Thousand of insects arrived at Augustana College over the weekend. Augie Acres, a club that grows pesticide-free crops and plants, received 20,000 bees on Saturday as part of long-term project.
Professor of Biology, Tierney Brosius, says Augie Acres plans to use the two hives to pollinate its orchard, and eventually produce honey for the cafeteria. She also wants to use the bees for her entomology class.
Brosius says she got the idea to buy the bees after noticing some old hives at Augie Acres earlier this year.
The bees, including two queens - were purchased from Ebert Honey in Lynnville, Iowa, and the hives were set up by Crandall Farms in Coal Valley. Brosius says they're Carniolan bees, which means they have a good temperament and are easy to care for.
The bees, along with two beekeeper suits, were purchased with money from Augustana's biology department, and the campus group, Global Affect, with help from Royal Neighbors of America.