American Honey Bee Protection Agency
Project Details
Wildlife Conservation
Where: Combs, TX
Dedication Date: November 9, 2023
Donation Type: Rooftop solar and electric vehicles
Size: 54 kW
Claim to Fame: Honeybee rescue operations are becoming more sustainable with a grant that will cover the installation of a rooftop solar system and the acquisition of two electric vehicles for statewide honeybee rescue operations. The honey-packing facility will have 87% of its energy needs powered by a solar array — resulting in a $444,518 savings in electricity costs over the 25-year life of array, which is equivalent to the cost of relocating 1,800 beehives.
Project Overview
In late 2006, Walter Schumacher, the “Bee Czar,” created the Central Texas Bee Rescue, opening his own property to the bees of local citizens seeking an eco-friendly solution to their unwanted honeybee infestations or swarms.
Knowing the magnitude of the role that wild honeybees play in our ecosystem, they formed the American Honey Bee Protection Agency in 2012. Over the next several years, AHBPA helped pass a statewide resolution making the western honeybee the state pollinator of Texas, with the hope of bringing additional awareness to the importance of these pollinators.
Today, the AHBPA continues to grow in its mission, thanks to the success of Discovery Channel's hit show, Bee Czar, starring Schumacher and his family. In 2022, the organization purchased an 8,000 square-foot building to serve as a honey packaging facility in order to keep up with demand for the honey produced by their bees. AHBPA was awarded a $209,751 Sun Club grant to install rooftop solar on the new facility, plus two electric vehicles for statewide honeybee rescue operations.
