Bee colony atop University of Regina attracts students

There's a buzz about the University of Regina these days, and it has to do with an influx of population. A colony of around 40,000 bees has moved in. 

More accurately, they've moved to a spot on top of one of the university's buildings. 

We can also start developing studies on how to maintain the health of bees — which is really critical today.- Robin Lawless

Journalism lab instructor and apiary manager, Robin Lawless, donated the pollinators from his home colony. He said the idea came about naturally because of a plan for an orchard connected to the university's sustainable garden. 

Lawless said the bees bring benefits for the sustainable garden, and they're attracting students.

According to Lawless, a few groups of biology students have already toured the rooftop colony's new home. He's hoping that will breed more interest for volunteers to help tend to them, and they may lead to more research.

"There's a couple of master's students that are studying pollination of certain specific breeds of plants here in Saskatchewan, so it'll help them to study as well," he said. 

"Hopefully, if people get interested in that, we can also start developing studies on how to maintain the health of bees — which is really critical today."

Lawless said the bees arrived on the rooftop in April and they've already produced around 137 pounds of honey. There is no word yet on what will happen with the pollinators' tasty product.