Who takes care of the hives?

I do. I build the hives, install the apiary and service it on a schedule, with notice before each visit. Your people can join in as much or as little as you like.

What does a program cost?

It depends on the number of hives, the fencing and signage, and how many hive sessions you'd like for your people. Most programs have two parts: a one-time startup cost to build the apiary, and an annual service fee. You'll get a written proposal with itemized pricing after the site assessment.

What happens over breaks and holidays?

The bees keep working, and so do I. Service visits stay on schedule whether or not anyone's on site, and I'll coordinate access with your grounds team.

Can we put our name on the honey?

Yes. I extract the honey on site and bottle it under your organization's name, for gifts, menus or events.

Institutions & Business

A working apiary on your grounds.

I install and service managed apiary programs for schools, universities, corporate campuses and restaurants across Central Texas.

You get a well-kept apiary people can see, an annual report you can use, and honey bottled under your name.

Request a bid Capability statement (PDF)

Or call or text (512) 298-1526. Text is fastest.

What the program delivers

Site assessment and siting plan. Hives placed so foot traffic and flight paths stay apart.
Installation. Insulated hives and stands built in my shop, with fencing and signage that explain the program to passersby.
Scheduled service visits through the season, with notice before each one.
An annual program report: colony counts, dated photographs and a log of activity, ready for sustainability reporting.
Honey bottled under your name, extracted on site, for gifts, menus or events.
Hive sessions for your people. Staff, students or guests can suit up and look in. Veils and suits provided.

A teenage beekeeper stands behind a wooden observation hive with glass sides, talking to visitors at an outdoor event. — Old Settlers Park, Round Rock, 2009Pioneer Days, put on by the Williamson Museum.

Built for how you'll use it

Schools and universities

An outdoor classroom, and a pollinator program with hands and feet. I can teach as well as keep the bees: club meetings, open apiary days and course labs. A program like this can also support a Bee Campus USA application.

Corporate campuses

A commitment people can see on their way in from the parking lot, and one that fits your sustainability goals. Add a team outing at the hives, and a jar for every client at the holidays.

Restaurants and chefs

An ingredient nobody else has. Honey from your own hives tastes like the ground around your kitchen, and it carries your name.

How a program comes together

Request a bid. Tell me about your site, your goals and your timeline.
Site assessment. I visit, review access, foot traffic, water and forage, and meet whoever needs to sign off.
Written proposal. Scope, schedule, deliverables and itemized pricing.
Vendor onboarding. W-9, service agreement, and whatever your procurement process requires.
Installation in spring. Hives, bees, fencing and signage.
Service and reporting. Scheduled visits through the year, and an annual program report.

Safety comes first

Bees and people share space well when the apiary is sited right. I set hives behind a fence or screen, turn the entrances away from walkways, keep water close so the bees don't go looking for it, and post signage. Before the bees arrive, I'll work with your risk management or safety team on orientation, protective equipment and allergy protocols.

A teenage beekeeper in a plaid shirt holds up a jar of honey beside an observation hive, talking to visitors under a stone building's overhang. — Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin, July 2009Teaching a beekeeping session.

Vendor details

Company: Exley Apiary LLC, a Texas company based in Waco
Beekeeper: Nathan Exley, keeping bees since 2005; B.S. in Rangeland Ecology and Management, Texas A&M
Paperwork: W-9 on request
Proposals: Written, with scope, schedule and itemized pricing
Service area: Central Texas

Download the capability statement (PDF)

See a working yard

Want to see what a program could look like before you commit? Ask about a walk-through of one of my working yards for your team.

Questions people ask me

Who takes care of the hives?: I do. I build the hives, install the apiary and service it on a schedule, with notice before each visit. Your people can join in as much or as little as you like.
What does a program cost?: It depends on the number of hives, the fencing and signage, and how many hive sessions you'd like for your people. Most programs have two parts: a one-time startup cost to build the apiary, and an annual service fee. You'll get a written proposal with itemized pricing after the site assessment.
What happens over breaks and holidays?: The bees keep working, and so do I. Service visits stay on schedule whether or not anyone's on site, and I'll coordinate access with your grounds team.
Can we put our name on the honey?: Yes. I extract the honey on site and bottle it under your organization's name, for gifts, menus or events.

Other ways I can help

Hosting weddings or events? A fenced, planted yard can be part of the day. See the venue yard
Have land of your own? A managed bee yard can carry an ag valuation on five to twenty acres. See Managed Bee Yards