Eagle Scout Project: Bee Hive Minded!

Hello! My name is Luke Niwa. I am a junior at Newton North High School and an aspiring Eagle Scout.

In my biology class, I learned that bees are vital to our ecosystem, and they pollinate the food that we eat. But, they are vulnerable to climate change, insects, and fungi. Through my volunteer work at Mass Audubon's Drumlin Farm, I found out that there is a way that I can help protect the bees and strengthen my community farm.

Bee hives sit on top of hive stands, which help the hives maintain a safe temperature and humidity, while also keeping insects from reaching the hive. Eight of the stands at Drumlin Farm have rotted, collapsed, and can no longer protect the bees.

For my Eagle Project, I will build and install eight bee hive stands for Mass Audubon's Drumlin Farm that will be resistant to rot and last many seasons.

Drumlin Farm has been special to me for as long as I can remember. My parents took me to pet the animals and to chase the chickens when I was a young child. As a teenager, I have chosen to spend my weekend mornings volunteering to clear invasive plants on the farm or walk its trails. I am earning my Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge by helping around the farm.

To make this project successful, I have:

I need to raise $1,300 to enable this project. Unfortunately, time is short because the hive stands need to be built and installed before the bees are shipped to Drumlin Farm in early May.

The funds will be used to purchase PVC lumber, stainless steel hardware, safety equipment, and refreshments for volunteers. Mass Audubon is providing the materials and tools for the installation, and the scouts in my troop will build the stands and provide the labor to install them at the farm.

Learn more about Mass Audubon on its website.

I appreciate your generosity. Any leftover funds will be donated to Mass Audubon to help it continue its important conservation work.

Thank you for your support!

Luke Niwa