Hive Helpers
Hive Helpers at a Glance
Hive Helpers is an organization started by high schoolers that is dedicated to protecting native bee populations and promoting ecological awareness. By collaborating with the local community and our school we are working to create a more sustainable future. So the Hive Helper group is LSW's very own Environmental Club.
Photograph by: Anand Varma, Nat Geo Image Collection
From Lincoln Public
Schools Sustainability Initiative
Our Endeavors
Lower Platte South Natural Resource District NATURE NIGHTS
The Lower Platte South NRD has a strong community connection and McKenzie Barry, the Environmental Educational & Communications Coordinator, created a nature night program for elementary school quite a few years ago. McKenzie coordinates & organizes community nature groups to provide educational materials in a hands-on presentation style for one evening at various elementary schools. Hive Helpers were able to help out on the September 19th Nature Night at Arnold Elementary. The Arnold community enjoyed the evening with a just over 250 attendees (families). Thank you to the NRD for providing such and amazing opportunity to the commuinty! See some pictures below!
Check out the LINK to the Lower Platte South NRD to learn more about the Nature Nights, the Environmental Education they provide to the community AND to learn about the management of Nebraska's natural resources. CLICK HERE
Pollinator Node
Our organization received a grant from the Nebraska Wildlife Federation to build a pollinator node right on our school grounds. This garden contains primarily native Nebraska plants that support local pollinator populations.
Photo by Mr. Bittle.
Planter Box
These boxes are located right outside of our Family and Consumer Sciences. As a result, our culinary classes will have access to fresh vegetables and herbs. The plants in these boxes are also beneficial to many pollinating species.
Projects Updates
Planter Boxes
We just recently cleaned up a greenhouse that was being \ unused at our school. The plants growing in this greenhouse will be transferred to the planter boxes once summer gets closer.
Pollinator Garden!
We have completed the site preparation and the planting. CLICK on the image to the left to see our full page on the Pollinator Garden here at LSW.
Plant People for LSW Teachers! 2022
This year (2022) the Hive helpers sent out an interest email to staff. "Would anyone like to have a wheatgrass or chia plant?" That simple request turned into a big deal. Teachers who requested a plant were given a bag full of items to decorate their plant. Hive Helpers called them "Plant People". Staff had a fun time dressing up their plants. We asked for pictures of their creations and got back quite a few fun photos. Click on the link to see the photos of the first LSW plant people.
Why the Bees?
Bees and other pollinators are crucial to the well-being of our earth. Here in Nebraska, native bee populations are often the unsung heroes of pollination. Native bees are estimated to pollinate 80 percent of flowering plants around the world. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), bees of all sorts pollinate approximately 75 percent of the fruits, nuts and vegetables grown in the United States, and one out of every four bites of food people take is courtesy of bee pollination. However, these greatly important bee populations are under threat. Various bee species (including honey bees, bumble bees, orchard bees, and wild bees) suffer from exposure to parasites and pesticides, and loss of floral abundance and diversity due to increased land-use. In addition, habitat destruction limits nesting sites for wild pollinators.
Get Involved
Help fund our Goals
By making a donation or purchasing one of our craft items you are supporting a great cause. Email us for more information!
You may also make a direct donation to our organization. Checks should be written to Lincoln Southwest High School with "Hive Helpers" written in the memo section of the check. All donations go directly to funding our goals of expanding pollinator nodes, ecological awareness, and future community events.
Join Hive Helpers
We meet every other Thursday after school in A105. It's super easy to get involved!
Volunteer your time
We have lots of volunteer opportunities. You don't have to be a regular member to participate. Check our instagram (linked below) for upcoming events or ask a Hive Helper member.
Contact Information
7001 S. 14th Street, Lincoln, NE
https://www.instagram.com/lswhivehelpers/
LSW Staff Sponsor: Mr. Bittle cbittle@lps.org
Photograph by: Jeff Mitton