Building a Buzz: Vancouver Bee Project’s Journey Toward Bee City USA Certification
Guest post: Kyle Roslund, Vancouver Bee Project
Three years ago, Vancouver Bee Project (VBP) began an ambitious journey to make Vancouver, Washington, a beacon of hope for pollinators by pursuing Bee City USA certification. This designation, awarded by the Xerces Society, celebrates communities dedicated to pollinator conservation, education, and sustainable habitats. This is an example on how grassroots efforts, strong partnerships, and community support—including a game-changing petition—helped propel this initiative forward.
A Grassroots Beginning
In 2021, we launched our Bee City USA Committees to educate the public and spark conversations about pollinator conservation. These committees organized workshops, hosted tabling events, and connected with residents to emphasize the vital role pollinators play in our ecosystem. This included meeting quarterly to provide pollinator education and related topics like pesticide reduction, a deep dive into Integrated Pest Management, and backyard habitat creation. To amplify these efforts, we started a Change.org petition to gain momentum and demonstrate community support. The petition resonated with Vancouver residents, gathering signatures that showed the city just how committed the community was to becoming a Bee City USA.
Partnering for Progress
To achieve Bee City USA certification, we knew we needed more than awareness—we needed action. Over the past three years, VBP has built trust and collaboration with the City of Vancouver by working together on projects aligned with the Bee City USA mission. Some of our proudest accomplishments include:
Meadow Installations: We’ve established native wildflower meadows at key locations, including the Water Resources Education Center and under the BPA power lines in central Vancouver. These thriving habitats not only support pollinators but also beautify and enrich our community.
Grandmother Camus Planting Event: In April 2024, we joined forces with local organizations to plant native camas and other species at this culturally significant site. The event combined ecological restoration with cultural heritage, underscoring the multifaceted benefits of pollinator conservation.
Community Outreach: Over the last three years, VBP volunteers have participated in events like the Old Apple Tree Festival, Día de los Muertos Luminarias, and Urban Forestry’s Make a Difference Day. By tabling at these events, we’ve engaged thousands of residents, offering native plants, educational resources, and practical tips for creating pollinator-friendly spaces.
Gaining Traction
The support garnered through our petition was instrumental in building credibility and trust with city officials and commissioners. It demonstrated widespread enthusiasm for this initiative and helped pave the way for collaborative projects that align with Bee City USA standards. Last year, the Pollinator Subcommittee was formed under the Urban Forestry Commission and that really catalyzed moving the city toward the certification.
Looking Ahead
For VBP, the journey to Bee City USA certification is about more than a title—it’s about building a future where pollinators, people, and the environment thrive together. We remain committed to expanding pollinator habitats, deepening partnerships, and inspiring community members to take action through pollinator advocacy, education and habitat creation.
This is a shared effort, and we couldn’t have made it this far without the support of our neighbors, volunteers, and city partners. If you’d like to be part of this exciting journey, visit our website at vancouverbeeproject.org to learn how you can help pollinators in Vancouver.
Together, let’s keep the buzz going and create a greener, more sustainable future for all. 🐝
