Lynchburg designated as Virginia's second "Bee City"
By Siobhan McGirl |
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WDBJ7)-- The City of Lynchburg is now Virginia's second official "Bee City." Council leaders voted in favor of the designation at their work session Tuesday afternoon.
Lynchburg now joins the ranks of 87 other Bee Cities across the country and more than 70 Bee Campuses. Bee City USA is a movement spearheaded by the Xerces Society. The goal of the movement is to help a declining bee population by addressing habitat loss, poor nutrition and pesticide exposure.
As a Bee City, Lynchburg will aim to promote healthy habitats for bees. Leaders in the Bee City working group said that Lynchburg Parks and Recreation has already been working to create a healthier environment for bees by planting native plants. The designation will now help the community come together and be intentional about how to make the environment better for pollinators.
Heidi James is the director of Lynchburg's Bee City working committee and told WDBJ7 that people at home can help contribute to the new designation.
"Plant native plants in your own garden. Try to reduce the use of pesticides and raise awareness to these issues so others can learn about it and do the same," said James.
Council members said they are excited about the new designation and want to learn how the city can help make Lynchburg a better place for the bees.