We believe Vancouver would benefit from being a Bee City USA affiliate. Bee City USA is a certification initiative created by the Xerces Society to guide cities or communities in the promotion of pollinator habitat which features native plants, provides nest sites, and is protected from pesticides. Honey bees are successful in a range of places because they can forage from a wide variety of plants. Many species of native bees have evolved alongside plants indigenous to their area and may only be able to forage from limited sources. Likewise, some native plants can only be pollinated by specific native pollinators. In order to protect the biodiversity of individual communities Bee City USA emphasizes planting native species to create resources for the highest number of pollinators in your area.

In addition to helping save endangered species in our city, the protection of pollinators helps the residents of the community. Increased pollinator habitat and population improves local food production and the health of Vancouver's green spaces like parks and trails. Community involvement and education are integral to the Bee City USA vision. Community removal of invasive plants and replacing them with native species throughout the city reduces the need for chemical pesticides and herbicides. This reduction in chemical use can improve air, soil, and water quality in addition to being safer for humans and other animals. We also hope to increase awareness and involvement of citizens by highlighting the incredible diversity of life found just outside our homes.