Roof-mounted beehives installed at Camp-Lintfort's town hall
B engaging in a noble endeavor, three dedicated beekeepers, Stefano Heitmann, Jörg Schary, and Jörg Scheidung, have stepped up to carry on the tradition of urban honey production. The previous beekeeper, who once yielded up to 50 kilograms of honey from just two beehives, had to relinquish the role due to time constraints. This year, the trio aims to produce honey as a special commemorative gift for honors and jubilees. If the output is abundant, it will also be sold at cost price to administrative staff during a personnel meeting.
These seasoned beekeepers are ecstatic about their opportunity to support urban ecology. "Bees are indispensable for nature and our food supply. We're eager to spread the word about the significance of bees," shares Stefano Heitmann.
The industrious bees diligently collect nectar and pollen from a three-kilometer radius, encompassing neighborhoods like Kamperbrücke, Altsiedlung, Zechenpark, Niersenbruch, and Rossenrayer See. By cultivating bee-friendly plants such as lavender, thyme, sage, mint, marigold, asters, or ivy, nearby residents can lend a helping hand to the bees. These plants not only attract bees but also cater to various pollinators such as butterflies, hummingbirds, beetles, and birds.
"Having beehives not only offers a new habitat for hardworking insects but also fosters biodiversity in the city, which I find particularly heartening," comments Mayor Prof. Dr. Christoph Landscheidt.
Did you know that bees play a crucial role in urban ecology? They are responsible for pollinating about 80% of flowering plants, including common fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals found in city gardens[1][3][5]. Their activities support urban biodiversity, boost the productivity of community gardens, and enhance the resilience of green spaces. Having healthy bee populations can also signify the overall wellbeing of urban ecosystems[1][3].
As cities nurture bee populations, they contribute to improving food security and strengthening local ecosystems. Urban bee sanctuaries, such as community gardens, rooftop habitats, and pollinator pathways, serve as vital resources for nectar, nesting sites, and bee species[1]. Urban beekeeping initiatives further bolster this impact by galvanizing community involvement, educating residents on the importance of pollinators, and promoting local floral diversity[2][5].
Here's how residents can support bees:
- Propagate Native Flowering Plants: Opt for local, native wildflowers like coneflowers (Echinacea), goldenrod (Solidago), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia), and milkweed (Asclepias). Herbs such as lavender, mint, and rosemary are also excellent choices for balconies or small gardens[1].
- Avoid Chemical Pesticides: Chemical pesticides can be detrimental to bees. Choose organic or integrated pest management practices instead[1][2].
- Provide Water Resources: Set up shallow water containers with stones or marbles to help bees stay hydrated[1].
- Establish Nesting Habitats: Leave patches of bare soil for ground-nesting bees or install bee hotels crafted from natural materials like bamboo for cavity-nesting species[1].
- Back Community Projects: Participate in or advocate for community gardens and urban beekeeping projects that foster pollinator-friendly landscapes[1][2].
By cultivating a variety of native, bee-friendly plants and creating supportive habitats, urban residents can significantly contribute to local bee populations and the broader urban ecosystem[1][2][5].
The trio of beekeepers, in their pursuit to support urban ecology, aims to produce honey as a special commemoration for honors and jubilees, while also promoting urban lifestyle by encouraging residents to propagate native flowering plants like coneflowers, goldenrod, and milkweed, which are beneficial for bees. The industrious residents, by doing so, not only cater to the needs of the bees but also enhance their own homes and gardens with a focus on environmental-science and biodiversity.
