Julia Williams 
Editor-in-Chief

Just before 8 a.m. Sept. 17, all was still in Pendleton Heights’s Community Orchard (Lexington and Montgall avenues) — except the sound of its honey bees, buzzing in harmony. 

Shortly after, the colonies were interrupted from their usual morning tasks. Bee boxes were flown open — leaving these honey-makers vulnerable, without a safe space. 

Additionally, two hive (honey) frames were stolen before this vandal left in a hurry, according to Pendleton Heights Neighborhood Association’s Green Space Steward, Whitney Barnardo.

These hives located within the Community Orchard are courtesy of BeeKC — a nonprofit organization working toward supporting and promoting urban beekeeping. In addition to this Northeast location, BeeKC has implemented and upkeeps over 170 honey bee hives across the Kansas City Metropolitan area, according to its website. Some of these locations include schools, urban farms and additional community gardens, among others. 

While the orchard started out the year with six beehives, it now has three left, which Barnardo said are still very active. 

“[I’m] really hopeful they will survive,” Barnardo said in an interview, Friday. “It is very frustrating and unfortunate, but everything looks very stable.”

This encouragement is largely due to neighbor and community support, who alerted the orchard of this incident, allowing BeeKC beekeepers to stabilize the hives quickly. 

“ [It’s] validating when neighbors are watching out for a place many people have decided is worth the time and effect,” Barnardo said. “The community orchard and bees are for the love of  the community and neighborhood and bringing people together.” 

Barnardo said the orchard hopes to rebuild and expand its hives in the spring. 

For those wanting to offer their support, BeeKC and The Community Orchard are currently accepting donations on its websites: https://www.beekc.org/, https://phkc.org/. Venmo donations are also accepted: @ph_kc. 

Additionally, remaining honey will be available for purchase at Pendleton Heights annual Orchard Fest, Oct. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m at Independence Plaza Park (2200 Independence Ave). 

A free, family-friendly event — complete with a honey raffle, goats, costumes and more. 

“A calm, nice way to rally and get together — Orchard Fest is the perfect way to do that,” Barnardo said.