The Bees Have Moved In!
Author: Beekeeper Ami Frick
Late Tuesday evening, just after dark, beekeeper Ami Frick suited up in full protective gear for an important mission. The hive was carefully wrapped, taped…and then taped again! Once everything was secure, approximately 20,000 sleepy bees were loaded into the car for their 30-minute nighttime journey from Northfield to St. Andrew.
Driving with 20,000 passengers might make some people nervous, but we’re happy to report that both the driver and every single bee arrived safely. The bees are officially home!
What makes this colony especially exciting is that these are survivor bees. Rather than being shipped in as a package from another state, these bees successfully survived a Midwest winter. Because they have already proven they can thrive through our local climate, their genetics are especially valuable and well-suited for life here.
Now the bees will spend the next several days settling into their new home and learning the neighborhood through what beekeepers call orientation flights. Already, we’re seeing a steady stream of pollen being carried into the hive—likely thanks to the beautiful garden at St. Andrew! Before long, you’ll notice another hive box being added as the colony grows stronger and needs more room.
We’re delighted to welcome these tiny, hard-working creatures to St. Andrew. Be sure to stop by the apiary from time to time—you just might catch the ladies returning home with bright yellow pollen baskets full and a busy day behind them.
Welcome home, bees!