SAM (Sustainable Apiary Model) is the innovation of Elk Root Conservation’s (ERC’s) Habitat Restoration, Farm & Apiary Director, Kate Mizenka. It is founded on scientific and holistic approaches to beekeeping that focus on innovative apiary design and advancing organic regenerative beekeeping practices to optimize bee health, productivity, and resilience.

ERC is one of the few apiaries in our region that is Certified Organic. Over the past five years ERC, has been field testing SAM and is ready to share its success in optimizing honey bee wellness, which has included an astounding 95% over-winter survival rate of its colonies over the past 5 years.