In an effort to help save the rusty patch bumblebee, Eagle Ranch Golf Course has started an apiary that now houses nearly 6,000 bees.
Eagle Ranch started the project through its partnership with the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, which helps golf courses remain eco-friendly and manage surrounding wildlife habitat. Eagle Ranch Golf Course started its apiary in 2014.
Chris Dillmann, Vail Daily
A smoker is lit before handling the bees at Eagle Ranch Golf Club on Thursday, July 20, in Eagle. The smoke helps bee-keepers approach the bees without them being too aggressive.
Chris Dillmann, Vail Daily
Doug Seurer with Eagle Ranch Golf Club puts on the second Deep Super for Broad of the hive Thursday, July 20, in Eagle. The hive at the golf club has been around for three to four years.
Chris Dillmann, Vail Daily
Bees work on the honeycomb at the hive at Eagle Ranch Golf Club on Thursday, July 20, in Eagle. Two years ago, 250 pounds of honey was removed from the hive.
Chris Dillmann, Vail Daily
Derek Rose, Eagle Ranch Golf Club Sup., removes a slatted rack of the hive at Eagle Ranch Golf Club Thursday, July 20, in Eagle. The hive can support approximately 60,000 bees.
Chris Dillmann, Vail Daily
Larva of new bees at the Eagle Ranch Golf Club Thursday, July 20, in Eagle. The larva will become new bees.
Chris Dillmann, Vail Daily
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A smoker is lit before handling the bees at Eagle Ranch Golf Club on Thursday, July 20, in Eagle. The smoke helps bee-keepers approach the bees without them being too aggressive.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declared eight species of bees officially endangered last September. The list includes the rusty patch bumblebee, which was once found in abundance in Colorado.
The hives have done so well that Derek Rose, an employee at Eagle Ranch Golf Course, predicts he will harvest 100 to 150 pounds of honey this fall, which will be sold in the Eagle Ranch Golf Course pro shop.
