Every time we swing through Albuquerque, NM we stop in to lend a helping hand at ECM. These friends are committed to the day in day out harmony and restoration of their local neighborhood in Central ABQ. They are generous and innovative, always looking for ways to serve their community and invite the community into the experience. An urban farm is one of their many projects and bees are an important part of that process. So, over the course of five days, Craig and crew built Bee hives.
Fun facts about Honey Bees:
- There are three types of bees in the hive – Queen, Worker and Drone.
- The queen may lay 600-800 or even 1,500 eggs each day during her 3 or 4 year lifetime. She is constantly fed and groomed by attendant worker bees.
- Honey bees fly at 15 miles per hour.
- Honey bees’ wings stroke 11,400 times per minute, thus making their distinctive buzz.
- Honeybees are the only insect that produce food for humans.
- Honeybees will usually travel approximately 3 miles from their hive.
- Honeybees are the only bees that die after they sting.
- Honeybees are responsible for pollinating approx 80% of all fruit, vegetable and seed crops in the U.S.
- Honeybees have five eyes, 3 small ones on top of the head and two big ones in front. They also have hair on their eyes!
- Honeybees never sleep!
- Bees communicate with each other by dancing and by using pheromones (scents).
Speaking of dancing and good vibes, we topped off our visit with ECM by sharing a meal and jam around the campfire.
Our favorite, 88-year-old Shirley was in great spirits. What a joy to see her one last time before she heads out east to be with her 90 yr old sister.
We always look forward to sharing in community with the kinfolk at Casa Shalom. Until next time friends!
Tillers & Travelers 