In 2010 the University of Delaware’s apiary was rehabilitated and revitalized as a working, teaching apiary. We have now expanded into multiple apiary locations consistently housing between 60-150 colonies during the peak season. A unique and special result of the increase in the number of colonies has been the production, harvest and marketing of UD’s own honey, featured in the UD Creamery and local retail shops throughout the year. This honey is not only delicious but is produced by University of Delaware bees! Our honey and other products of the hive, including beeswax candles, queen bees, and starter honey bee colonies, generate revenue that is used to help sustain the apiary.
The Teaching Apiary
The UD apiary on South Campus is home to approximately 60 hives translating to some 3.5 million honey bees, providing pollination services to the surrounding fields and gardens. The resident honey bees are an active part of the teaching, research, and outreach programs in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology and are used for honey, beeswax, and queen production.
Deborah Delaney, assistant professor of entomology and wildlife ecology, who oversees the apiary and bee program, teaches ENWC 224, the beekeeping class, where students steward their own hives and learn bee biology and beekeeping skills. Students are also encouraged to help with honey harvest and extraction.
