Why is there a White House-shaped beehive on the South Lawn? Inside Melania Trump’s new project
a new and unusual structure White House Reasons to draw attention to Melania Trump The residence’s long-standing beekeeping program was expanded and a hive was designed to resemble that of the President’s residence.
The new building on the South Lawn was announced in an official press release on April 24, according to USA Today .
The hive is part of the White House Honey Project and was “designed by White House Executive Residence staff” and “handcrafted by local Virginia artisans,” according to the release.
What is the purpose of this project
The expansion brings the total number of colonies on site to four. The White House says the honey produced has “a hint of clover and basswood, with a hint of citrus.”
New colonies are expected to increase every year Honey Yield increased by approximately 30 lbs. Currently, the existing hive produces approximately 200 to 225 pounds per year, with as many as 70,000 bees active during peak summer months.
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“Executive residence chefs currently use honey to sweeten tea, prepare salad dressings and create desserts,” the release states.
Honey is also used in official meals and given as gifts by the president and first lady.
Pollination and public access
In addition to their culinary uses, bees contribute to pollination in key areas of the capital. The press release said the colonies “will pollinate vegetation in the White House kitchen garden, cut flower garden and on the National Mall.”
Visitors can also visit the colony and “learn about pollination and food production,” it added.
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The beekeeping program dates back to 2009 and is supported by the National Mall Trust, the National Park Service’s nonprofit partner. The colonies are managed by head gardener Dale Haney and local beekeepers.
With the expansion, total honey production could increase to 230 to 255 pounds per year.
