ST. PAUL — University of Minnesota researchers are attempting to address a widespread decline in bee populations by nourishing urban beehives.

The university’s Bee Squad manages a dozen rooftop operations across the Twin Cities. The 11-member research unit also teaches bee colony care and advises beekeepers.

The Bee Squad is funded in part by a $500,000 McArthur Fellowship grant awarded to University of Minnesota entomologist Marla Spivak in 2010.

Bee Squad researchers said the honeybees on the roof of the Minnesota Institute of Arts are thriving. The bees are healthy, producing lots of honey and breeding.

The Minnesota Institute of Arts beehives are cared for by the Bee Squad and museum staff. They visit the bees regularly for inspections and to puff smoke at the hive, which slows bee activity.