Nicholas Bard is proving that age is just a number when it comes to fighting for what you believe in. At just 10 years old, this young beekeeper from Santa Rosa has successfully challenged city zoning laws that threatened his beloved bee colony, sparking a community conversation about pollinator rights and youth activism.

Bard’s journey began when he was given a bee swarm by Ettamarie Peterson, a retired schoolteacher, at age seven. What started as a 4-H club project quickly became a passionate commitment to his buzzing friends, whom he affectionately calls “The Girls”. His connection with the bees runs deep - he even reads to them and listens carefully to the subtle changes in their wing vibrations.

Earlier this year, the city of Santa Rosa delivered unexpected news: Bard’s backyard beehives violated zoning regulations that classified beekeeping as an occupation. Instead of accepting defeat, the young activist collaborated with the Sonoma County Beekeepers Association to raise awareness about the restrictive law.

His determination caught media attention, and Bard became a vocal advocate for student beekeeping. He would talk to his bees before media interviews, saying things like, “Girls, you’re going to be on the news tonight,” showcasing his genuine care and connection with his hive.

The city eventually recognized the importance of Bard’s mission. Santa Rosa Mayor Mark Stapp acknowledged that they didn’t want to discourage support for the pollinator community and are now in the process of amending the zoning law to allow student beekeeping on residential property.

Bard’s five-month journey has been transformative, teaching him not just about bureaucracy, but about advocacy, persistence, and the deep bond between humans and nature. His story is a powerful reminder that passionate individuals, regardless of age, can create meaningful change in their communities.

For Nicholas Bard, this victory is more than just saving his bees - it’s about protecting an essential part of our ecosystem and inspiring others to stand up for what they believe in.