Hackley is welcoming new friends to the Hilltop: Honeybees!

Members of Hackley’s faculty and administration have worked closely with the beekeeping founders of Fly Honey Farms—Carlo Esannason ’97 and James Pratt ’97— in developing this project. Together with Carlo, James, and a group of trained faculty, our students will soon observe the important role honeybees play in our ecosystem and learn about pollinators, the human food system, hive management and honey production. Students will also observe honeybee social behavior, practice the art of safe and effective beekeeping while following strict safety protocols and wearing protective gear, explore the use of hive products for food and health, and much more. 

Hackley’s new apiary—located in an enclosed space adjacent to Hackley’s Forest and away from the classroom and pedestrian areas—supports key efforts outlined in Redefining Excellence: Learning Beyond Boundaries, enhancing the science curriculum while amplifying outdoor education and expanding the use of our incredible campus. Hackley is proud to join an outstanding group of K-12 peer schools who have long kept beehives, and our team is very grateful for their guidance and encouragement along the way. Click to learn more about hive safety protocols and FAQs. 

Looking Ahead: An Emerging Orchard
Did you know that students and faculty are partnering to create Hackley’s very first orchard in the area surrounding our apiary? It’s true! This spring, students are preparing the soil for our first planting in the fall. The orchard will begin with apple trees and will grow in subsequent years to include additional tree species… and our Hackley honeybees will be hard at work pollinating them all!