In a remarkable initiative, urban bees are flourishing at the 2nd & PCH shopping center in Long Beach, California, where they are not only producing honey but also contributing to environmental research. The bees, invited by CenterCal Properties, are treated as valued tenants, helping to promote sustainability in urban settings.
The presence of these bees is a part of a broader trend among commercial property owners to enhance their environmental credentials. By landscaping with bee-friendly plants like Spanish lavender and Tuscan blue rosemary, the mall has created a conducive environment for the bees to thrive while they collect nectar from local flora.
As the bees return to their hives, they contribute to a growing body of research that aims to combat bee die-offs and promote biodiversity. Best Bees, the company managing the hives, conducts DNA tests on honey to identify local wildflower sources, providing valuable data to help improve pollinator health.
The initiative also serves as a unique marketing tool, offering shoppers honey that varies in flavor based on the local vegetation. This creates an engaging experience for visitors and highlights the importance of bees in our ecosystem.
Additionally, the success of the bee colonies is being replicated in other shopping centers across Oregon and Utah, showcasing the potential for urban beekeeping to contribute to both local economies and global environmental health.
As bees play a critical role in pollination and food production, their thriving populations in urban areas signal a positive trend for ecological health, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change and enhance food security.