Location: Innovative Fruit Production, Improvement, and Protection
2025 Annual Report
Objectives
1.) Conduct research on general pollinator health and recovery. [NP305, Component 2, Problem Statements 2A, 2B, 2C]
2.) Conduct research aimed at restoring critical pollinator habitat. [NP305, Component 2, Problem Statement 2A]
3.) Generate economic revitalization through beekeeping and STEM focused programming for Appalachian youth. [NP305, Component 2, Problem Statements 2A, 2B, 2C]
Approach
Objective 1: Center staff will manage queen bee breeding and research program to survey and identify genetic material for a locally adapted pest-resistant strain of honey bee. Center staff will collect and review data on hundreds of honey bee hives in central Appalachia from more than 100 individual beekeepers as well as the Appalachian Beekeeping Collective’s own extensive breeding apiary. These data also will provide quantification of best practices as well as important baseline data for our research and breeding programs. Development of beekeeping practices that limit or eliminate antibotics and synthetic chemicals will also be pursued.
Objective 2: We will quantify pollinator usage of and preference for native plants found in and unique to central Appalachian ecosystems, particularly in forested areas, and utilize them for habitat restoration projects. Center staff will initiate and manage a native plant horticulture program, involving collecting seeds and plant materials from native varietals of pollinator-preferred plant species based on survey work. We will grow those plants at the Center’s facilities (including greenhouse and shade house facilities). These plants will be used in pollinator habitat restoration projects in central Appalachia. The Center will provide this information and other current research outputs to provide regionally specific educational outreach and materials for general public use for planting and restoring critical pollinator habitat throughout the region.
Objective 3: The Appalachian Beekeeping Collective program, an economic development program, will provide expertise and programs for local people in Central Appalachia to learn beekeeping. This program will provide bees, hive boxes, equipment, continuing education, and support for new beekeepers. This program will also provide STEM educational instruction focused on pollinators and beekeeping for youth. Programs include classroom-based activities throughout the school year as well as through Camp Waldo, an annual residential summer camp for 4th-7th graders.
Progress Report
For Objective 1 (determine if native woodland habitats provide improvements to honey bee health and performance), we are developing a standard set of metrics for beekeepers to use to collect data relevant to local habitat, honeybee health and hive performance. These data will be used in conjunction with site surveys in year 1 and 2. In Obj. 2.(generate economic opportunities through beekeeping programming for Appalachian citizens), The Appalachian Beekeeping Collective program, an economic development program, will continue to provide expertise and programs for local people in Central Appalachia to learn beekeeping practices and supplement their local incomes in rural communities. The goal is to add 10 new and retain 104 existing beekeepers to generate $190,000 in sales and 120,000 pounds of honey. For Obj. 3. (assess pollinator diversity and abundance and apple fruit set at Patriot Guardens Patriot Apple location prior to and after pollinator restoration strips being installed), we have begun planning for pollinator restoration sites to benefit honeybees and native pollinators on post-use mine land managed by the West Virginia National Guard Patriot Gardens/West Virginia Military Authority.
Accomplishments