GRAYSLAKE, ILL. — Recognizing the value of honey bees in pollinating the world’s food supply, the College of Lake County (CLC) dedicated its new apiary, or bee colony, on the Grayslake Campus Sept. 20. Members of the CLC Board of Trustees used hedge-trimming shears to cut an interwoven “ribbon” of goldenrod and other plants to open the colony, which consists of 10 hives. Trustees were joined by faculty, staff and students at the outdoor event.
“The purpose of the apiary is to show students and the community a diversified, integrated approach to food production and eco-friendly gardening,” said Rory Klick, CLC horticulture department chair. “As honey bees gather pollen and nectar for their survival, they pollinate crops such as apples, cherries, blueberries, cranberries, melons, broccoli and almonds. One out of three mouthfuls of food is the result of a pollinator.”
The new apiary is the brainchild of Bernard Kondenar, a student from Antioch, Ill. majoring in sustainable agriculture who also serves as the college’s student trustee. As part of a horticulture practicum course during summer 2016, Kondenar worked with Klick to get the college’s approval of the project. He coordinated the design and construction of the apiary, using repurposed materials, including metal fence posts to secure the area.
“The only expense was the …
Photo Caption
Edward Popelka, left, and Bernard Kondenar, celebrate the Sept. 20 grand opening of the new 10-hive apiary (bee colony) at the College of Lake County in Grayslake, Ill. . Popelka, a beekeeper and CLC maintenance engineer, displays two beehive frames, one containing honeycombs and the other bees. Kondenar, CLC student trustee majoring in sustainable agriculture, designed and coordinated construction of the apiary this summer.
