About Us

About Paseo del Norte Beekeepers Association
iconOur History

Paseo del Norte Beekeeper Association

Founded in 2014 by Michael Duchoquette and Bob Reneau, the Paseo del Norte Beekeepers Association is one of the largest regional clubs serving both hobbyist and commercial beekeepers in El Paso, TX and Southern New Mexico.

Our members range from those just beginning their beekeeping journey to experienced hobbyists and commercial beekeepers who have practiced the craft for many years. While experience levels vary, all members share a passion for the fascinating and remarkable world of honey bees.

The purpose of the Paseo del Norte Beekeepers Association is to provide engaging, practical education about honey bees and the “how-to’s” of beekeeping, with a strong emphasis on local mentorship. Beekeeping is highly regional, and PDNBKA helps new and aspiring beekeepers learn what works specifically in our desert borderlands — from climate and forage to seasonal management and hive health.

In addition to supporting its members, the club offers educational programs to the general public covering honey bees, native bees, and the vital role bees play in our ecosystems and communities.

The benefits of honey and beekeeping

Paseo del Norte Beekeepers Association provides our membership with interesting and practical information about honey bees and the “how-to’s” of beekeeping. The club also provides the general public with educational programs about honey bees and the benefits of honey and beekeeping in El Paso, Santa Teresa, Las Cruces and other communities in Southern New Mexico.

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450

450+ Native bee species documented in the Northern Chihuahuan Desert

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60,000

Up to 60,000 Bees in a strong, healthy hive

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0.083

1/12 tsp Honey produced by one worker bee in her lifetime

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2,000,000

Flowers visited to produce one pound of honey

iconServing Our Beekeeping Community

Board of Directors

Vk Mel

President

Alex Magee

Vice President

Erika Moeller

Secretary

Bob Reneau

Treasurer

Michael Hallberg

Education / Apiary Committee

Bengy Kossmann

Member-at Large, Dona Ana County

Javier Garcia

Member-at Large, El Paso County

Irma Melendez

Outreach Committee

Ellen Cunyus

Membership & Hospitality

Michael Hallberg

Immediate Past President

iconfocus groups

Committees

Bill Hooten

Native Bee Habitat

Erika Moeller

Social Media

Alex Magee

Programs

Irma Melendez

Bee Relocation / Rescue

Vk Mel

Website

iconInterest Groups!

Special Interest Groups

Michael Hallberg

Langstroth Beehives

Scott Anderson

Top Bar Beehives

Bob Reneau

AZ Slovenian Beehives

Bengy Kossmann

Layens Beehives

Vk Mel

Apimaye Hives

iconThe original and founding members

Charter Members.

Tomas and Mercedes Aguilar
Scott Anderson
Steven Cameron
Crysti Couture
Tom Chaney and Michele Ungvarsky
Robert and Christina Cooney
Michael Duchoquette
Andrew Garcia
Hector Granados and Yazika Delgado-Rios
Mike Hartlage and Janie Conyers
Bill and Pam Hooten
Jim and Mary Jordan
Larry and Jill Kindrick
Brad and Robin Kohler
Victor A LaFave
Theresa Larson
Josh Meier
Charlie Mabry
Ralph Payan
Carol and George Pouy
Brannon and Mary Lou Rasberry
Terri Rittman Rutter
Austin Reneau and Ann Marie Smith
Bob and Carol Reneau
Keenan Tegmeyer
Luis and Laura Terrazas
Chuck Turner
Elizabeth Turner
Matt and Terri Vaughn
Lynn and Sharon Whatley
Glen Word
iconLife Time Achievement Awards

Lifetime Members

VK Mel

April 2025