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.
“The City’s parks, greenspaces and community gardens teem with native wildflowers, and flowering plants trees and shrubs that create vibrant ecosystem for bees and other pollinators,” said Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward. “We welcome this designation, and remain dedicated to enhancing and expanding this natural environment,” he said.