Rockaway Honeyworks’ Backstory

By S. C. Samoy, RISE Director of Operations and Communications

Rockaway Honeyworks will be for sale at the fifteenth annual NYC Honey Fest on Saturday, September 14 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., on the boardwalk at Beach 106th Street. All proceeds go back into programming at RISE (Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity). But here is the backstory of how this hyperlocal honey came to bee.

“Years ago, when I founded RISE,” says Jeanne DuPont, “it was really to dispel myths about the environment, whether about environmental justice issues, contaminants on our beaches, or fears about wildlife (sharks, bugs, and even bees). I wanted to encourage our young people to do a little research before making assumptions.

“So I thought it might be interesting for us to use the side lot of our building to start keeping bees. But we knew nothing about beekeeping itself, and it was difficult to find an experienced beekeeper . . . until we met master beekeeper extraordinaire, Mr. Carl Flatow. Carl was hesitant, at first, because he didn’t want to schlep to the Rockaways. But he made a deal with us that we would do ‘the heavy lifting’ and he would instruct us.

“All the staff have taken part in working with Carl and managing the hives. I think I can speak for all of us in saying it has been a great learning experience and has helped us all to better appreciate these amazing creatures. Bees are essential in pollinating not only flowers, but also our food sources.

“Each semester we involve our Shore Corps students in harvesting the honey and doing hive inspections. We have experienced bee stings along the way, but I think it has kept us all on our toes and given us a deeper respect for bees and all that they do for us.”