Did you know the University is home to honeybee hives on South Campus?

The hives and honey produced are overseen by the Sustainability Management department. Honeybees were brought to campus in 2020 after associate teaching professors Lisa Olsen-Gugerty and Mary Kiernan in Falk College were awarded a grant. Since then, the University has been a Bee Campus USA affiliate, helping to promote the benefits of pollinators and native plants.

In the past year, the number of hives has grown from six to 10. Honey is typically harvested twice a year—once in the summer and once in the fall. During the winter months, beekeepers work to ensure the honeybees survive by providing food, water and preventing pests.

This year, the hives produced over 650 pounds of honey.

“A year’s worth of preparation and planning in 2024 positioned the bees to be ready to capture Mother Nature’s abundance of nectar offered on South Campus,” beekeeper Bob Faulkner says. “I anticipate an even stronger harvest in 2026.”

The honey is now for sale in multiple spots across campus including:

• Barnes Center at the Arch Pharmacy
• People’s Place
• Skytop Marketplace

Honey is available in three- and eight-ounce jars. Proceeds will benefit the future of the hives.

Interested students can also participate in a beekeeping club which is open to all, regardless of experience.

Anyone interested in learning more about the bees can reach out to Sustainability Management at sustain@syr.edu.