Unnecessary Bee Extermination at CCA

This middle of this past week, two beehives were discovered on the campus of Canyon Crest Academy:

one in the tree next to counseling, and one in a crevice on the gym.

Though why, who and how the change was forced is unknown, the plan to let the new hives be (at least for the time being), cordoned off and of no threat to the student body, was abruptly changed to them being killed and destroyed by Friday.

Falling bee populations has been an ever-increasing and concerning phenomenon. A quick bit of research can open your eyes to some of the far-reaching effects of losing our pollinators.

This is a good moment to remember THERE ARE ALTERNATIVES. Bees are inherently defensive, and a hive or swarm, given ample space, does not pose any more harm to those nearby than sweet-smelling flowers.

Many times, a swarm will stay a week and then leave on its own. But if relocation is necessary, even just a simple google search can reveal a multitude of options. At the top of the first page, you will find a seven-year-old multi-state organization called We Save Bees. A quick call confirmed that the reported reason for not moving, that the bees were too high up in the tree, was baloney. Tree height does not impede their work in relocating bees. Neither does africanization.

And guess what? They could have been out and done in a couple hours. No slower than killing the bees.

Please contact whomever you can to express your dissatisfaction with the action. This is a horrible precedent and example to set. Spread the word and lobby more thoughtful future action, so that unfounded fears and lack of knowledge of alternatives does not lead to a lack of care for bees.