Massachusetts inmates are studying to boost bees

The Massachusetts Division of Correction has launched a brand new program that may take slightly little bit of the sting out of a state jail time period.

In April, the inmates of the minimum-security Pondville Correctional Heart in Norfolk have been the recipients of 40,000 bees — together with two queens — so as to study beekeeping.

“Innovative programs like this are one of the many diverse offerings from the DOC that provide new skills and pathways for growth and rehabilitation,” mentioned Governor Maura Healey. “The beekeeping program gives people a chance to learn about the environment, work with their hands, and experience the benefits of being engaged and connected to nature. Supporting this growth helps individuals successfully reenter society and build stronger, safer communities.”

This system was spearheaded by Susan Goldwitz, a longtime DOC facility employee who had taken up beekeeping as a private passion and realized its potential to supply transferable abilities to the inmates, in keeping with a DOC assertion. Goldwitz reached out to Pondville Superintendent Lisa Curto and continued to develop it with new Superintendent Pleasure Gallant in addition to Joseph Salvucci, the director of therapy and classification.

The bees have been donated by the corporate Finest Bees, whose consultants will harvest the honey to be used by Pondville or donation.

“As the program grows, individuals at Pondville will get hands-on training in caring for beehives, collecting honey, and learning about the environment. They’ll also learn about insects and ecosystem, gaining both useful skills and scientific knowledge,” a DOC spokesperson mentioned.

This system has fringe advantages for others, too. The bees have been serving to to pollinate the crops within the facility’s fruit and vegetable backyard which has contributed to the greater than 400 kilos of produce donated to a meals financial institution in Franklin since August.