Bees are critical to creating healthy communities. As pollinators, bees are responsible for over one-third of US food production. Without bees, we would not be able to grow many fruits and vegetables. SCG-EATS, with help from our partner Root Revival, cares for four bee hives in our garden. Our honey bees pollinate our vegetables and flowers so that we grow MORE and BETTER food for our Food Farmacy.

Class Alert!

On Wednesday, August 28th, we will host “Beekeeping Essentials” in the garden. The wonderful beekeepers from Root Revival - who keep the Garden’s bees healthy and happy - will present an in-person, in-depth look at bees and beekeeping. The class is limited to 10 people. Sign up here.

Fun Facts about Bees

  • Bees have five eyes. Bees have two large eyes on either side of their head, and three smaller eyes on top of their head. The small eyes can't see, but they can detect light, which helps bees tell if a predator is approaching from above.

  • Bees communicate by dancing. Baby bees learn to dance by watching older bees, and then use their "waggle dance" to signal to other bees where to find the best food.

  • Bees can fly up to 12 miles per hour. On every foraging trip, a bee will visit 50-100 flowers to collect nectar to bring back to the hive.

  • Bees have their own scents Each beehive has its own unique smell, and the queen bee has a special smell (pheromone) that helps to create a sense of peace and harmony in the colony.

  • Bees shiver to keep warm In the winter, honeybees huddle together in their hives and use their body heat to keep each other warm. They perform a shivering-like motion to create a tiny “heater” that helps them stay warm.

During our summer camps, after-school programs, and garden events we showcase the hive and talk about the importance of bees to our ecosystem.

Our hives are cared for by Root Revival. These experienced beekeepers monitor the health of our hives year-round and ensure they have a pest and disease-free environment in which our bees can thrive. And, we’ve been told we have very friendly bees!

Root Revival

Root Revival has a team of experienced beekeepers and agricultural experts who work in harmony to ensure the well-being of our beehives. They understand the crucial role bees play in pollination, which directly impacts the growth and quality of crops. Through their diligent efforts, we maintain healthy colonies and safeguard the vitality of these essential pollinators.

Throughout the year, Root Revival consistently monitors the health of our beehives, implementing sustainable practices to mitigate threats such as pests, diseases, and environmental stressors, prioritizing organic and natural methods. By providing suitable habitats and nourishment, we have a thriving environment for bees to flourish.