Local, 86-year-old Bobby Colson is a man whose life has been significantly intertwined with the buzzing world of bees. Colson's story is not just about beekeeping, but a profound testament to the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature, particularly one crucial pollinator - the bees.
Inspired by his dedication, Bulloch County recently unveiled two new 'Save The Bees' road signs, reflecting Colson's influence on local environmental awareness.
Carrying forward a new generation of beekeeping
Bobby's journey into the world of bees is rooted in his childhood, kindled by his father's passion for beekeeping. Reminiscing on a simpler time, Colson spoke warmly of his father's beekeeping equipment sourced from Sears and Roebuck and his mother's handcrafted hat and veil, which are now proudly displayed in B&G's educational bee trailer. Bobby is the founder and former owner of B&G Honey Farm.
This family heirloom symbolizes the passing down of knowledge and love for bees through generations. Bobby officially stepped into the role of a beekeeper in 1989 after a visit to his cousin, who was also a beekeeper. What started as a desire for a couple of hives turned into a life-altering moment when he left with 450 hives, marking the beginning of an extraordinary beekeeping adventure.
"All I wanted was a couple of hives," Colson shared with a chuckle. But, this moment was the catalyst for the establishment of B&G Honey Farm, a venture that would grow to include nine million honeybees and become a family operation with the involvement of his wife and daughter.
Colson's beekeeping journey was not without its challenges. Decades back, his farm experienced a devastating impact of colony collapse leading to the loss of over two-thirds of his hives. This crisis, however, only served to showcase Colson's resilience and adaptability. While their bee population was never quite that large again, B&G Honey Farm rebounded, shifting its focus from simply beekeeping.
Colson expanded his beekeeping endeavors and began a self-named endeavor, providing crucial pollination services and selling "nucs" (small nucleus colonies) and package bees, which play a pivotal role in local agriculture. For example, Colson shares a story from 2017, where they placed hives across 200 acres of watermelons in Bulloch County, which eventually found their way to supermarkets across the region.
Beekeeping in the community
Colson's passion for bees transcends the confines of his farms. As the current president of the Ogeechee Area Beekeepers Association and a member of several other groups, including The Ogeechee Area BK,The Coastal Empire BK, and Georgia Grown, he is deeply involved in educating and advocating for bees. His belief in the interconnectedness of bees with our environment is palpable.
Colson's community roles have seen his valued involvement in a recent local initiative, putting up the "Save the Bees" road signs in Bulloch County, located near OTC and on 301 just past 17. The signs serve as a visual campaign to raise awareness about the importance of bees. Featuring the "Save the Bees" license plate, these billboards are part of a larger effort by the Georgia Beekeepers Association to support honey bee health through education, research, and advocacy.
Colson encourages Georgians to show their support for bees with the "Save The Honey Bee" license plate. This initiative, available for registration online or at local tag offices, is more than just a symbol; it's a contribution to a cause that supports local pollinators, beekeeper education, and bee health research.
As Bobby Colson reflects on his journey, he emphasizes the profound connection between bees and our world.
"Bees are connected to everything, and keep everything alive. They pollinate our flowers, our trees, our food, without them, we wouldn’t have anything," he states, a glimmer of wisdom shining in his eyes.
How you can help the honey bees
Through his story, Colson inspires a sense of stewardship, reminding us of the impact one individual can have on the environment and community. It's a call to action, urging us to acknowledge and support the tiny workers that keep our world blooming.
Here's a list of ways you can help bee populations in Georgia:
- Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers and Shrubs: Choose plants that are native to Georgia and beneficial to bees, such as bee balm, sunflowers, lavender, and goldenrod.
- Create a Bee Garden: Dedicate a section of your garden to bees. Include plants of varying heights and colors to attract different bee species.
- Provide Water Sources: Bees need water. Set up a shallow water dish or a birdbath with stones or floating wood for bees to land on while they drink.
- Support Local Beekeepers: Purchase honey and other bee products from local beekeepers. This supports their efforts in maintaining healthy bee populations.
- Support Policies that Protect Bees: Advocate for and support local and state policies that aim to protect bees and their habitats.
- Attend Workshops and Events: Participate in local workshops or events focused on beekeeping and pollinator conservation.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the different species of bees and their needs. Share this knowledge with friends, family, and community members.
