Bee project planned at Cranberry course
CRANBERRY TWP — With spring ready to bloom in the coming weeks, the township is undertaking a buzzworthy project.
During a recent meeting of township supervisors, Mason Miller of the public works department presented a plan to build an apiary at Cranberry Highlands Golf Course. The project would be part of the course's Audubon Sanctuary certification program, which township Manager Jerry Andree noted is one of the highest-certified programs of its kind since earning the distinction in 2009.
Miller, who in his spare time is a beekeeper, said pollinators such as honey bees have declined over the past decade, making a centrally located sanctuary an important project. He said in searching for a location for the project, officials sought a portion of secluded land with easy access near a water and nectar source. Parking and an indoor classroom setting were also key components.
A location was found near hole 12 on the golf course, which has a 150-foot buffer zone in each direction. Miller said this will ensure golfers will not be bothered by the hives.
“The golf course is basically a desert to them because there are no flowers on the golf course,” he said, adding that bees will travel up to five miles to find nectar. “They will not be on the golf course.”
To begin, the township will own and maintain two hives that will be used for education. Mason said the goal is to hold beekeeping courses in conjunction with the Burgh Bees organization, which will also help with honey extraction and maintenance. He said the group's involvement will also help to make the project sustainable. Andree added Grace Community Church has offered about 40 volunteers to assist with the project.
After one year, residents will be able to place their own hives in the area. Temporary hives will be added when needed for educational purposes or mating.Mason noted there are roughly 60,000 bees in each hive.Matt Krepp, golf course assistant superintendent, said signs will be placed to designate the area as a sanctuary. He said the plants in the area will require little to no maintenance, and safety gates and an electric fence will be put in place to restrict access.Krepp said materials and supplies will be gathered in the coming months, and ground preparation and installation will begin in the spring into early summer. The goal is to be open by July.The project will cost about $13,500, Mason said. It will be partially supported by money earned through the sale of honey at the golf course's pro shop.Supervisors said they looked forward to seeing the project in action.“It sounds like an exciting project,” Dick Hadley, supervisor chairman, said. “I like the fact that it's a focal point and it sticks out in the open.”Supervisor Mike Manipole said the township is always looking for a way to enhance the quality of life, while also adding an educational component. This project does both, he said.“You're preparing (children to be) lifelong learners to go on and promote these causes later in their life, which is only going to make this a better place for everybody,” he said.
