Bee City

Description

Lake Oswego habitats support a variety of wildlife such as bees, butterflies, birds, insects, and other pollinators. In alignment with the City’s sustainability, land management, and community goals, City of Lake Oswego proudly received designation as a Bee City USA community on September 21, 2023. At the time of designation, the City joins 201 other Bee City USA communities across the country.

Bee City USA, an initiative of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, provides a framework for communities to support native pollinator conservation. The Parks Board facilitates the program commitments which are outlined in a resolution adopted by City Council. The resolution was adopted on August 1, 2023. Some of these commitments include sustaining pollinator-friendly habitats, a comprehensive integrated pest management (IPM) program, and hosting community engagement events focused on pollinator conservation.

For more information, visit:

About Bee City USA

The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation

About Pollinators

Pollinators are vital species in ecosystems, responsible for the reproduction of over 85% of all flowering plants and over three-quarters of agricultural crops. Pollinators benefit from sugars in nectar and proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals of pollen. They visit flowers in search of food, mates, shelter, and nest-building materials. The transfer of pollen between flowers enables fertilization, seed development, fruit production, and genetic diversity. Through activities in various stages of their development, different pollinators also help plants through improving soil texture, increasing water movement around roots, mixing nutrients in soil, and reducing damage to plants by eating pests such as aphids. It is estimated that the value of crop pollination in the United States is between $18 and $27 billion annually. Pollination is an essential ecological function.

There are many different types of pollinators including, but not limited to: ants, bats, bees, beetles, birds, butterflies, flies, moths, wasps, reptiles, small animals, and spiders. Native bees are the most important wild pollinators in North America. There are 4,500 bees native to the United States, Canada, and Mexico. There are more than 20,000 species of bees globally. While other insects brush against pollen in their process of visiting a flower, native bees purposefully gather pollen from multiple plants to bring back to their nests for their offspring. Native bees are the only insects that actively collect pollen, which is what makes them effective pollinators. The significance of their role in ecosystems and our lives is why we strive to conserve them and support their habitats.

For more information on pollinators, visit:

Pollinators | US Forest Service

Who Are the Pollinators? | Xerces Society

Pocket Guide to Identifying the Bees of Portland

Events & Celebrations

Upcoming

May 18, 2024 – Stewardship Work Party at Southwood Park (10am-12pm)

May 18, 2024 – Children’s Garden Activity “Trees & Bees” at Lake Oswego Farmer’s Market (8:30am-1:30pm)

For more information on stewardship opportunities, visit Stewardship | City of Lake Oswego

For more information on upcoming Pollinator classes and workshops, visit:

Luscher Farm | City of Lake Oswego

Parks & Recreation Classes & Activities | City of Lake Oswego