June 22 is National Pollinator Week
What began eight years ago as a simple beekeeping course for a group of Arbor Acres residents has blossomed into a thriving campus activity — the Arbor Acres Bee Yard and Honey Hut. This month, the community celebrates another successful honey harvest, coinciding with National Pollinator Week.
During the week of June 22, Arbor Acres’ resident beekeepers will gather to harvest this year’s
honey haul from their on-campus hives. The honey, known for its rich flavor and hyper-local
roots, is jarred and sold right on campus each year – often selling out within days.
“From hive to jar, it doesn’t get more local than this,” says resident beekeeper Chan Chandler.
“We take great pride in caring for our more than 300,000 bees in five hives and sharing the sweet reward with our community. It’s a year-round job.”
The Bee Yard is supported by Arbor Acres’ robust ecological landscape, including one of the
largest native plant gardens in Forsyth County. This garden plays a vital role in sustaining the
bee population by providing a diverse and pollinator-friendly habitat throughout the growing
season.
This annual tradition highlights Arbor Acres’ commitment to sustainability, resident
engagement, and environmental stewardship — all while producing a delicious, locally loved
product.
Arbor Acres Retirement Community, Inc. is a continuing care retirement community (or CCRC)
offering a high-quality continuum of service and care in independent living, assisted living, and
skilled nursing care. Now in its 46 th year of operation, Arbor Acres serves 600 residents and
employs 420 staff members. Arbor Acres is a ministry of the Western North Carolina
Conference of the United Methodist Church. Through excellence, innovation, caring and beauty, Arbor Acres cultivates community, comfort, and well-being for senior adults. Arbor Acres is approaching its 35 th year of continuous CARF accreditation. For more information, please visit www.arboracres.org.
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