Delicious, raw, filtered honey, made right here in Lake County

By Patricia Nugent

Mark Fleischer is to bees as Tiger Woods is to golf, Jacques Cousteau was to the ocean, and Julia Child was to a delicious steaming bowl of French onion soup.

His passion is palpable.

Mimi recently spent the afternoon with this local expert beekeeper, educator, hive management consultant, swarm remover/rescuer and honey retailer.

When he moved to Willoughby a few years ago, he started his own hive, which he has multiplied to close to one million bees in 18 hives at multiple locations. In 2020, he founded the Timber Ridge Honey Company to begin selling the sweet spoils of his hobby.

And speaking of spoils, spoiler alert: We did a tasting of his best-selling raw, local, filtered honey and as expected, it was out of this world.

Mark explains that the difference between a beekeeper’s honey and what you’d buy at the store is night and day, as manufactured honey is processed, adulterated, can be made in China and does not have the same micronutrients as locally raised honey.

In a rapid-fire delivery, he will favor you with a flurry of facts about bees that lend a whole new appreciation for these often-feared creatures.

A few fun facts he shares with our curious readers:

• Humans would cease to exist if hardworking honey bees were removed from the planet, since they provide for the food that both humans and animals eat.
• Honey is a naturally anti-microbial superfood that does not need to be refrigerated and has a shelf life of 2,000 years.
• Mark affectionately calls his bees his “girls,” since almost all the working bees in a hive—90%—are female. The males’ most important job is to mate with queens from neighboring colonies.

Timber Ridge Honey Company provides honey bee consulting and hive management services, including swarm removal and honey bee rescue.

Mark’s mission in rescuing bees, cultivating hives and educating the public is to bring about an awareness of their connection through pollination to our livelihood and our planet.

Timber Ridge Honey Company is based in Willoughby. Mark is available for speaking engagements for local organizations, schools and senior centers. You can buy Timber Ridge Honey at The Wholesome Hippie, 4075 Erie Street, in downtown Willoughby or email Mark your order at timberridgehoneycompany@gmail.com. Visit Mark and his buzzing beauties on Facebook @TimberRidgeHoneyCompany to view some fascinating videos and other resources to learn more about bees.