2 beehives now at airport to teach kids about pollination

There’s something new taking off at San Antonio International Airport: bees.

Two active beehives have been installed on the airport’s grounds, part of a new program teaching local elementary school children about the importance of pollinators and helping expand access to urban honey.

Each of the two hives currently houses about 20,000 bees, with room to house as many as 60,000, according to a news release.

To begin the #SATBEEKIND program, the airport is partnering with BASIS San Antonio Primary School to “teach children the importance of bees and crop pollination, green living, ignite passion in nature enthusiasts and bring together the local community and airport concessionaires.”

The school already maintains a student garden on campus, where students already are growing pollinator plants. Those plants will end up being transferred to the airport grounds to help feed the honeybees.

“This is the first time the airport has ever participated in this type of program and I’m excited about the potential of #SATBEEKIND and the impact that it will have on the environment and the community,” said David Robbins, chief development officer of the San Antonio Airport System.

Once the aviary is established, the plan is to make the honey available to travelers, either by selling it or encouraging airport vendors to use it in products such as beverages, sauces and desserts.

“This is a great example of a green environmental program that could provide a sweet treat for everyone involved,” said Steve Southers, environmental services manager for the San Antonio Airport System.

If all goes according to plan, the first batch of honey will be available later this year.