On October 10, 2025, the company Trees, Forests and Landscapes removed a tree that contained a beehive exposed by the EF3 tornado that tore through Forest Park on May 16. The hive was about 30 feet up in a white oak tree in Forest Park's Nature Playscape. They lowered the section of the tree that held the hive using a pulley system so that we could safely remove the bees and comb.
That same day, Joe and I cut out the comb, framed up the brood, and placed it in a Langstroth beehive. We were fortunate to find the queen during the process, which made the transfer much easier. Once she was in the hive, the rest of the bees quickly followed her inside. We also gave interested Forest Park staff a real beekeeping learning experience!
That night, after dark, I brought the colony home, and the next day relocated it to the farm. Although relocating bees this late in the season is not ideal, we have been feeding and monitoring them to help build up food reserves before winter. The colony appears to be settling in well and has started bringing in pollen, which is a good sign that they have acclimated to their new location. We will continue to keep an eye on them through the winter and are hopeful they will survive.
The Nature Playscape is a beautiful place with many flowers and native plantings. The tree crew was safe and careful, and we appreciated their steady work and attention to detail. It was a good day for the bees and for everyone who helped.