The apiary is 250 ft and 75 ft uphill from St. Leonard Creek on the N shore of the Patuxent River. Well protected by trees and a garage from the prevailing winter winds in a natural landscape. The area is heavily wooded. Within a half-mile radius are 8 residences and 2 research labs with 45% deciduous woods, 25% fields of soy and corn, 15% saltwater, and 15% pine woods.
The scale is a new (2009) Chatillon, 600 lb cap, 0.25 lb div., on a good base.
The colony is in deep brood boxes, and no particular swarm prevention procedures are used to aid feral populations.
Significant forage sources are pin cherry (Mar-Apr), black cherry (Apr), Black Locust (Apr-May), Tulip tree and Am. Holly (May), raspberry, blackberry (May-Jun), and goldenrod/aster (Aug-Sep).