The HCfE was honored for its initiative, “Apiary as Catalyst for Innovation,” a project that reimagines the role of bees in sustainability and education. 

The prestigious award, administered by the Department of Environmental Protection(DEP) and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, recognizes projects that lead in environmental protection, innovation, partnership, economic impact and climate action. A total of 19 projects statewide were honored.

Westminster’s apiary began in 2020 with just six hives, created as a hands-on learning tool to spotlight the vital role of bees in ecosystems, encourage pollinator-friendly practices, support research on bee populations and offer sustainable beekeeping training to students and the community. 

During the 2024 period, Westminster developed various courses, which revolve around the apiary, including “Environmental Entrepreneurship,” which stresses how sustainable practices and conservation is critical to entrepreneurial success through engagement with the Westminster Bee Company, a student-run honey production venture. The project engaged with over 800 individuals through various community and student events. The project also engaged with several charitable causes by donating honey, including the “Bags & Blessings” program in Beaver County, which provides comfort bags to patients with cancer.

“We are especially proud of this achievement as it reflects the dedication and hard work of our students and faculty—particularly environmental science professors Dr. Patrick Krantz and Dr. Helen Boylan, who led the development of the College’s apiary and the Westminster Bee Company,” said Dr. Kerri Duerr, HCfE director.

Under Krantz’ leadership, the apiary has grown to more than 70 hives, transforming into a dynamic center for environmental innovation that connects faculty, students, youth and community members through cutting-edge education and research.

As part of their undergraduate studies, students gain hands-on experience through distinctive programs like a full apiculture management sequence, the interdisciplinary BuzzFeed cluster focused on science communication and an environmental entrepreneurship course that sparked the launch of the Westminster Bee Company. 

The award winners were recognized at an awards banquet on Tuesday, June 10, hosted by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council in Harrisburg.