Honey Harvest at The Linden School!

By Soteira Briginshaw, Lead Teacher

On September 15th, Linden students of all ages came to the roof to observe our first honey harvest from our rooftop beehive. Thanks to a partnership with Alvéole, our hive full of bees have been busy making trips back and forth to Rosedale gardens and the nearby ravine for nectar and pollen.

Next week, all Linden students will attend a workshop on urban beekeeping where they will learn about the practical aspects of beekeeping and the significance of urban beekeeping in today's world.

By installing beehives on the roof of the school, Linden is actively taking part in sustainable development. Urban beekeeping contributes to increased local honey production, and the pollination of local plants that provide a greener urban setting. We are helping protect the bees that have been in decline all over the world, while increasing the general population’s awareness about their essential role in the environment. 

Did you know?

• The bee is a pollinator insect that plays a major role in the production of fruits, vegetables and nuts: one-third of our food supply relies on their pollination!
• One beehive houses approximately 50,000 bees
• Bees must visit 5 million flowers and travel the equivalent of 4 times around the earth to produce once single kilogram of honey
• Their wings flutter 230 times per second; that’s what makes their buzzing sound 

Alvéole beekeepers estimate that we will have about 10 to 15 kilograms of honey which some students will help extract and jar in October. We will let you know soon how you can get your very own jar of Linden honey! If you have any questions about the rooftop hive or the Alvéole partnership, please email Soteira or check out the Alvéole website.

For more information, check out this article about the seven roles of worker bees.