City of Roanoke, VA
Roanoke Pollinator Partnership: A Bee City USA Initiative
Population greater than 50,000
Staff of the City of Roanoke have faced an ongoing challenge of standardizing an approach to sustainability across operations, the work of private and civic organization projects, and general outreach to the public. In response, employees from the Parks and Recreation and the Office of Sustainability, alongside various community partners, came together in a shared effort to creatively expand sustainability practices.
Bee City USA is an initiative of the Xerces Society of Invertebrate Conservation. It engages communities across The United States in pollinator conversation efforts. Bee City USA was introduced to Roanoke city staff by two community residents from a local garden club. Several preparatory steps had to be taken for Bee City USA to successfully take off in Roanoke. Specific program criteria had to be met, such as the establishment of a standing Bee City USA committee, the increasing of native plant abundance and the addition of nest sites across public and private land, and the incorporation of pollinator-conscious practices into city policies and plans.
A synergetic partnership formed between organizations and individuals across the city. Mill Mountain Garden Club and Roanoke Valley Garden Club helped lead the efforts, mobilizing the support of community residents and city staff so that Bee City USA criteria were met. In the fall of 2023, the Bee City USA designation was officially granted. This was recognized at a Bee City USA Kick-Off Event, bringing together many residents in celebration of the accomplishment, but the work was only just beginning.
The Bee City USA designation is a commitment to actively continue and advance conservation efforts. The Parks Recreation Department adopted an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan to reduce pesticide use in Roanoke parks. The community continued to participate in sustainable projects that yielded successful results. A notable example of this is the Melrose Pollinator Garden created by the Roanoke Valley Kiwanis Club. This garden covers over 3,000 square feet and is planted exclusively with native species. The ongoing impact of the Bee City USA designation is reflected in upcoming city construction and renovation projects as well.
Various lessons can be learned from the implementation of this type of community project.
Channeling the enthusiasm of the public. An astounding takeaway from the development of Bee City USA in Roanoke is the dedicated public enthusiasm, support and participation in growing the project's objectives. This is exemplified through the small pollinator habitats that were created in the very own backyard gardens of residents.
The power of partnership. Much of the success of this project can be credited to the growth in relationships between local government officials, citizens, and community stakeholders who share similar goals. Through the contributions of organizations like the Mill Mountain Garden Club and the Roanoke Valley Garden Club, city staff has directly helped Roanoke’s sustainability efforts grow.
Education and outreach. A key project success is the growth of educational and outreach opportunities throughout the community. From participation in external festivals and events, to the expansion of the city’s own pollinator-focused programs, education around pollinator conversation efforts has expanded tremendously.
Roanoke’s effective implementation of Bee City USA reflects the significant roles played by individuals and organizations throughout a community, and the positive impact generated from a committed effort between that community and its dedicated local government managers.
