In order for the addition of a second hive to be socially viable, it will be critical for the LFSOG and the Faculty of Land and Food Systems to build capacity around understanding the role of pollinators, and learning to view them as our collaborators in the garden. Furthermore, the additional hive should increase opportunities for place-based education, promote critical thinking that teaches students and faculty to question the models of beekeeping currently adopted worldwide, and provide opportunities to learn about native bee species. Such experiences can be offered through course curriculum as well as extra curricular program and clubs.
To best capture social learning opportunities, a Warré hive would be the preferred choice if an additional honey bee hive is introduced at the LFSOG. It will be equally important for the garden to introduce mason bee condos and increase native pollinator habitat in order to promote learning about species who naturally thrive in this environment.
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