our story

My name is Erik Swalander, I am proud to say that I am a third-generation beekeeper. Our story starts with my late grandpa, Don Swalander, in Ruidoso, New Mexico. A Pharmacist by trade and a beekeeper on the weekends, Don dubbed his hives the “Ain’t No Flatland Bees,” given Ruidoso’s modest elevation of 6,919’. In addition to his famous Eggnog (now shared between friends and family across three states), he would give a honeycomb to his friends at Christmas time.

Fast forward to today, my Dad, David Swalander DVM, (pictured left, he made me put in his credentials) decided to revive beekeeping during the COVID-19 Pandemic. We started out harvesting honey to give to friends and family during the holidays…and to persuade my thesis advisor in my MPH program. Soon enough, we had escalated to lip balm, candles, and other household items. I wanted to label the product as “Truckee Bees”, but my dad was adamant about paying homage to his roots. Thus, “Ain’t No Flatland” was reborn.

I’ve been fascinated with bees since college when I learned about eusociality. Eusociality is not just about dividing tasks; it's a sophisticated system where individuals put aside their personal needs for the benefit of the community. It has been a professional goal of mine to return to the community that molded me and make a positive impact. For now, that means taking a page out of the bees’ handbook: putting aside my personal needs for the benefit of the community.

Today, my dad, sister, mom, and I continue the tradition that started over five decades ago. Not only do I believe that our raw honey will aid with seasonal allergies, and that our lip balm will protect you against any winter winds, but that these Truckee backyard bees work too hard not to be shared. They do manage to brave some brutal winters, after all!

We are currently only taking custom orders. For more information, please contact erikswalander@icloud.com