Wayne State is the place to 'bee': Detroit Hives brings urban bee farm to campus

For almost five years, Detroit Hives has been working to turn vacant lots in the city into sustainable honeybee farms, and now the 501c(3) non-profit organization is officially in partnership with Wayne State University. The group's co-founders, Timothy Paule Jackson (former Wayne State student) and Nicole Lindsey, installed two beehives behind the Computing and Information Technology (C&IT) Computing Services Center alongside Cass Avenue on Friday, May 28, 2021. The next morning, Jackson and Lindsey meticulously and carefully moved approximately 100,000 Italian honeybees into the space.

The secure lot behind the Computing Services Center is ideal for the hives. The state-of-the-art security fence keeps foot traffic away from the bees while providing an ideal green space thanks to the surrounding landscape designed to collect and absorb rain runoff.

"As a Detroit native and a former [Warrior], I am extremely grateful to partner with [C&IT]," said Jackson. "This is my home, and as the co-founder and director for Detroit Hives, [I am] proud to help Wayne State 'bee' a leader in diversity and sustainability."

C&IT employees also installed two raised garden beds to create a pollinator garden with Michigan-native plant life. Plants were chosen to create an inviting home for our new bee neighbors, as well as multiple butterfly populations.

While attending Wayne State, Jackson was actively involved in the student council program board, the South End, and is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Nu Sigma Chapter.

Learn more about Detroit Hives and donate to help support their urban bee farms like the one at Wayne State at detroithives.org.