WALLA WALLA - Walla Walla Community College is dedicating space on its Walla Walla campus to create a Community Apiary (Beehive) Project. The new project, launching this spring, will provide space and connection for local beekeepers and multiple opportunities for education about the role of pollinators in agriculture and horticulture, food production, and healthy ecosystems.

"The goal is to form a community apiary akin to a community garden," said Dave Stockdale, Director of the William A. Grant Water & Environmental Center. "We are seeking local beekeepers interested ian locating their hives on our campus for non-commercial use and study."

WWCC's Community Apiary (Beehive) Project began with conversations between WWCC leaders and instructors in the agriculture and culinary programs and Jeff Strickler, a local Realtor looking to network with other community beekeepers.

"This is my fourth year keeping bees," Strickler said. "Our corner of southeastern Washington does not currently have a local beekeeper's association affiliated with the state association. Whether you're just getting started or trying to fight disease or pests, it's nice to have a community to advise and consult."

WWCC will dedicate approximately 1,500 square feet with sheds and fencing adjacent to an existing demonstration garden for the Community Apiary. Under a new bee ordinance recently passed by the city of Walla Walla, the campus can host up to 15 hives.

The goal is for the hives to be in place by May 1. The college will establish a secured outdoor space with interpretive signs in the short term. College officials plan to identify ways the Community Apiary can integrate and grow the existing curriculum, including the Farm to Fork program.

"The Community Apiary (Beehive) Project brings together both college and community resources and allows us to accomplish what we couldn't do on our own," Stockdale said. "The Water & Environmental Center's mission includes public education and community partnerships. We're looking forward to hosting the hives and learning from those who have a passion for beekeeping."

Beekeepers interested in locating a hive in the new Community Apiary should contact Jeff Strickler at jeff@jeffstrickler.com or 509-540-5027.

For information about WWCC and the Water & Environmental Center contact Assistant Director Andrew Trogstad-Isaacson at andrew.trogstadisaacson@wwcc.edu.