We’re continuing to GroMoreGood and reinforcing our Pollinator Promise with the opening of a new bee yard, known as an apiary, at our Marysville, Ohio, campus. In a partnership including ScottsMiracle-Gro, Ortho, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation and the Central Ohio Beekeepers Association (COBA), we established the apiary to provide educational opportunities for all levels of beekeepers.
ScottsMiracle-Gro associates, members of the Ortho brand team, and representatives from COBA and Union County recently celebrated the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. At the event, COBA volunteer and beekeeper Rich Herman provided details about the hive and talked about the new beekeeper course. The apiary and surrounding pollinator garden serve as a hands-on laboratory where students will be able to foster a deeper understanding of the vital roles pollinators play in our world.
Director of ESG and Social Impact Katherine Dickens emphasized the importance of pollinators stating, “With pollinator populations on decline around the globe, we are dedicated to protecting these essential creatures that not only make our gardens and our communities thrive, but also support the health of our global ecosystem and our world food supply.”
Opening an apiary in Union County
The opening of this apiary is COBA’s fourth location–its first in Union County–which will host lab education, specifically focusing on 5-frame hives and how to help bees during the winter. Having this apiary will not only serve as a platform of education but also boost local ecosystems and overall pollinator health.
In addition, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation is providing a grant to The Central Ohio Beekeepers Association Charitable Foundation, which will support their beekeeping school scholarship fund for US Veterans. Our company has a strong connection and commitment to supporting veterans and we’re excited to support veteran beekeepers in Union County.
In the future, our company hopes to broaden our educational outreach, expanding the benefits of this apiary beyond our local community.
About Central Ohio Beekeeping Association
Central Ohio Beekeepers Association (COBA) is a nonprofit that is dedicated to promoting bees and beekeeping in Central Ohio. They provide educational opportunities for new beekeepers as well as continued education for advanced beekeepers. Learn more at centralohiobeekeepers.org.
