Meet the Beekeeper
ERIC MALCOLM
Owner & Maryland Beekeeper
Born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, I started Backyard Apiaries right out of my own backyard while working as a stay-at-home dad. What began as a fascination with honey bees quickly grew into a passion for backyard beekeeping. I wanted to share that joy and fascination with others while continuing to expand my knowledge of beekeeping and honey bee health.
My career in bee health includes working with the national nonprofit Bee Informed Partnership and the University of Maryland Bee Lab. I consider myself fortunate to collaborate with such an amazing team of experts in the field of honey bees.
– Eric M.
Dedicated to sustainable backyard beekeeping, honey bee health, education, and community mentorship.
Maryland Beekeeping Leadership & Associations
Eric’s involvement in the beekeeping community extends well beyond his own apiary. Through leadership roles, research partnerships, and participation in regional and national beekeeping organizations, he remains actively involved in advancing beekeeping knowledge and supporting honey bee health.
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Leadership: Served as Vice President and President of the Montgomery County Beekeepers Association (2020–2022).
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Research Partners: Collaborator with the Bee Informed Partnership and the University of Maryland Bee Lab.
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Key Memberships: Maryland State Beekeepers Association, Howard County Beekeepers Association, Montgomery County Beekeepers Association, COLOSS, Eastern Apiculture Society, and the American Beekeeping Federation.
Community Commitment
From the Hive to Your Home: Honey, Beeswax & Propolis
At Backyard Apiaries, we believe that every hive has something to teach us—and something worth sharing.
In this video, Eric walks through his hands-on process for transforming propolis, a natural resin collected by honey bees, into a homemade tincture and throat spray. From harvesting the propolis to preparing the finished products, he shares practical knowledge gained through years of working with bees.
Watch to learn more about propolis, its role in the hive, and how Backyard Apiaries puts this remarkable hive product to use.
Honey
Our honey is harvested from our own hives and reflects the natural character of the region where our bees forage. Each batch offers a taste of the local landscape and the work of our bees.
Beeswax
A remarkable material created by honey bees and collected from the hive. We carefully harvest and work with beeswax to create a variety of useful and unique products.
Propolis
Often called “bee glue,” propolis is a resinous material bees collect from plants and use inside the hive. We harvest and work with propolis as another fascinating product of the hive.
More Than Just Honey
We believe beekeeping is something worth sharing. Through educational resources, community involvement, and hands-on experiences, we enjoy helping others learn more about honey bees and their importance.
Our Philosophy
Learn from the Bees. Share the Knowledge. Enjoy the Harvest.
At Backyard Apiaries, everything starts with the bees. We believe responsible beekeeping means caring for healthy colonies while respecting the natural processes that make each hive unique.
Whether we’re harvesting honey, working with beeswax and propolis, educating our community, or simply spending time among the hives, our goal remains the same: to appreciate the bees and share what they have to offer.