Title
Resolution Designating Hampton, Virginia, as a Bee City USA® Affiliate
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
Hampton Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Services Department and the Hampton Clean City Commission seek to have the City of Hampton designated as a Bee City USA® affiliate. The board of the Hampton Clean City Commission approved this measure as a means to further its beautification, community improvement, and sustainability efforts.
Discussion:
On November 13 2018, a Hampton Clean City Commission Board Member proposed that the Hampton Clean City Commission work toward obtaining approval for the City of Hampton to become a Bee City USA® affiliate. This membership would provide a framework for educating the public regarding sustainable landscaping efforts, encouraging habitat for pollinators, and celebrating the achievements that result. On May 14, 2019, the Hampton Clean City Commission Board voted to approve the plan and to take the steps necessary for Hampton City Council to approve the resolution.
Throughout the spring and summer of 2019, a Bee City USA® steering committee comprised of representatives from various supporting organizations throughout the city, including the Colonial Beekeepers Association, the Virginia Cooperative Extension Hampton Master Gardeners, the Virginia Native Plant Society, Hampton University’s Biology Department, and others have met to lay the groundwork for the educational activities and habitat implementation projects that would become part of the endeavor.
Educational displays and presentations about pollinators and their necessary habitat have been held at Countryside Gardens, the Buckroe Farmers Market, the Newport News Go Green Expo, and other locations.
Impact:
The City of Hampton would be the fourth Bee City USA® affiliate in Virginia, following Lynchburg, Scottsville, and Vienna. There are two Bee Campus USA® affiliates. This designation will serve as a rallying point for volunteers and organizations intereste...
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