The Huneebee Projectis a certified 501(c)(3) non-profit social enterprise powered by youth. All proceeds fund programming, installation of beehives in under-resourced neighborhoods and community gardens, and employment of local youth.

This is the third semester HSC 505 Community Engagement Youth students worked with the Huneebee Project, said Professor Gail Garfield-Dadio.

“The students work on teams, learn about professionalism and effective communication, and collaborate with interprofessional departments to help Huneebee founder Sarah Taylor,” said Garfield-Dadio. “Our students are helping the apprentice beekeepers however they can."

Quinnipiac students partner with Huneebee to secure hive sites, build and paint the hives, research bee-boosting flowers, and plant the gardens where the hives will reside. Once Quinnipiac approved its own Huneebee site, students collaborated with the facilities department to clear and gravel the area before building the bee garden.

The three hives were populated on May 14, and are surrounded by catmint, stonecrop, lily of the valley, lungwort, primrose, Shasta daisies, creeping phlox and a Japanese Maple tree. Huneebee apprentice beekeepers will be the hives’ main caregivers, and Professor Tania Grgurich will provide hive and garden support as needed.

“Now the bees are starting to do their business and producing honey, which protects the queen bee,” said Garfield-Dadio.