Madison Park

BEE City USA News July 18, 2024

Posted in: Madison Park

marty5223
Mentor
Charlotte, NC
9745 Posts

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July 2024 | View as Webpage

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Read Your Amazing 2023 Achievements!

Dear Friends,

I get so excited to read everyone’s renewal reports each year. This is our largest and I dare say, most impressive, batch of reports yet.

In 2023, city and campus affiliates created habitat, reduced pesticide use, conducted dozens of bioblitzes and bee surveys, started seed libraries, tabled at farmers markets, taught kids to make seed bombs — and wore a lot of amazing bee costumes while they did it!

Read our 2023 annual report and peruse nearly two hundred affiliate renewal reports. Take a look, learn something new, and get inspired.

So much was achieved in 2023, and 2024 is shaping up to be another impactful year. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the success of this community. We are so grateful for your expertise, creativity, and passionate advocacy for our pollinating neighbors.

Warmly,

Laura Rost

National Coordinator,

Bee City USA & Bee Campus USA

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Affiliate Spotlight: Weed Pulls, Moth Nights & Buffer Balls in Carrboro, NC

The Town of Carrboro, NC has proudly been a member of Bee City USA since October 2014, and they are not slowing down! From movie nights to seed distributions, they are engaging community members and city staff in pollinator conservation at all ages and levels. Read abo ut their great projects and the lessons they've learned in the past ten years.

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To Protect Pollinators, We Need To Fight Light Pollution

When we think of how to protect pollinators, it’s easy to focus on the ones we see: species of bees, butterflies, and other bugs that are, just like us, active during the day. But that’s only half of the story. Nighttime pollinators are not only widespread and important, but are facing a serious threat that daytime animals don’t have to worry about: artificial lights. Read more

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The Buzz Behind Bee City USA: Phyllis Stiles And Pollinator Conservation

In the world of pollinator conservation, Phyllis Stiles, of Asheville, North Carolina, is a name that resonates with passion, dedication, and tangible change. As the founder of Bee City USA, Phyllis started a movement that has not only raised awareness in her own town, but also sparked action in communities across the country. Her journey is an inspiring tale of dedication, education, and the power of community action. Join us as we delve into Phyllis’s story and the enduring impact of Bee City USA. Read more

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Local Policy Survey: There's Still Time to Help

The Center for Agriculture and Food Systems at Vermont Law & Graduate School (CAFS) is interested in speaking with Bee City USA and Bee Campus USA affiliates about their experiences navigating local policies (zoning codes, nuisance ordinances, etc.) that impact their ability to create pollinator habitat.

They are particularly interested in speaking with affiliates who have had success in changing their local policies or who face difficulty navigating their local policies.

This research will lead to the creation and distribution of public resources that will help urban food producers and policymakers navigate the laws and regulations that support or undermine urban agriculture and innovative production in cities and towns across the country.

Take the Vermont Law & Graduate School policy survey

To give you a sense of their work, check out a related CAFS guide: Zoning for Urban Agriculture.

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