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Puyallup Is A Bee City
In 2017, Puyallup was the second city in the state of Washington to receive an official "Bee City" designation from Bee City USA, a not-for-profit organization committed to developing and maintaining sustainable habitats for pollinators such as native bees and honey bees.
Why Become A Bee City?
Crops in the Puyallup Valley such as berries, pumpkins, tomatoes, and apples are produced in part by the natural pollination activity of bees. By receiving a Bee City designation, Puyallup will help further a healthy and vibrant ecosystem and food supply system, which in turn will benefit our local and regional economies. The purpose of becoming a Bee City is to support and encourage bee and other pollinator-friendly habitat creation and enhancement on both public and private properties. A healthier pollinator population means a healthier ecosystem and community. Read more about Puyallup's commitment as a Bee City.
What Do We Do As A Bee City?
Every year Puyallup submits an Annual Bee City Report - read on to see what outreach and community events we have participated in this last year! Annual reports are available at the beginning of each new year. Community events might include native plantings, invasive species removal, farmer's market events, and various volunteer opportunities. Each year the City is also committed to outreach and education through educational displays and books at our local library, social media posts and resources on our website. Check out how you can get involved!
How Can I Get Involved?
PNW Bumble Bee Atlas
Researchers are seeking citizen scientists to help determine the regional populations of the nearly 30 species of bees in the Pacific Northwest. Learn more about joining the PNW Bumble Bee Atlas on their website. Individuals and groups are encouraged to participate.
Better Pest Management Practices
Improve your pest management practices with these easy tips for ridding yourself of pesky pests while maintaining the health of our pollinators.
Create and Maintain Pollinator-Friendly Gardens & Habitats!
To learn what plants are best for Northwest pollinators, download the Northwest Region Pollinator Garden Planting Guide. Looking to maintain current natural landscaping? Learn more about what types of landscapes are important for pollinators through the Pollinator Partnership website.
Partner With Us!
Partner with the City of Puyallup to protect our most vulnerable pollinators. See a full list of endangered pollinator species. Have questions about our designation or how to get involved as a community member? Email Community Relations Coordinator, Erica Unruh.
2022 POLLINATOR AWARENESS & EVENTS
Stay tuned for more community events in 2023!
2022 Community Events
March 12: Partnership with Pierce Conservation District and our Silver Creek site habitat steward to remove invasive species and create a pollinator planting area at Upper Silver Creek. 6 volunteers and two site stewards were in attendance!
April 23: Join us for Earth Day! Partnership with Pierce Conservation District across 4 active habitat sites in Puyallup (Silver Creek, Deadman's Pond, Pioneer Place II, Meeker Creek) to plant native plants for our pollinators and wildlife and remove invasive species. Volunteers needed! Learn more and sign up on the Pierce Conservation District website.
June: Pollinator Awareness Month
1. National Pollinator Week (June 20-26) - We will have a celebratory banner in Pioneer Park and a Pollinator display inside the Puyallup Public Library. Come check out pollinator books, grab planting and pest management resources and pick up a free packet of wildflower seeds to help out our pollinators this summer!
2. Bee City Farmer's Market Booth (July 02) - Join us at the market as we share what the City is doing in our committment as a Bee City; gather planting and pest management resources, learn about bees and butterflies in our ecosystem, pick up a free wildflower seed packet, and enter your name to win some cool pollinator-inspired prizes! We will be at the Market from 9AM - 11AM.
November 05: Green Puyallup Day! Join us for our annual celebration of urban green spaces. Volunteer to plant trees/shrubs and build friendships that last a lifetime. 9 am to 12 pm. There are four local sites in Puyallup. For more information, please visit: https://fb.me/e/68w1hyquQ
Xerces Society offers FREE Webinars!
Register for various classes and workshops pertaining to pollinator identification, preservation, and getting involved.