BEEHIVE BUILD

Buzzworthy senior project uses a unique pollinator to increase local biodiversity

by Natalie Brown design by Abbi Lovins photo by Alice Pisoni

Senior Christian Niekamp has long been conscious of the environment. A current member of the Conservation Club and a student in AP Environmental Science, he plans to continue his studies in environmental science after graduation. Niekamp’s passion for sustainability and environmentalism led him to consider ways he could contribute positively to the local ecosystem.

“I originally wanted to create a native garden, but then I realized I didn’t have the time or resources to do so. That morphed into using bees, because I’m into sustainability and environmentalism and being eco-friendly. My senior project is an endeavor to build mason bee hives, put them together and place them around Columbus,” Niekamp said. “I chose mason bees because they are far better at pollinating, and European honey bees are an invasive species that can harm our local ecosystem and pollinators. My project intends to increase biodiversity and encourage plant life to flourish.”

Niekamp’s work has led to a variety of collaborations and connections within the community.

“I’ve worked with my mentor Chuck Burkart, a mason bee expert that works with Brown County State Park, and family members to help construct the hives,” Niekamp said.

Amongst fostering new connections, the project has also led to new skills he wouldn’t have discovered otherwise.

“This project has introduced me to woodworking; something I never would have pursued on my own. In my planning, I never thought I’d need to do this much work with the wood, but I actually like it. It’s been rewarding,” Niekamp said. Mason