sponsor

Helps expand Cook’s Apiaries and increase the number of healthy colonies protecting pollination in our region.

Every donation — big or small — truly makes a difference.

Together We Can Bee the Difference

Every hive we build, every colony we save, and every person we educate brings us one step closer to a healthier future for honey bees and our environment.

At Cook’s Apiaries, this mission is deeply personal to us. These bees support our food system, our farms, and the natural beauty of East Tennessee.

With your support, we can expand our apiaries, strengthen resilient bee genetics, and inspire the next generation of beekeepers and pollinator advocates.

If you are unable to donate, you can still make a huge impact by sharing this campaign and spreading the message that bees matter.

Together we can protect pollinators, educate our community, and ensure honey bees continue to thrive.

Bee the Difference.

With gratitude,

Leslie & David Cook

Cook’s Apiaries

East Tennessee

cooksapiaries.com