Beekeeping in Center Square? Really?
Yes, really. Cindy Barclay has been keeping bees in downtown Albany for several years now, right in her backyard on Lancaster St. (She also keeps two hives in Delmar.) Her bees collect pollen from the flowers and trees in Washington Park, as well as from neighbor's gardens and window boxes. It's a setup that often leads to some interesting -- and unexpected -- flavors.
Cindy, her husband and their toddler son Buzzy, harvest their honey about five or six times a year, and each batch has a different taste. The early spring honey, for instance, has a completely different flavor than the late spring. Cindy says they keep the batches separate and sell them as varietals, kind of like wine.
It also varies greatly from year to year. For instance, Cindy says one batch last summer tasted distinctively of mint. After she saw several patches of mint growing outside a local restaurant, she says she wasn't too surprised.
Cindy and her husband sell their harvest as as "Center Square Honey." They also make beeswax candles, bath goods and lip balms, among other bee-derived products. Cindy also uses the honey to make a variety of baked goods, sold under the name A Bun in the Oven. They sell their wares each weekend at Albany's downtown local marketplace, At the Warehouse.
Cindy says she hasn't had any neighbors complain about her bees. Honeybees are docile unless threatened, unlike wasps and hornets which are far more likely to sting when unprovoked. The bees she keeps are a particularly docile variety called Carniolans. Cindy is actually allergic to bee stings, but is able to raise them without problems as long as she's careful.
It turns out that people all over the country are getting involved with beekeeping in urban areas. In New York City, it's technically illegal, but that hasn't stopped many people from putting up hives in their yards and on the roofs of buildings.
If you're interested in keeping bees, Cindy says it's really important to do your research. There's even a "Beekeeping for Dummies" book, if you're so inclined. You can also find out more information by contacting the local beekeepers' association, the Southern Adirondack Beekeepers Association.
photo: Center Square Honey
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Comments
I've had the Center Square honey, and it's fan-freaking-tastic. I have a theory that the bees are secretly sneaking off to Bomber's for margaritas every day, and that's what makes the honey so good.
... said Siobhan on Jun 9, 2008 at 12:55 PM | link
I keep a stash of the Center Square honey myself. The creamed honey goes very well on toasted english muffins. And I hope its a better way to feed my sweet tooth than snickers bars.
... said EllieB on Jun 9, 2008 at 3:00 PM | link
Excellent, excellent honey, that's for sure.
I recently picked up some jars, and the late autumn is dark and tastes incredibly buttery. The early spring is light and also amazing. I'm thinking I need to pick up the creamed honey now as well.
... said Albany Jane on Jun 10, 2008 at 9:21 AM | link
Another vote for the great honey made right here in Albany from Washington Park flowers!
Kathleen
... said Kathleen on Jun 10, 2008 at 12:59 PM | link
This is now my favorite hostess gift or "Albany" gift to give to friends and relatives in other parts of the country.
... said chrisck on Jun 10, 2008 at 4:49 PM | link
Where can we purchase Center Square Honey?
... said Rose on Feb 23, 2009 at 1:22 PM | link
@Rose - Last I heard, Cindy was taking a short respite from selling at (At) The Warehouse because she and her cousin both recently had babies and are a bit overwhelmed. I'll check in with her though.
... said jess on Feb 23, 2009 at 2:40 PM | link
If only they could get some drones to take care of the newborns we wouldn't be in this mess!
Besides, I'm almost out of the last batch I picked up.
... said Sandor on Feb 23, 2009 at 3:20 PM | link
Cindy lives just a few houses down from me, and during the summer of 07 her bees adored our water hyacinth. There was a constant super-highway of honey bees constantly zooming back and forth from our garden to their hive. It's true: they were very docile and industrious- we never had an incident of any kind. Last year we didn't see nearly as many bees, and my husband and I were wondering why. Nevertheless, we did buy some of the autumn honey and it was fantastic; I plan on getting more.
... said Summer on Feb 23, 2009 at 8:52 PM | link
Sorry to bump such an oldie, but I was wondering in anyone has had word of this lately? I'm curious to know if there is still Center Square honey out there to buy. A web search resulted in mostly closed-down websites.
... said Summer on Apr 10, 2013 at 11:25 AM | link
I would really like to know if beekeeping in backyards is still legal. I'm in Albany, also quite close to the park and would like to do it. However, I have a friend who was told she could not have her hives. Does anyone know what the law says?
... said Grace Nichols on Aug 20, 2017 at 4:13 PM | link