The Bee City USA® initiative was launched in 2012 with the goal of promoting healthy, sustainable habitats for bees and other pollinators, responsible for the reproduction of nearly 90% of the world’s flowering plant species and one in every three bites of food we eat. In 2022, Roanoke City Council voted to adopt a resolution proclaiming Roanoke as a BEE CITY USA®.
Common yarrow is an attractive addition to a pollinator garden. This yarrow plant is located at the Historic Fishburn Mansion.
Roanoke’s goal in joining Bee City USA® is to promote, protect and provide support for our pollinators, nature’s essential helpers. This is done by providing healthy habitats, free of pesticides; using native plants, education, hosting community events and encouraging community participation.
On Friday May 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM, the City of Roanoke will be holding a kickoff event at Vic Thomas Park to announce Roanoke as a Bee City USA affiliate city. This event will include the unveiling of Roanoke’s first Bee City sign and speakers from local garden clubs. Vic Thomas Park is home to many wildflower gardens with pollinator-friendly species, making it an ideal location for the kickoff event. Native pollinators are particularly important because they evolved alongside native plants and in many cases are the most effective pollinators.
Learn more about Bee City USA, native pollinators, and find educational materials at www.playroanoke.com/bee-city-usa.
