Help Vancouver, WA achieve BEE CITY USA® DESIGNATION

About Bee City USA®

Bee City USA® is a certification initiative created by the Xerces Society to guide cities or communities in the promotion of pollinator habitat which features native plants, provides nest sites, and is protected from pesticides. Honey bees are successful in a range of places because they can forage from a wide variety of plants. Many species of native bees have evolved alongside plants indigenous to their area and may only be able to forage from limited sources. Likewise, some native plants can only be pollinated by specific native pollinators. In order to protect the biodiversity of individual communities Bee City USA® emphasizes planting native species to create resources for the highest number of pollinators in your area.

In addition to helping save endangered species in our city, the protection of pollinators helps the residents of the community. Increased pollinator habitat and population improves local food production and the health of Vancouver's green spaces like parks and trails. Community involvement and education are integral to the Bee City USA® vision. Community removal of invasive plants and replacing them with native species throughout the city reduces the need for chemical pesticides and herbicides. This reduction in chemical use can improve air, soil, and water quality in addition to being safer for humans and other animals. We also hope to increase awareness and involvement of citizens by highlighting the incredible diversity of life found just outside our homes.

RSVP For our SPEAKER SERIES January 11, 2025 - A Primer on the Native Bees of the Pacific Northwest - Bella Padgett 10:30am

Vancouver Community Library Columbia Room RSVP for an event invite and reminder.

What are the commitments of becoming a Bee City USA® affiliate?

It is simple! Commitments are described more on the Bee City USA® website but here is a summary:

Establish a committee to guide the process
Create/enhance pollinator habitat on public/private land
Reduce the use of pesticides
Incorporate pollinator-conscious practices into city policy and plans
Host pollinator awareness events
Publicly acknowledge the Bee City USA® affiliate online and with signage
Apply/pay fees/renew application annually

Who is behind Bee City USA®?

Bee City USA® is an initiative of The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, an organization that initially formed as a butterfly conservation group. However, as they delved into conservation of natural habitat they found that the need for protection was high among many invertebrates including our other pollinators including native bees and kept honey bees. As part of the Xerces Societies’ efforts to preserve pollinators they have created the Bee City USA® initiative.

200 cities across 45 states have adopted pollinator friendly policies and are striving to preserve the lives of these vital parts of our communities, we hope Vancouver will be next. Join us and let's make this happen Vancouver!