Apiary

The Kate Chandler Campus Community Farm is home to multiple beehives. The number of hives varies based on the season. Bees are vital to a healthy ecosystem. Their presence in the garden benefits all the other efforts that occur at the farm. Successful beekeeping will certainly contribute to an increase in farm produce as well as products directly from the hive including honey and beeswax.

However, the purpose of having bees on the Campus Farm is much broader than just improving farm produce. Honeybees can enrich student life by providing opportunities to volunteer and learn – not just for environmental students on campus, but for any students interested in learning about the world around them.

St. Mary’s College of Maryland values interdisciplinarity and experiential learning. Tending to the garden and beehives is one way to think beyond “fresh food,” and truly make the environment real in the context of learning. 

Beekeeping and tending beehives can foster a deeper relationship between students and the natural world and creates opportunities to build and strengthen relationships within the local community. Students can be creative, innovative, and can apply scientific methods to discoveries and practice commitment while gaining a life skill. The inevitable setbacks that come from working with live animals contribute to learning as students grow in perseverance.  

Since the bees are kept by student and community volunteers, opportunities are ample for learning this important hobby and contributing to the success of the Campus Farm hives.