San Antonio International Airport (SAT) announced it has installed two active beehives with 40,000 bees to begin a honey-making process at the airport as part of its celebration of Earth Day.
The hives are part of #SATBEEKIND, an environmentally conscious program designed to teach children the importance of bees and crop pollination, green living, ignite passion in nature enthusiasts and bring together the local community and airport concessionaires.
SAT is partnering with the BASIS San Antonio Primary School in the first phase of this pilot program. The school was approached to plant the pollinator seeds because it already maintains a student garden on its campus. They’ll start growing the pollinator plants that will be transferred in the coming months to the airport property.
“This is the first time the airport has ever participated in this type of program and I’m excited about the potential of #SATBEEKIND and the impact that it will have on the environment and the community. We are being good neighbors, creating community awareness of our sustainable practices,” said David Robbins, chief development officer for San Antonio Airport System, operator of SAT. “To be able to work with both students and educators is just the beginning of this program.”
The growth of the honeybee apiary will provide a source for urban honey that can be shared with travelers with that support of airport vendors and concession programs. The future of this program could incorporate airport honey into concession recipes like signature sauces, beverages, desserts and as gifts for travelers in the airport.
“This is a great example of a green environmental program that could provide a sweet treat for everyone involved,” said Steve Southers, environmental services manager for the San Antonio Airport System.
