LONG BEACH, Calif. (August 12, 2024) — August 17th is World Honey Bee Day and 2ND & PCH outdoor shopping center is one of several CenterCal properties honoring nature’s prolific pollinators by announcing a partnership with the Best Bees company.

The company has placed hives of docile honey bees in locations at the center removed from foot traffic to keep both bees and humans comfortable with the arrangement. Best Bees uses the data collected at every beehive to monitor colony health and assess the biodiversity of the surrounding ecosystems. Each beehive is a data point within a network of research beehives, providing valuable information on the state of pollinators today. An essential part of local ecosystems, honey bees work to pollinate agricultural crops and a host of native plant species that are the backbone of local ecosystems. Increasing the number of pollinators improves biodiversity, supporting healthier food systems that offer nutritional diversity and security for the area. The partnership with Best Bees is just one of the ways in which 2ND & PCH supports sustainability and ESG (environmental, social and governance) initiatives in addition to using solar panels and recycling bins on the property and hosting a diverse array of events, activations and cultural programming for visitors of all ages throughout the year.

“2ND & PCH, as with all CenterCal properties, is about more than retail offerings. We are a community gathering place,” said 2ND & PCH General Manager, Samantha Lopez. “Adding the docile bees to the center’s environment is another step towards promoting a welcoming and dynamic atmosphere for all guests and furthers our commitment towards supporting a healthy ecosystem overall.”

Photos of beekeepers provided courtesy of Best Bees.

Local beekeepers service the hives regularly to ensure the honey bees’ health and to collect data for research purposes. Additionally, Best Bees extracts and bottles the honey from each hive site. The property has two hives, which is expected to produce between 10 and 20 pounds of honey per year — just enough to share among key partners and occasionally feature in center-specific activations. As the honey reflects the flora from which the bees collect pollen, the harvest from 2ND & PCH will have a distinct flavor profile — reinforcing the unique sense of place that each lifestyle center offers. Other CenterCal properties to install honey bee hives include Bridgeport Village in Tualatin, Oregon; Mountain View Village in Riverton, Utah; and Station Park in Farmington, Utah.

“Our mission is to improve the health of these vital pollinators nationwide,” said Creative Director of Best Bees Paige Mulhern. “Our partnership with CenterCal will contribute to the largest library of standardized bee data in the world, enabling each participating property to make a truly positive impact on bee and biodiversity health.”

Along with placing and servicing the hives, Best Bees will participate in educational initiatives to build awareness of beekeeping. 2ND & PCH invites the community to celebrate World Honey Bee Day on Saturday, August 17th with family-friendly activities at the center 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., including a Q&A with a Best Bees beekeeper, a Bubble Bee Party, special character appearances, craft stations, face painting and more. Children can participate in the Pollinator Scavenger Hunt, in which they will receive a small prize for discovering bee-inspired fun facts hidden among retail storefronts. A limited number of products produced from the center’s hives including jars of honey, honey-based lip balm and seed packs will be available as a giveaway for guests who complete the World Honey Bee Day Scavenger Hunt.

For more information about 2ND & PCH and a complete directory of businesses visit 2ndandpch.com or interact via Instagram or Facebook.

​​About Best Bees
The Best Bees Company installs and maintains honey bee hives on commercial and residential properties in urban centers across the U.S. These hives serve as data points in our national network of data-yielding beehives — they’re the foundation of our scientific research. Our mission is to improve pollinator and biodiversity health, both locally and nationally. Since 2010, we’ve made a tangible, positive impact on the environment, one beehive at a time. We promote a culture of inclusivity and environmental stewardship, and we are proud to be a Certified LGBT Business Enterprise. More information can be found at bestbees.com.

About 2ND & PCH
2ND & PCH invites you to a coastal experience with marina views where you will find national, regional, and locally grown best-in-class retailers and restaurateurs. Art and culture intersect with walkable streetscapes within a community urban village. Our casual yet elegant style connects outdoor living with the SoCal lifestyle providing a space to create memories. With nearly 1,100 parking spaces, complimentary Wi-Fi, fire pits, a water feature, lush landscaping, dedicated bicycle lanes and hospitality focused amenities, we welcome you to take in the views while you stay, shop, dine and relax.

About CenterCal Properties LLC
CenterCal Properties LLC, a premier full-service commercial real estate company founded in 2004, is redefining the landscape of the western U.S. With a focus on community-building, the company creates spaces that foster connection, enjoyment, and a sense of belonging. Under the visionary leadership of Founder and CEO Jean Paul Wardy, CenterCal Properties has become synonymous with excellence and innovation, boasting a portfolio of iconic destinations across California, Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington. Rooted in core values that include creative persistence, high standards, resourcefulness, delivering today and unwavering integrity, CenterCal Properties specializes in the investment, development, leasing and management of high-quality retail and mixed-use development from its headquarters in El Segundo, Calif. More information, including a full property portfolio, is available at www.centercal.com.