The new demonstration bee hives at Discovery Place Nature have been in operation for a few weeks, and our naturalists recently performed routine maintenance to check on their overall health.

What does a beehive checkup include?

Museum director Marvin Bouknight, who has enthusiastically embraced the new beekeeping duties, says this means making sure the queen bee is present and healthy, among other key signs of health.

"We look for eggs, larvae and capped brood (developing pupae). We also are looking to make sure that the hive has nectar, honey and pollen to feed the growing hive."