A New Buzz at WFYI: Beehives on the Roof

New beehives contribute to restoring the bee population in Indianapolis

July 9, 2015 (Indianapolis, IN) –Two beehives now sit atop the second floor roof of the WFYI building. A donation by WFYI members, George and Christine Plews, the bees are part of the Plews’ commitment to help with restoring the honey bee population throughout the Indianapolis area.

The bees are just around the corner form WFYI’s green roof. The 5,300-square-foot green roof provides a habitat for wildflowers, bees and insects, and allows WFYI an innovative sound-proofing system for the station’s television studios. It also helps decrease air conditioning usage and prevents storm water overflow.

The addition of the bees is another way WFYI is trying to help the environment. According to the Indiana Beekeepers Association, bees pollinate nearly 70 percent of the crops that provide the majority of the world’s food. Due to parasitic mites, viruses, fungal diseases, and pesticides there has been a dramatic decline in the bee population over the years. Loss of bee habitat has also become a significant part in the bee crisis.

On WFYI’s No Limits radio program (90.1 FM), John Krull called attention to the bee crisis in North America in an episode that aired on May 15, 2014. The Plews were featured on the show to discuss their work in restoring the bee population. They were also joined by local beekeeper and urban farmer Kate Franzman, whose business is moving bees and saving hives. To hear their discussions on the bee crisis, listen here

Thanks to the Plews, WFYI is now helping to do our part in the restoration of the Indianapolis bee population.

Media Contacts:
Katherine Leslie – WFYI Public Media
kleslie@wfyi.org / (317) 614-0503

Tricia Schug Director, Marketing & Promotions
tschug@wfyi.org/ (317) 636-2020