By Jen Rinaldi

Jen: Welcome. Today we ask big questions about tiny creatures. Today’s guest is none other than Greg the Sasquatch from Sasquatch Honey Bees — forest resident, berry enthusiast, and surprisingly passionate bee advocate.

Greg, people know you for giant footprints and mysterious forest sightings. What made you such a champion for bees?

Greg: Well, first off, bees are easier to track than me, but harder to appreciate. Folks hear a buzz and think, “Shoo!” I hear a buzz and think, “There goes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and half the forest.” Bees help plants make fruits, seeds, nuts, and flowers. Without them, the woods would be a mighty quiet pantry.

I base my apiary on one principle: the bees always come first! By keeping the well-being of my bees at the forefront of everything I do, I focus on thoughtful, responsible beekeeping that supports strong, healthy hives. And when bees thrive, the honey they produce is naturally better — pure, vibrant, and full of life.

Jen: So, when we talk about bees, we’re really talking about food?

Greg: Exactly. Apples, berries, melons, almonds, coffee, chocolate—lots of the good stuff depends on pollinators. Bees visit flowers looking for nectar and pollen, and while they’re working, they move pollen from flower to flower. That lets plants grow fruit and seeds. It’s like they’re tiny farmers with wings.

Jen: And it’s not just farms that need them, right?

Greg: Not by a long shot. In my neck of the woods, bees help wildflowers, shrubs, and trees keep going. Those plants feed birds, bears, deer, rabbits, insects, and mysterious large mammals who prefer privacy. When bees struggle, the whole food web feels it—from the tiniest beetle to the biggest berry-loving legend.

Did you know that honey is an amazing superfood?

Jen: Please tell me?

Greg: When I harvest my honey, I keep it raw and unfiltered. That way, I preserve many of the beneficial properties that make honey so valued. Raw honey contains naturally occurring enzymes, antioxidants, and trace pollen that are often removed during heavy processing. Many people enjoy raw honey for its potential to support digestion, soothe sore throats, and provide a natural source of energy, all while tasting great. As with any natural product, its benefits come from keeping it as close to its original form as possible.

Jen: What are bees up against these days?

Greg: Too much. They’re losing habitat, getting exposed to pesticides, facing parasites and disease, and dealing with changing weather. Imagine trying to do your job while your grocery store, bedroom, and your health all disappear at once. That’s what it can be like for pollinators.

Jen: What can regular people do to help?

Greg: Plant native flowers. Let a few dandelions bloom in the spring. Stop spraying pesticides and use organic or regenerative gardening and farming practices. Leave some bare soil, hollow stems, or brushy corners for nesting. Support local beekeepers and Sasquatches who protect pollinators. You don’t need to be a forest giant to make a giant difference.

Jen: Final question: if bees could hear us right now, what would you say?

Greg: I’d say, “Thank you for every bloom, every berry, every bite, and every bit of beauty you keep alive.” Then I’d step quietly behind a tree, because this interview is getting emotional—and because someone just pointed a camera at me.

Jen: Thanks so much, Greg! I’m sure this interview will help folks understand the importance of these tiny powerhouses. 

Greg has a website full of sweet information about his forest friends. You can find him here: 

https://sasquatchhoneybees.com/

If you would like to purchase local honey, you can meet Greg at The Depot’s Saturday Market in Lakeside, at 1757 Jackson Lane from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or visit The Merry Mountain Market for the Gnome Woodland Gathering on Sunday, 

August 23rd at the Arts Alliance of the White Mountains at 251 Penrod Road, Show Low.

The Market is bringing an extra-special, nature-packed community celebration to Show Low! Whether you come for local artisan shopping, hands-on wildlife discovery, Sasquatch sightings, or delicious eats, they will have an unforgettable day lined up.

Greg will bring his bees in an observation hive that day, and you can win a free bee when you locate the queen!

Along with Greg, Dan Groebner from AZ Game and Fish will join their event with plaster animal track casting, GPS gnome hunting, live leopard frogs, and much more!

If you love foraging, Tina Compton will be on hand to discuss native plants, plant identification, and natural methods for wellness on the mountain.

Kids can paint a bug of their choice to take home.

So, if you love bees, gnomes, and the great outdoors, please join us!

This family fun event is free and inside! The perfect destination to grab lunch and learn after church.

For more information, you can connect with the Merry Mountain Market on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/merrymountainmarket