DMV rooftops are buzzing this summer with program to help save bees
TYSONS, Va. (7News) — Saturday is World Bee Day.
Many may not know there is something buzzworthy happening on DMV rooftops where thousands of honeybees live.
At the Boro, a rooftop in Tyson's, there are 40,000 bees being managed by Alveole.
“These are pretty chill bees," said Jordan Freeman. “I am going to go say hello”
READ: University of Maryland is working to save the state's dying bees, but needs your help
Shea Neuner tends to his bees everyday.
He also tends to the ones located in Rosslyn at Freedom Park.
“On my day to day basis, I am driving around to hives and giving them what they need and maybe a little food” Neuner said.
Neuner and Freeman are urban beekeepers with Alveole – an international company that installs hundreds of beehives across the DMV.
READ: Southeast D.C. produces first honeybee harvest on an urban farm
“Bees pollinate about one third of every bite of our food” Neuner said.
The hidden beehives aren’t just a way for businesses to learn about beekeeping and the importance of the bee – but a way to help the bee community that’s been struggling for years.
“We have had the message of love the bees and save the bees for about a decade now," Freeman explained. "We use that familiarity with the bees to get people thinking about the green spaces around them and about how to maximize the use of a rooftop like this."
Freeman has researched bees for 5 years.
He says the bees at the Tyson's rooftop know Neuner – who is responsible for many of our rooftop hives.
Together they manage hundreds around the DMV.
“Being able to think about regreening spaces and get people thinking about their food system using this bee that everyone is familiar with," Freeman said. "Everyone loves honey."
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