Bee City USA has designated the City of Gainesville as an official Bee City USA®, and a committee began to help promote pollinator conservation in the community. Gainesville joins cities and campuses across the country united to improve landscapes for pollinators at a time when bee populations remain threatened by disease, habitat loss, climate change and other factors.

The City has authorized the Florida Wildflower Foundation to convene the committee, an advisory group to City staff, to begin its work raising public awareness about the vital role of pollinators. The committee also will meet to discuss policy changes around pest management practices, and recommended programs to create or expand pollinator-friendly habitat.

We are excited to announce the first Bee City Gainesville native pollinator garden will be installed at GROW HUB! Landscape design services are provided by Zamia Design, a Gainesville-based landscape architecture firm with a commitment to native plants and sustainability.

To learn more about the Bee City Gainesville initiative, to receive email notification of upcoming meetings and events, or to volunteer, contact Geena Hill, North Florida Wildflower Alliance Liaison, at GHill@FlaWildflowers.org.