San Franciscans are buzzing with the news that we may soon be known as an official "Bee City." If Supervisor Katy Tang has anything to do with it, we're well on our way.
What is a Bee City and why do we want to become one? Great question. There are actual 30 official Bee Cities already. To become one, a city must pass a resolution proposed by a member of the Board of Supervisors (that'd be Katy Tang) to reduce the use of pesticides on city properties and restore natural habitats for endangered pollinator species, like the gorgeous Mission Blue Butterfly.
"Healthy bees and butterflies are a sign of healthy neighborhoods, which is why it’s so important that we minimize our use of pesticides and choose plants in our gardens that support the health of pollinators," explained Director of the San Francisco Department of Environment Debbie Raphael.
Considering the resolutions that the Board of Supes has passed in the past (anyone remember the ban on Happy Meals?), becoming a Bee City should reach unanimous approval.
"I am proud to be introducing a resolution this week at the Board of Supervisors to designate San Francisco as a Bee City," Tang said in a statement to the media.
The SF Department of Environment is a big proponent of pesticide reduction. They held a "Pollinator Fun Fair" this past Sunday in the hopes of educating San Franciscans on how to grow gardens that promote native pollinators and native plants. And this October, the Department will offer a four-day course for local landscapers to receive training in sustainable landscape practices.
The only other certified Bee City in California is Ft. Bragg. It seems only right that San Francisco should bee next.
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