Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2022 07 13

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About Native Pollinators Commitments Benefits to Your Community Bees transfer pollen between flowers, enabling the incredible diversity of plants on our planet to fruit and reproduce. Pollinators are keystone species in essentially every ecosystem on earth, facilitating the reproduction of over 85 percent of all flowering plants and over two- thirds of agricultural crops. In addition to the domestic honey bee (Apis mellifera), a species brought to North America from Europe, there are more than 3,600 species of bees native to the United States. These wild bees are generally quite different than the domesticated honey bee -most of them live solitary lives, with a single female doing all of the work to build a nest, collect pollen and nectar, and lay eggs. Unlike the honey bee, which nests aboveground and can be managed in wooden hives, more than two out of three wild bees live underground in nests that can be hard to spot from the surface! Some dig down and lay their eggs several feet below ground, while others make nests near the soil surface or in hollowed out plant stems above ground. Research has shown significant declines in native pollinator population sizes and ranges globally with up to 40 percent of pollinator species on Earth at risk of extinction in the coming years as a result a variety of environmental stressors including habitat loss and degradation, exposure to pesticides, diseases and pathogens, and climate change. What is Bee City USA? Thinking globally and acting locally, Bee City USA brings communities together to sustain pollinators by increasing the abundance of native plants, providing nest sites, and reducing the use of pesticides. Affiliates of Bee City USA also work to inspire others to take steps to conserve pollinators through education and outreach. Bee City USA affiliates make commitments to conserve native pollinators, laid out in a resolution adopted by the local city council. Join the cities across the country rallying to protect pollinators and create positive change! So what does becoming an affiliate of Bee City USA entail? Bee City USA affiliates carry out a set of commitments, defined in a resolution, for creating sustainable habitats for native pollinators. City staff and community members work together to fulfill these commitments and make their city a better place for pollinators. Establish a standing Bee City USA committee. Create and enhance pollinator habitat on public and private land by increasing the abundance of native plants and providing nest sites. Reduce the use of pesticides. Host pollinator awareness events. Incorporate pollinator -conscious practices into city policies and plans. Publicly acknowledge Bee City USA affiliation with signs. Maintain an online presence for Bee City USA activities. Annually apply for renewal and report on the previous year's activities. Ensure survival of vital animal species including bees and other pollinators crucial to the health of our environment. Build community locally and nationally through bringing your city together around a positive, shared cause and connect with communities across the country that have made the same commitment. Improve local food production and raise community awareness of how our food grows. Support small, local businesses including native plant nurseries and pollinator -friendly landscaping. Address pest problems with fewer pesticides using integrated pest management. Heighten awareness of biological diversity.