By Ruby Bryan
In the fall, LREI parent, and recreational beekeeper, Bruce Gifford teamed up with the schools administration to create our very own beehive. After lots of preparation, we finally have two beehives just in time for spring. A lot of people have questions and concerns about the bees so here are some answers to the most asked questions.
Q: Is having bees legal?
A: Yes, having a beehive outside in the city of New York is perfectly legal with the right permits and equipments.
Q: How many bees are there?
A: 2,000!!!
Q: Will the bees sting me?
A: 99% chance they won’t. Our bees are all female honey bees which are incredibly docile. For everyone’s safety, please don’t do anything that will put you or the bees in danger. In case of an emergency there are epi-pens located on site.
Q: Will the bees make honey and what will we do with it?
A: By the end of the year it’s most likely that we won’t have that much honey, probably around a couple pounds of honey by summer vacation. We’re not sure what to do with the honey yet, but we were thinking about incorporating it in the cafeteria. If anyone has any other ideas reach out!
Q: Where will they be(e)?
A: The beehive is outside on the ledge of the 5th floor by the old stairwell. The hives are also beautifully decorated by LREI Cares, Red is Green, and Animal Justice.
Q: Why are we even getting bees?
A: Bees are vital to the ecosystem and at the moment bee populations are low. By keeping bees in a hive, in ensures a safe place for them to live. We also get the added bonus of collecting the honey they make.
Q: How will the bees be taken care of?
A: Bruce and I will be feeding them sugar water every couple of weeks but besides that they don’t require and maintenance.