Whidbey Island's beekeeping scene attracts attention and interest.

Todd Peterson manages his beehives at the Organic Farm School, contributing to Whidbey Island's local food systems.

A call to remove a swarm of bees from a tree at Fort Casey unexpectedly launched Peterson into beekeeping. He and his friend Duane Spangler successfully captured the swarm, leaving Peterson with the question of what to do next. “Duane handed me the bucket,” Peterson recalled, marking the start of his beekeeping journey. Now, decades later, he sells honey from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 6, at the farm stand.