Winchester & Bee City USA - What's the Buzz?
Published on September 06, 2024
Did you know that, in March, Winchester officially joined 219 other cities across the United States to become a “Bee City USA Affiliate?” That’s pretty cool!
But, you would be forgiven for not knowing what it means to become a “Bee City USA Affiliate.”
Bee City USA Affiliates, like Winchester, commit to supporting native pollinators (like bees). They do this by increasing the prevalence of native plants, providing bee nest sites, and reducing the use of pesticides wherever possible.
Native pollinators, which include hummingbirds, butterflies, and moths, are important to Winchester’s biodiversity because they help plants reproduce and grow. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, about 80 percent of flowers and 35 percent of the world’s crops depend on pollinators to reproduce. That means that one in three bites of food you enjoyed today might result from pollinators doing their work!
According to Winchester resident and Bee City USA organizer Cathy Phillips, “Bee City USA focuses on protecting our native bee species, and by extension, other pollinators. When it comes to bees, most people think of the honey bee; but one of the most impactful things Bee City USA Affiliate can do is encourage residents to appreciate the broad diversity of bees that sustain our communities.”
Bee City USA Affiliate cities, along with Bee City Campus sites—often universities and college campuses—sponsor various activities designed to support native pollinators. Common activities include planting and protecting native plants and pollinator nest sites, incorporating pollinator-conscious practices into City policies, holding pollinator awareness events, and promoting Bee City USA and other groups committed to conserving invertebrates, such as the Xerces Society.
Winchester’s local leaders also strongly support the City’s participation in this effort. When asked about the Bee City USA effort, City Councilor Kathy Tagnesi said: “I am honored to be the Winchester City Councilor representative on the Bee City Committee.”
Over the long term, one of Bee City USA’s strategic goals is to create a network of cities, towns and counties to create a “pollinator pathway.” Pollinator pathways are contiguous public and private land areas that support native plants and pollinators. Even the smallest green spaces, like small gardens, flower boxes, flower containers, and curb strips, can be part of a pathway!
Bee City USA organizer Cathy promised that Winchester residents would hear more about Bee City activities very soon: “Bee City USA will be at various community events, and we look forward to the opportunity to share information with other groups and organizations in the City.”
Stay tuned for more information about Bee City USA, native plants, and pollinator awareness in Winchester.
We’re just getting started!