Did You Hear the Buzz?

Encinitas is proud to be recognized as a Bee City USA Affiliate. On January 25, 2023, a resolution was unanimously approved by City Council to become a Bee City USA Affiliate. This affiliation supports local pollinators, protecting their habitat and promoting the use of native plants and trees throughout the city.

Bees and other pollinators are essential for our ecosystem. About ninety percent of the world’s wild plant species rely on pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, and others. Bee City, USA is a nonprofit national organization that encourages everyone to support pollinators by providing them with a healthy habitat that is rich in a variety of native plants and free of pesticides, to the extent possible.

Encinitas residents and businesses are encouraged to follow these same environmentally responsible practices on their own properties. Some practices include the use of climate-appropriate and native plants and avoiding the use of pesticides wherever possible, utilizing ladybugs and other natural pest deterrents instead. To see a pollinator plant list for the California region click here.

The City adopted an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy on September 11, 2019. The City’s IPM policy is intended to reduce the use of pesticides at City parks and City-managed open space by providing guidelines and limitations for pest and vegetation management. The IPM policy protects the public and the environment while also protecting pollinators. The City is in the process of developing a Native Plant Policy, which would support the creation of new pollinator habitat. The City will host events throughout the year to promote pollinators, their habitats, and communicate to residents about the City’s affiliation with Bee City USA.

Events: 

• Arbor Day: April 13th, 2024
• EcoFest: June 2nd, 2024

Resources:

• Native Southern CA Recommended Plants: Click Here
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy: Click Here
• Visit the San Diego Botanical Garden located in Encinitas to learn more about native plant species through their Native Plant Exhibit

Bee City Committee: