About High Mountain Pollinators & Bees

Our Story

Early in the year of 2022, two beekeepers hatched the idea of a group which would provide quality education to beekeepers in the northwest region of Wyoming. What was once a dream became reality as High Mountain Pollinators & Bees formed, became a local non-profit organization, and gained momentum and popularity by offering a monthly Open Apiary for interested beekeepers to see and learn more about bees. Learning courses were held. Beekeepers were tested by Sheldon Brummel from the Great Plains Master Beekeeping University of Nebraska/Lincoln. An apiary was opened for hands-on training and learning. A team of like-minded people were formed and all helped to make a buzz at Old Bill’s Fun Run.

And so it shall BEE!

More flowers to bloom. More pollinators to pollinate. More beekeepers knowing how to keep their bees alive in these long high mountain winters.

We have work to do and we thank you for joining us on this journey!

Beekeepers at an open apiary event carefully inspect frames, diligently searching for the queen bee amidst the bustling activity of the hive, fostering a hands-on learning experience in beekeeping practices.

Meet the Board

  • Image of Steve, the President of the board.

    Steve Ussery

    President

    Steve has been a beekeeper since 2018 and maintains 15 hives. He enjoys hunting, fishing, gardening, and other outdoor sports. Since 2016 he has lived in Star Valley, and in the 80s lived in Jackson, Moran, and Buffalo Valley. Currently he is semi-retired, but spent most of his career managing large scale commercial greenhouse operations both in Texas and Oregon.

  • Image of Kelly, a Director of the Board

    Kelly Stirn

    Vice-President

    Kelly has supported bees for the last 5 years. He owns and operates a guest ranch in Teton County and is new to beekeeping. He is anxious to learn as much as possible about beekeeping so his bees can continue to make Teton County Fair Grand Champion quality honey.

  • Image of Beth, the Treasurer of the board.

    Beth Missel

    Treasurer

    Beth has been keeping bees since 2016. She is also a master gardener with international experience. She is a Journeyman Beekeeper with the University of Nebraska Lincoln and hosts the Open Apiary Events.

  • Jeff Collins

    Secretary

    Jeff has lived in Jackson for more then 30 years and been an amateur gardener for about 20 of those years. After several years of hand pollinating squash flowers, he started becoming curious about bees and pollinators. Four years ago he decided to try my luck with a bee hive with the sole purpose of fostering pollinators for his garden. Learning about bees has turned out to be a very rewarding, educational experience, more so than gardening. After a couple of years, he sought out and became a member of High Mountain Pollinators and Bees, which has enriched hi education and experience with tending bee hives.

  • Image of Jared, a Director on the Board

    Jared Genzer

    Director

    Coming Soon

"If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would only have four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plans, no more animals, no more man."

— Albert Einstein

A picturesque mountain meadow adorned with a sea of purple wildflowers, framed by towering pine trees, evoking a serene and vibrant natural landscape.

Our Plans

High Mountain Pollinators & Bees is forging ahead with exciting future plans that are sure to make a buzz! In the pipeline are initiatives such as a beekeeper library, where enthusiasts can delve into a trove of knowledge, and expert insights geared towards enhancing beekeeping practices.

Furthermore, habitat restoration efforts are underway to create a thriving environment for our precious pollinators. Our commitment to educational outreach remains unwavering, with the Teton County Open Apiary poised to become a hub of innovation and community engagement.

Join our newsletter and follow our blog for the latest news on groundbreaking advancements in beekeeping and pollinator advocacy – we've got big things in store!

Support Us!

Support Us!

High Mountain Pollinators & Bees: Protecting Nature's Vital Workers

Dedicated to safeguarding bees and other pollinators' crucial role in the ecosystem through conservation, research, and education. Bees are vital for pollinating plants essential to our food supply and ecosystem stability; we're committed to fostering sustainable environments for them. We are excited to continue education and supporting our local community in all things bees.


Your Impact
Join us or donate to support preserving vital pollinator habitats, sustainable beekeeping, and educating future generations about their importance.

How You Can Help

  • Join as a Member: Receive project updates, volunteer opportunities, and event invitations.

  • Make a Donation: Fund critical research, conservation programs, and educational outreach.

Together, We Can Make a Difference
Join us in protecting essential pollinators and preserving ecosystem balance. Your support ensures a sustainable future for bees and the natural world.This effort is about tiny things that we don’t think about often. We can learn from them. We need to look closer and understand.

Please Donate