First Installment of the Bee Blog!

Another one of FJA's projects is Beekeeping. In March 2010, FJA applied to the Public Service Grant for funds to start an apiary at GW. Lo and behold, the grant came through and in June 2010, the GW Mount Vernon Campus welcomed three bee boxes care of Sweet Virginia Foundation. The Sweet Virginia Honeybee Cooperative of Northern Virginia uses honey as an incentive to donate to local charities. Dan Price, the creator of Sweet Virginia, graciously gave three mature bee colonies to FJA to start us on our journey! Dan is FJA's primary bee mentor as beekeeping is a very particular science.
The season for bees is summer, but the beekeepers work starts in late winter. At the start of 2011, FJA will begin from scratch, building and painting boxes, ordering new bees and queens, and learning all there is to know about the mysteries and miracles of these brilliant little workers.
The reason for the coming of the bees is closely tied to FJA's gardens, but these bees will pollinate flowers and vegetables around the community as well. As with the gardens, FJA wants the bee initiative to be an awareness and education tool for DC. We believe this city has the potential to be a leader in urban sustainability, and we look to achieve that by creating opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and community members to learn and volunteer. Education is the key to change!
*Photos care of Jessica McConnell/GWU