In June 2021, Kingbridge welcomed 80,000 honey bees to our property, today our Apiary has grown to 10 hives with over 5,00,000 bees working all year long. These busy pollinators will help drive understanding of the importance of bees to our food production systems, the impacts of urbanization and climate change on bee populations, and new technologies to manage and support hive health.
Bees are a vital part of our ecosystem, essential for the survival of countless plant and animal species, including humans. Unlike many other pollinators, many species of bees intentionally collect pollen, making them key players in maintaining biodiversity and agricultural productivity.
However, bees and other pollinators are facing unprecedented challenges. Habitat loss, disease, parasites, and environmental contaminants have all contributed to the decline of many species. A lack of pollinator-friendly plantings further exacerbates the problem, as pollinators struggle to find the right quantity and quality of food (nectar and pollen) within their flight range.