Biography of Chris Harp
Chris Harp is an organic beekeeper, Bee Doctor and teacher. He has been tending his own Honeybees in New Paltz, NY, for 18 years, and in recent years has expanded his practice to tend Honeybee colonies in numerous locations. He currently cares for approximately 200 hives in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Vermont, for individuals and organizations, including Sprout Creek Farm in Poughkeepsie, and Phillies Bridge CSA Farm in New Paltz.
Harp’s work as a Bee Doctor comes from a deep caring and concern for the fragility of the Honeybee population, and a profound respect for the structure of their collective lives and their impact on the health of Mother Earth. Harp’s goals are focused on the wellbeing of the colonies he nurtures, and through teaching others he raises the awareness of and caring for these amazing creatures.
Harp’s organic/naturalistic methods, and unique hive design, have developed from his years of working with, and listening to, Honeybees. He evolved from his conventional methods of beekeeping after learning a biodynamic approach from Gunther Hauk at the Pfeiffer Center. Harp is now honored to teach the HoneybeeLives beekeeping workshops at the Pfeiffer Center.
Harp is a co-founder of HoneybeeLives, an organization dedicated to encouraging a strong Honeybee population thru education and outreach to the general public and beekeepers. HoneybeeLives’ classes and lectures are geared for each specific audience, from home schooling and summer camp, to presentations at Minneswaska State Park and FDR’s home site in Hyde Park, as well as at local beekeeping clubs.
HoneybeeLives’ in-depth workshops for beekeepers, nurtures beginning beekeepers and encourages veteran beekeepers to adopt a naturalist approach.
Chris Harp recently served on the Board of Directors for the Catskill Mountain Beekeepers’ Club, in NY.