George Mason University creating bee sanctuary in Lorton

LORTON, Va. - A George Mason University bee sanctuary coming to Lorton, Virginia, is creating quite the buzz.

The George Mason Honey Bee Initiative is working with Fairfax County and the Interstate 95 landfill to turn several acres into a sanctuary for bees.

University officials said 12 hives, which include about 15,000 bees each, have already been placed at the location near the 9800 block of Furnace Road.

Officials said they were looking to convert parts of the landfill into meadows with native grass and wildflowers.

The landfill and Covanta, which runs the incinerator, both donated $5,000 to the project that will significantly cut down on the land's maintenance, especially mowing.

University officials said the project will allow research opportunities for the college of science and the school of business.