Before You Visit

 

You’re Visiting a Working Pollinator Farm

Harmony Farm is a working apiary and pollinator farm. The bees, butterflies, caterpillars, plants, and other wildlife you encounter are part of a living, working ecosystem—not exhibits behind glass.

During your experience, you’ll have the opportunity to observe pollinators up close and, when conditions allow, safely experience what happens inside an active honey bee hive.

Because we are working with live animals and a natural environment, there are a few simple precautions that help keep our guests, staff, and pollinators safe.

 

What to Wear

Come dressed for an outdoor adventure!

• Closed-toe shoes are required.

• Comfortable clothing suitable for walking on natural terrain is recommended.

• Long pants are strongly recommended, particularly for the bee-yard portion of the experience.

• A hat is recommended for sun protection.

• Bring water, especially during Florida’s warmer months.

• Avoid loose or flowing clothing that may catch on vegetation.

 

Please Avoid Strong Fragrances

Perfume, cologne, scented lotions, body sprays, and heavily scented hair products can attract or disturb bees and other insects.

For the comfort and safety of everyone, we ask that guests arrive with minimal fragrance.

 

Visiting the Bee Yard

The bee-yard portion of the experience is a unique opportunity to see honey bees at work and discover what is happening inside the hive.

Before entering the bee yard, your guide will provide the appropriate protective equipment and explain how to safely interact with the environment.

During your visit:

• Stay with your guide and follow all instructions.

• Walk calmly and avoid sudden movements.

• Never swat at or intentionally disturb a bee.

• Do not touch, open, or approach a hive without your guide.

• Keep hands and fingers away from hive entrances.

• Keep food and drinks outside of the bee-yard area.

• Children must remain with their accompanying adult.

• Tell your guide immediately if you become uncomfortable or have a concern.

Your guide will be with you throughout the experience and will determine whether conditions are appropriate for entering the bee yard.

 

Important Age Requirement

Children Under 5

Children under 5 years of age are not permitted inside the bee yard.

This age restriction applies specifically to the bee-yard portion of the experience and is in place because we are working around active honey bee colonies.

Children under 5 are welcome to participate in the other portions of the farm experience, but they must remain with their accompanying adult while the group enters the bee yard.

Adults accompanying children are responsible for their supervision throughout the experience.

 

Allergies & Medical Considerations

Harmony Farm is home to honey bees, wasps, butterflies, caterpillars, and many other insects and wildlife.

Guests with a known or suspected severe allergy to insect stings should carefully consider whether this experience is appropriate for them.

Please let your guide know about any relevant allergies or concerns before the experience begins. Guests who carry prescribed emergency medication, such as an epinephrine auto-injector, should bring it with them.

 

Nature Doesn’t Always Follow the Schedule

Harmony Farm is a living, working environment. Weather, temperature, wind, animal behavior, and seasonal conditions can all affect what we are able to do on a particular day.

For the safety of our guests and the wellbeing of our pollinators, portions of the experience may be modified, shortened, or occasionally skipped when conditions require it.

We appreciate your understanding that the animals always come first.

 

Come Curious. Leave Connected.

Our goal isn’t simply to show you bees and butterflies. It’s to give you a genuine glimpse into the incredible world of pollinators—and to help you understand the important role they play in the world around us.

Come prepared to walk, explore, ask questions, get a little closer to nature, and see the farm from a completely different perspective.

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Farm tour patrons also receive access to our nature trails, where you can continue exploring the beauty and biodiversity of Harmony Farm at your own pace. As a special thank you, farm tour patrons receive 10% off NSBee co. products. 

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We can’t wait to explore with you!