Cultivating a Green Buzz: Beekeeping Society Flourishes at American University
Tucked away on the second floor of MGC at American University, a sweet secret thrives—the buzzing hives of the Beekeeping Society. Led by Perry Heredia, a junior in the School of International Service, the club is on a mission to make these hives not just a hidden gem but a focal point of environmental consciousness on campus.
Promoting Sustainability Beyond Borders
For Heredia, being the president of the Beekeeping Society means more than just inspecting hives every few weeks. It's about creating awareness, fostering sustainability, and building a community around beekeeping. The club collaborates with AU's Community Garden and the DC Beekeepers Alliance, extending its impact beyond campus boundaries.
Educational Initiatives for Aspiring Beekeepers
Encouraging students to delve into the world of beekeeping, the club champions the DC Beekeepers Alliance's spring beekeeping course. The 12-week course, free for AU students, not only imparts essential knowledge but also offers hands-on experience and mentorship opportunities with experienced beekeepers in the DMV community.
Bee Ball and Beyond: Collaborative Celebrations
The Bee Ball, a collaborative effort with numerous student organizations, stands out as an end-of-semester celebration with sustainable crafts and activities. Beyond this, the club hosts honey extraction events, engages in the sale of honey jars, and donates proceeds to the DC Beekeepers Alliance.
Building a Supportive Green Community
The heart of the Beekeeping Society lies in creating a "safe and open space" where everyone, regardless of their involvement, feels supported. According to Naomi Listokin, the club's inclusivity chair, it's a place where individuals can truly engage in activities they love, fostering a sense of joy and understanding.
As the Beekeeping Society at American University continues to grow, the focus remains on creating awareness, promoting sustainability, and building a community that thrives on the shared love for environmentalism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the primary goal of the Beekeeping Society at American University? A1: The Beekeeping Society at AU aims to promote sustainability and environmentalism on and off campus through beekeeping initiatives and community outreach.
Q2: How does the club collaborate with other organizations and communities? A2: The club partners with AU's Community Garden and the DC Beekeepers Alliance to host events and promote environmental awareness. They also organized the Bee Ball, a collaborative event with over a dozen student organizations.
Q3: What educational opportunities does the club provide for students interested in beekeeping? A3: The club encourages students to take advantage of the DC Beekeepers Alliance's spring beekeeping course, which is free for AU students. The course covers hive maintenance and allows students to register as certified beekeepers in the District.
Q4: How does the club contribute to sustainability beyond beekeeping? A4: The Beekeeping Society at AU collaborates with the Community Garden to host events that promote environmentalism. They also engage in honey extraction from campus hives, sell honey jars, and donate funds to the DC Beekeepers Alliance.
Q5: How does the club create a supportive community around environmentalism and sustainability? A5: The club focuses on building a "safe and open space" for anyone interested in environmentalism. They work to create awareness about beekeeping, hives on campus, and the community garden to expand their reach.
