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ºÚÁϳԹÏ×ÊÔ´ has installed a second honeybee apiary in Kingston. This new apiary is located on its Innovation Park property – the first has been operating successfully on West Campus since 2022.

Each apiary hosts several beehives, in a signed and fenced enclosure. It is a living lab that supports experiential learning and local food production while improving the Kingston ecosystem.

The apiaries on ºÚÁϳԹÏ×ÊÔ´ properties are managed by a Registered Commercial Beekeeper, Andrew McCann, of . This work supports the university's commitment to advance United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals 2, 11, 12, and 15 by encouraging the repopulation of an important endangered insect, supporting sustainable food sources, and protecting plant and animal diversity. The apiaries also help increase awareness and support for environmental sustainability in the local community.

Honeybees are non-aggressive, bred for calmness, and focus on collecting pollen from plants. They do not typically sting unless their hives are directly threatened and or when they are on the defensive. While some people may occasionally confuse honeybees with wasps or hornets, or express concern about honeybees living close to humans, the risk of being stung by a honeybee is low.

Insect pollinators are essential to life. In urban areas, honeybees help ensure the health and survival of plants, flowers, and trees. The honey from ºÚÁϳԹÏ×ÊÔ´ apiaries is collected and used in the university’s commercial kitchens, and catering, and is available for purchase year-round across Hospitality Services’ campus retail locations.

Since it was installed, honey production from the West Campus apiary has grown from 500 pounds of honey per year to an average of over 1,000 pounds. It is anticipated the new hives will match this output.

Visit the university’s apiary web page for more information.