Austin takes its initial steps toward becoming an official “Bee City.”
Austin, a recently designated “Bee City,” is taking additional steps to assist bees around the city.
In March, the city was officially designated as “Bee City USA.” According to a message from the department, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department has sponsored four pollinator garden planting days since then and is monitoring the implementation of new policies and signage around the city.
Austin City Council approved in March to become a Bee City USA affiliate. This implies that city employees will try to restore bee pollinator habitats and educate the public about bees.
According to the email, the new guideline will govern beekeeping on public property and the observation hive at the Austin Nature & Science Center.
Current regulations and strategies will also be examined to ensure that they are consistent with the goal of becoming a “Bee City.”
Pollinate Austin produced the new signs to identify bees and pollinator gardens.
You could see more bees buzzing over Austin one day.
Austin’s city council decided overwhelmingly to become a Bee City USA affiliate. Staff members will seek to improve bee pollinator habitats and educate the community about the value of these pollinators as a result of the designation.
Bees are important for the continued growth of 75 percent of our key crops. They pollinate the majority of your favorite crops and plants all around the planet.
Vanessa Fuentes donned “bee ears” to indicate her support for the project. Several people spoke out in favor of extending bee communities during Thursday’s meeting.
Erika Thompson, an Austin beekeeper with a significant following on the social media app TikTok, was among them.
“I’ve observed as more people relocate to Austin… Wildlife habitats are dwindling… bees struggle to find food and a home “We’ll be able to conserve bees and other important pollinators,” Thompson added.
As part of Bee City, the city of Austin will evaluate its usage of pesticides and methods to eliminate them, as well as see more pollinator-friendly habitats like milkweed.
Around the city, you’d also notice “Bee City USA” street signs.
In June, City Manager Spencer Cronk will brief the city council on his progress in these initiatives.
Austin takes its initial steps toward becoming an official “Bee City.”
