San Luis Obispo County Airport launches onsite apiary
Honey produced onsite is now available inside the terminal
– The San Luis Obispo County Airport has partnered with Cal Poly’s College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences to establish an on-site apiary that is now producing local honey available for purchase in the terminal.
The apiary is maintained by students and faculty in Cal Poly’s beekeeping classes, providing hands-on experience in beekeeping, habitat stewardship, and sustainable agriculture. Airport officials said the managed hives contribute to pollinator health and support local ecosystem initiatives.
“One of the goals of our Sustainability & Decarbonization Plan is to advance a healthy and high-quality airport experience for all users. This new partnership helps promote our unique, environmentally conscious identity to all our passengers while benefitting the local ecosystem through student education,” said Courtney Johnson, director of airports.
The apiary is located on undevelopable airport land and supports biodiversity, pollinator health, and student learning. Airport officials said the project demonstrates how operational spaces can be used for environmental purposes while supporting educational opportunities.
Honey produced at the airport apiary is available for purchase inside the terminal.
“This partnership is a great example of how we can work together locally to support sustainability and education,” said Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg. “By using airport land in a thoughtful way, we’re not only supporting pollinator health, but also creating opportunities for students and strengthening our connection to the community.”
Airport officials said the project is part of the airport’s Sustainability and Decarbonization Plan and broader sustainability efforts.
More information about the airport’s sustainability programs is available at www.sloairport.com/greensbp.
