SUSTAINABILITY AT THE CLARK
The relationship between art and nature has always been a focus at the Clark. Our beautiful 140-acre campus is a habitat for many kinds of animals, birds, and insects. We are constantly working to ensure that our sustainability initiatives will preserve our lands for future generations through integrating green practices in our architecture and campus planning.
HELP US CREATE A BEE COLONY!
The Clark aims to help grow the bee population in Berkshire County through an active beekeeping program. Because crocus bulbs are a primary pollen source for bees, we’ll plant them on campus to attract bees to the area. With the help of a professional beekeeper, a hive will be created to encourage colonies to make the Clark their home. Starting a bee colony and encouraging its growth requires constant supervision. The beekeeper will also supervise the growth of the colony. We need a population of at least 40,000 bees to collect enough honey to sustain the hives and help to foster honey production.
Within two years of the crocuses being planted, honey will be available for harvest and we hope to make it available to friends and visitors!
DISAPPEARING BEES
Bees are quickly disappearing from the United States due to environmental changes and destruction of bee habitats. Just last year, seven species of bees were identified as endangered. The drastic reduction in bee populations is becoming a serious issue in America’s food production. Honeybees are the primary pollinators of the world’s food and of our region’s trees, shrubs, and flowers. Without pollination, crops do not thrive.