Downtown Riverhead just got a little buzzier — and greener. A giant bee sculpture has landed near the River and Roots Community Garden, designed to collect bottles and cans while raising awareness about the environment. Measuring four by seven feet, the recycling receptacle is built from mesh wire and recycled materials, making it both functional and symbolic.
The bee is Riverhead’s second “litter critter,” joining a fish-shaped receptacle that’s been reducing waste at Iron Pier Beach since last year. Created by local sculptor Clayton Orehek and funded by the North Fork Environmental Council, the bee highlights how art and sustainability can work hand in hand. Even its details — like wings crafted from crushed water bottles and antennae capped with repurposed glass doorknobs — show how discarded items can be transformed into something meaningful.
Positioned next to a QR code linking to information about the importance of bees, the installation also doubles as an educational tool. The Riverhead Anti-Litter Advisory Committee, along with the Parks Department and volunteers, will maintain the sculpture to ensure it continues serving both its purpose and its message.
The bee adds a creative touch to downtown Riverhead while encouraging residents and visitors to think twice before littering. It’s a playful but purposeful reminder of how small actions — like recycling a bottle — contribute to a cleaner, healthier community.
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