Sandy Springs' Newest Residents Creating A 'Buzz' at Lost Corner Preserve

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There is a buzz swarming in Sandy Springs, but it isn’t the rumor mill at work.

Roughly 25,000 bees arrived in the city on Wednesday, May 12 to move into new digs at Lost Corner Preserve.

Sandy Springs is installing the beehives as part of an Urban Beekeeping initiative, which addresses issues of sustainability as well as raising awareness of the importance of bees as part of the global ecosystem.

Colony Collapse Disorder is a mysterious phenomenon, which has drastically reduced the population of honeybees in the U.S. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that the American honeybee population has dropped from about 5 million in the 1940s to approximately 2.5 million today.

Honeybees are a critical link in the agriculture chain. An estimated one-third of the food that Americans eat — vegetables such as zucchini, fruits like oranges, nuts like almonds, spices like coriander, edible oils like canola and more — depend on pollinating insects to provide their valuable services.

According to a 2014 briefing from the White House, pollinators contribute more than $24 billion to the U.S. economy, with working honeybees accounting for more than $15 billion.

Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul, himself a beekeeper, led the initiative.

“The addition of the hives to Lost Corner is a win-win all around,” Paul stated. “The bees get a cozy place to stay, the environment benefits from the pollination and our human residents are able to observe the marvelous world of bees. We tell everyone that Sandy Springs is a great place to live and work, and the same holds true for our newest residents.”

Paul added that the city plans to use the hive for educational programs. While not expected to produce large quantities of honey, Paul said his newest residents likely will provide sweet reward in time for next year’s harvest.

Lost Corner Preserve is located at 383 Harbor Pointe Parkway.

It was a once a working farm, and in 2006, the property’s owner approached the Sandy Springs Conservancy about creating a lasting nature preserve on the property. Through a major fund-raising effort and support from the Trust for Public Land and the city of Sandy Springs, Lost Corner was purchased and became an official city park in 2008.

It is also home to the city’s Community Gardens.

What Should You Read Next?

• Sandy Springs Opens Lost Corner Hiking Trail For ‘Light’ Use
• Sandy Springs Celebrates Arbor Day With Tree Planting Celebration
• Sandy Springs Modifies Tree Ordinance To Protect Existing Canopy

Photos: Mayor Rusty Paul, a beekeeper, with the city’s newest residents: 25,000 bees, who have moved into their new home at Lost Corner Preserve. Credit: city of Sandy Springs