Bee City USA

Proposal Window Open: Wisconsin Pollinator Habitat Kits
2026-01-01 - 2026-12-31
🪏 Qualifying projects: Working lands or community food initiatives
🪏 Qualifying locations: Wisconsin
🪏 Special kit features: Supports monarch butterflies, native pollinators, and beneficial insects
🪏 Project proposals: Open submission
🪏 Kit pickup: Variable dates
Learn more and submit your proposal here

Photo: Xerces Society / Micah Kloppenburg

Proposal Window Open: Mid-Atlantic Monarch and Pollinator Habitat Kits
2026-01-16 - 2026-02-17
🌸 Qualifying projects: Urban farms, community gardens and spaces, working lands, public lands and tribal lands. Not for residential/private homes.
🌸 Qualifying locations: Mid-Atlantic and NYC region
🌸 Special kit features: Supports monarch butterflies and native pollinators
🌸 Project proposals: January 16 – February 17, 2026
🌸 Kit pickup: Late May / Early June
Learn more and submit your proposal here

Bee City USA and Bee Campus USA Renewal Report Window is Open
2026-02-01 - 2026-05-31 | Online
The window is now open to submit Bee City USA and Bee Campus USA annual renewal reports on your 2025 activities.
Log in, go to the “My Profile” button, and click on the “Renewal” tab to fill out the online renewal form. Once complete, pay your renewal fee on the “Fee Payment” tab. The fee can be waived if it is a barrier to participation. Email beecityusa@xerces.org for a link to the waiver form. Please note: we ask that you complete your report before requesting a waiver.
Who is due to renew?:

If your city or campus was certified in 2024 or earlier: your renewal report and annual fee are due by May 31, 2026. If you were one of our first 60 affiliates, you are an early adopter and do not need to pay the renewal fee, just fill out the renewal report.
If your city or campus was certified in 2025: your first renewal report and annual fee are not due until May 31, 2027.

If this is your first year reporting, check out some of last year’s reports and our collective annual report for inspiration.
Thank you!

Image: Bee City USA – Grapevine, TX. Credit: Cindy Harris

Proposal Window Open: California Monarch and Pollinator Kits
2026-02-09 - 2026-04-10
🦋 Qualifying projects: Working lands, public lands, tribal lands, and private/non-working lands recovering from wildfires
🦋 Qualifying locations: Distinct regions in California (Central Coast, Central Valley, Sierra Nevada Foothills, and Southern California)
🦋 Special kit features: Supports monarch butterflies and other pollinators, climate-smart selections
🦋 Project proposals: February 9 – April 10, 2026
🦋 Kit pickup: October/ December (Southern California)
Learn more and submit your proposal here

Proposal Window Open: Detroit Pollinator Habitat Kits
2026-02-09 - 2026-03-19
🌿 Qualifying projects: Community-serving urban farms, community gardens, and community organizations
🌿 Qualifying locations: Detroit and Greater Metro Detroit, MI
🌿 Special kit features: Emphasis on urban agricultural landscapes and habitat aesthetics in cities; native plants attractive to pollinators, natural enemies of pests, and your community.
🌿 Project proposals: February 9 – March 19, 2026
🌿 Kit pickup: Late May / Early June
Learn more and submit your proposal here

Building a Pollinator Haven at Home: Tips & Lessons Learned
2026-02-12 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PT / 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM MT / 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CT / 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET

This event will be recorded and posted to: the Xerces Society YouTube channel

There are many ways to create pollinator habitat in your backyard. From plants to overwintering habitat, one small step can make a difference. Join Jennifer Hopwood, Senior Pollinator Conservation Biologist and Rachel Dunham, Community Engagement and Volunteer Coordinator, to explore the steps people can take to build their own pollinator haven. From tips on sourcing plants to lessons learned, there is something for everyone.
Closed Captioning will be available during this webinar.

Jennifer Hopwood – Senior Pollinator Conservation Specialist, NRCS Partner Staff Support, Roadside Specialist – Xerces Society

Rachel Dunham – Community Engagement and Volunteer Coordinator – Xerces Society
To request a reasonable accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact outreach@xerces.org.

Proposal Window Open: Oregon & Vancouver WA Pollinator Kits
2026-02-23 - 2026-04-10
🌼 Qualifying projects: Working lands, public lands, tribal lands, community spaces. Residential and private home projects are only eligible for Portland-area kits.
🌼 Qualifying locations: Klamath-Siskiyou Region of SW Oregon, Willamette Valley, and Portland area. See Map for details.
🌼 Special kit features: Supports monarch butterflies and other native pollinators, climate-smart selections
🌼 Project proposals: February 23 – April 10, 2026
🌼 Kit pickup: October
Learn more and submit your proposal here

Proposal Window Open: Washington Bumble Bee Habitat Kits
2026-02-23 - 2026-04-17
🐝 Qualifying projects: Public lands, tribal lands, community spaces, yards/home gardens of residential areas, working lands
🐝 Qualifying locations: Eastern Cascades foothills in Washington
🐝 Special kit features: Supports at-risk bumble bees and other native pollinators
🐝 Project proposals: February 23 – April 17, 2026
🐝 Kit pickup: Late September / Early October
Learn more and submit your proposal here

Best Practices for Pollinators Summit
2026-02-24 08:00 - 2026-02-26 12:15 (America/Los_Angeles)
Learn ecologically sound land practices that promote pollinators, climate resilience, clean waters and lands. Practical knowledge and innovation on pesticide reduction, habitat installation, fostering soil health, pollinator biology, pollinator conservation and more. February 24, 25, 26 in 2026 from 8 AM – 12:15 PM PST / 9 AM – 1:15 PM MST / 10 AM – 2:15 PM CST / 11 PM – 3:15 PM EST each day.
Hosted by: Pollinator Friendly Alliance.
Learn more and register here today.

Bring Back the Pollinator Pledge Q&A: Planting for Pollinators!
2026-03-11 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PT / 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM MT / 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CT / 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET
Join Xerces experts to ask your questions about the Bring Back the Pollinators first principle: plant pollinator-friendly plants. This is your chance to get advice about how to select native plants with season-long bloom to provide nectar and pollen for the pollinators in your habitat.
To learn more about the Bring Back the Pollinators Pledge go to: www.xerces.org/bringbackthepollinators
This webinar will be recorded and available on the Xerces Society YouTube channel. Closed Captioning will be available during this webinar.
Xerces Society presenters include: Aaron Anderson, Steve Armstead, Jessa Kay Cruz, Stephanie Frischie, Olivia Matise, Julie Michaelson, Ray Moranz, and Stefanie Steele.
To request a reasonable accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact outreach@xerces.org.

Spring into Pollinator-Safe Gardening: Protecting Habitat From Pesticides
2026-03-12 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PT / 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM MT / 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CT / 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET
Reducing pesticide use at home is an important part of providing healthy habitat for pollinators. But, pesticides can be tricky to address because they are invisible and can come from unexpected sources. In the spring, two of these are home mosquito sprays and contamination in plants you may be purchasing from nurseries. Join Sharon Selvaggio and Aaron Anderson, Xerces Society pesticide program specialists, to learn about these pesticide risks, how to protect your habitat from them, and discuss alternatives.
This webinar will be recorded and available on the Xerces Society YouTube channel. Closed Captioning will be available during this webinar.

Sharon Selvaggio – Pesticide Program Specialist, Parks, Nurseries & Natural Areas Lead – Xerces Society

Aaron Anderson – Pesticide Program Specialist, Towns and Cities Lead – Xerces Society
To request a reasonable accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact outreach@xerces.org.

MN City to City Conversation on Pollinators
2026-03-12 12:00 - 13:15 (America/North_Dakota/Beulah) | Online
Join the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board for City to City Conversation on Pollinators. Hosted by Rebeca Gutierrez-Moreno, PhD, State Pollinator Coordinator with the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board. The workshop has the purpose of bringing together city officials, staff, and volunteers who want to learn about how to help pollinators and take steps to make their city more pollinator friendly. Register to hear from two Minnesota cities who started participating in pollinator-friendly programs and join in a conversation about how you can get involved.
Register here

Agenda
12:00 – 1:15 pm

Welcome and introduction
Presentations

GreenStep Cities Program – Kristin Mroz, GreenStep Cities Program Co-Director
Bee City USA Program – Laura Rost, The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, National Coordinator, Bee City USA and Bee Campus USA
Red Wing City experience – Kirsten Wert, City of Red Wing, Sustainability Commissioner
Vadnais Heights City experience – Erin Spry, City of Vadnais Heights, Natural Resource Specialist

Conversation – time open for attendees to share their experience, resources and ask questions
Conclusion

Eastern US Bee City and Bee Campus USA Regional Meeting
2026-04-09 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
Join us online for our Eastern US Regional Meeting at 12 PM CDT / 1 PM EDT on April 9! We are giving the floor to Bee Cities and Bee Campuses to share case studies of any of their events, pollinator research, habitat work, or pesticide reduction strategies.
This is a chance to celebrate successes, ask for advice, and connect with your fellow affiliate cities and campuses.
If you would like to be featured in your regional meeting, email the following info to beecityusa@xerces.org by Monday, April 6:

1-2 high resolution photos (with photo credit), and
a short event/activity description

Selected presenters will have 5-10 minutes to speak, depending on the number of submissions we receive. There will be plenty of time for questions and group discussion.
Feel free to join us if you are a Bee City or Bee Campus affiliate in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Washington DC, or West Virginia.
This free Bee City USA webinar will be recorded and available in the Bee City USA eNewsletter or upon request. Closed Captioning will be available during this webinar.

Western US Bee City and Bee Campus USA Regional Meeting
2026-04-15 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
Join us online for our Western US Regional Meeting at 12 PM PDT / 1 PM MDT on April 15! We are giving the floor to Bee Cities and Bee Campuses to share case studies of any of their events, pollinator research, habitat work, or pesticide reduction strategies.
This is a chance to celebrate successes, ask for advice, and connect with your fellow affiliate cities and campuses.
If you would like to be featured in your regional meeting, email the following info to beecityusa@xerces.org by the Friday prior (April 10):

1-2 high resolution photos (with photo credit), and
a short event/activity description

Selected presenters will have 5-10 minutes to speak, depending on the number of submissions we receive. There will be plenty of time for questions and group discussion.
Feel free to join us if you are a Bee City or Bee Campus affiliate in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming.
This free Bee City USA webinar will be recorded and available in the Bee City USA eNewsletter or upon request. Closed Captioning will be available during this webinar.

Earth Week
2026-04-18 - 2026-04-24
Earth Week April 18-24 and Earth Day is April 22. Check out our Earth Week Promo Kit for pollinator-themed event and activity ideas.

Earth Day
2026-04-22
Earth Day is April 22. Check out our Earth Week Promo Kit for pollinator-themed event and activity ideas.

[External] City Nature Challenge Global Bioblitz
2026-04-24 - 2026-04-27
There is nature all around us! Knowing what species are in our city and where they are helps us study and protect them, but the ONLY way to do that is by all of us – scientists, land managers, and the community – working together to find and document the nature in our area.
By participating in the City Nature Challenge, not only do you learn more about your local nature, but you can also make your city a better place – for you and other species!

Make and share observations in iNaturalist: April 24 – 27
Get all your observations uploaded and work on identifying others’ observations: April 28 – May 10
Results announced by CNC: May 13

Learn more and see the list of participating cities

Creating Habitat in Yards, Containers, and Other Tiny Spaces
2026-04-30 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PT / 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM MT / 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CT / 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET
Limited on space, but want to support pollinators? Learn about ways in which a small native garden can be a quality habitat for invertebrates. Space does not have to be a limiting factor in your ability to help partake in conservation. Join Stefanie Steele and Raven Larcom to explore what a small habitat can look like and the steps people can take to build their own miniature pollinator haven. Stay after the presentation for a Q&A session joined by Kaitlin Haase and Giovanni Di Franco with other interested attendees.
This webinar will be recorded and available on the Xerces YouTube channel. Closed Captioning will be available during this webinar.
Learn more and register here today!

Stefanie Steele – Pollinator Conservation Specialist and NRCS Partner Biologist, Urban and Small Farms – Xerces Society

Raven Larcom – Pollinator Program Specialist and Administrator – Xerces Society
To request a reasonable accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact outreach@xerces.org.

Proposal Window Open: New Mexico Pollinator Kits
2026-05-01 - 2026-06-30
🪻 Qualifying projects: Yards and home gardens of residential areas in Santa Fe and public open spaces, working lands, and restoration of natural lands
🪻 Qualifying locations: Residential areas of metro Santa Fe, NM, and public spaces, working lands, and natural lands in northern New Mexico
🪻 Special kit features: Supports New Mexico native pollinators, drought-tolerant selections
🪻 Project proposals: May 1 – June 30, 2026
🪻 Kit pickup: August
Learn more and submit your proposal here

Central US Bee City and Bee Campus USA Regional Meeting
2026-05-07 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
Join us online for our Central US Regional Meeting on at 12 PM MDT / 1 PM CDT / 2 PM EDT on May 7! We are giving the floor to Bee Cities and Bee Campuses to share case studies of any of their events, pollinator research, habitat work, or pesticide reduction strategies.
This is a chance to celebrate successes, ask for advice, and connect with your fellow affiliate cities and campuses.
If you would like to be featured in your regional meeting, email the following info to beecityusa@xerces.org by the Friday prior (May 1):

1-2 high resolution photos (with photo credit), and
a short event/activity description

Selected presenters will have 5-10 minutes to speak, depending on the number of submissions we receive. There will be plenty of time for questions and group discussion.
Feel free to join us if you are a Bee City or Bee Campus affiliate in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, or Wisconsin.
This free Bee City USA webinar will be recorded and available in the Bee City USA eNewsletter or upon request. Closed Captioning will be available during this webinar.
Image credit: Bryn Scriver (Bee Campus USA – University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI)

World Migratory Bird Day
2026-05-09
World Migratory Bird Day is officially celebrated on the second Saturday of May in Canada and the US, and the second Saturday of October in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. However, every day is Bird Day, and you can celebrate birds and host events any day of the year!
In 2026, the conservation theme highlights the importance of community science to migratory bird conservation. Throughout the year,World Migratory Bird Day will share the ways that you can contribute your observations to support research locally, nationally, and even globally.

Coffee & Coworking: Finalize Your BCUSA Renewal Report
2026-05-19 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
11 AM – 1 PM PDT / 12 PM – 2 PM MT / 1 PM – 3 PM CT / 2 PM – 4 PM ET
We know carving out time to report can be tough, so we’ve set up an online “co-working” window where you and your fellow Bee City USA and Bee Campus USA affiliates can work on getting your renewal reports finalized before our May 31 deadline. This an informal event with no agenda or presentation. Feel free to chat, ask questions, or just silently work. Drop in anytime during this two-hour window. Brew some coffee, grab a snack, and join us!
This meeting will not be recorded.
Laura Rost, National Coordinator of Bee City USA and Bee Campus USA, and Carly Hirschman, Community Engagement Specialist will be on hand to help.
Photo Credit: Bee Campus USA – Virginia Tech, VA

World Bee Day
2026-05-20 | Online
To raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development, the UN designated 20 May as World Bee Day. The goal is to strengthen measures aimed at protecting bees and other pollinators.

How to Help Your Community Become a Bee City or Bee Campus
2026-05-21 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
10 AM PT / 11 AM MT / 12 PM CT / 1 PM ET

Do you want to make your community a Bee City USA or Bee Campus USA affiliate? We’d love to help! Join us for an overview of the application process and commitments, along with tips for organizing a BCUSA campaign. Whether you are a home gardener, city manager, professor, student, or just interested in saving the bees, there can be a role for you to make community more pollinator friendly.
This webinar will be recorded and available on the Xerces Society YouTube channel on the Bee City USA Playlist. Closed Captioning will be available during this webinar.
To request a reasonable accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact outreach@xerces.org.

Speakers:
Laura Rost, National Coordinator, Bee City USA and Bee Campus USA
The Xerces Society
Carly Hirschmann, Community Engagement Specialist, Bee City USA and Bee Campus USA
The Xerces Society
Register Here Today!
Photo credit: Jalia Killings (Bee City USA – Norcross, GA)

Bee City USA and Bee Campus USA Renewal Reports and Fees Due
2026-05-31 | Online
The window to submit Bee City USA and Bee Campus USA annual renewal reports on your 2025 activities closes May 31. Please email beecityusa@xerces.org if you need an extension.
Log in, go to the “My Profile” button, and click on the “Renewal” tab to fill out the online renewal form. Once complete, pay your renewal fee on the “Fee Payment” tab. The fee can be waived if it is a barrier to participation. Email beecityusa@xerces.org for a link to the waiver form. Please note: we ask that you complete your report before requesting a waiver.
Who is due to renew?:

If your city or campus was certified in 2024 or earlier: your renewal report and annual fee are due by May 31, 2026. If you were one of our first 60 affiliates, you are an early adopter and do not need to pay the renewal fee, just fill out the renewal report.
If your city or campus was certified in 2025: your first renewal report and annual fee are not due until May 31, 2027.

If this is your first year reporting, check out some of last year’s reports and our collective annual report for inspiration.
Thank you!

Image: Bee City USA – Grapevine, TX. Credit: Cindy Harris

Proposal Window Open: Southern California Residential Habitat Kits
2026-06-01 - 2026-06-30
☀️ Qualifying projects: Residential properties, school yards, community gardens, and urban gardens
☀️ Qualifying counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego
☀️ Special kit features: Supports monarch butterflies, bumble bees, and other native pollinators
☀️ Project proposals: June 1 – June 30, 2026
☀️ Kit pickup: September / December
Learn more and submit your proposal here

No Time to Despair: How You Can Mobilize to Protect Pollinators from Pesticides as a Gardener, Neighbor, and Community Member
2026-06-02 15:00 - 16:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
3 – 4:30 PM PDT / 4 – 5:30 PM MDT / 5 – 6:30 PM CDT / 6 – 7:30 PM EDT
Webinar registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_z9BdvdpzTJuwAcVXIieM-A
In-person event registration (Asheville Botanical Garden, 151 WT Weaver Blvd, Asheville, NC, 28804): https://ashevillebotanicalgardens.square.site/classes
If you live in the Asheville area, we suggest registering for both the in-person and webinar options since in-person capacity is only 40 people. Everyone who registers for the webinar will receive a recording afterwards.
Bee City USA – Asheville, NC is hosting a hybrid in-person and online presentation with Sharon Selvaggio from the Xerces Society. Bee Cities and Bee Campuses are welcome to join the webinar or, if you are nearby, attend in-person as long as seats are available.
Presentation description:
Tiny, inconspicuous, and underappreciated species hold our world together. Sharon Selvaggio with the Xerces Society will discuss why pesticides in homes, gardens, agriculture, and natural areas are a leading threat to bees, butterflies, and other insects. But there is much to be hopeful about! She’ll also share inspiring examples and practical resources for those ready to take action in their gardens, neighborhoods, towns, campuses, and states.
Speaker:

Sharon Selvaggio is a Pesticide Reduction Program specialist with the Xerces Society. She leads Xerces’ work to advance pollinator-safe nursery plant production, as well as Xerces’ efforts to reduce pesticide impacts within natural lands. Previously, Sharon worked for 27 years for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service as a wildlife biologist, conservation planner, and national wildlife refuge manager. Sharon earned her M.S. in Energy and Resources at University of California-Berkeley.
Pollination Celebration! is presented by Bee City USA – Asheville, NC in partnership with the City of Asheville. This webinar will be recorded and available on the Xerces Society YouTube channel on the Bee City USA Playlist and emailed to those who register. Closed Captioning will be available during this webinar.

Ask the Experts! How Can You Protect Pollinators From Pesticides?
2026-06-16 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PT / 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM MT / 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CT / 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET
Join our panel of experts to answer your questions about how to manage pests and keep pesticides away from your garden. Bring your questions about buying bee safe plants, how to address your pest issues, and what you can do to reduce pesticide use.
To learn more about the Bring Back the Pollinators Pledge go to: www.bringbackthepollinators.org
This webinar will be recorded and available on the Xerces Society’s YouTube channel. Closed Captioning will be available during this webinar.
Learn more and register here today!
Xerces Society presenters include: Aaron Anderson, Jacqueline Buenrostro, Emily May, and Sharon Selvaggio.
To request a reasonable accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact outreach@xerces.org.

6th Annual Manassas Bee Festival
2026-06-20 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Liberia House and Grounds, 8601 Portner Ave, Manassas City, VA, United States
6th Annual Manassas Bee Festival will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026. from 10am to 2pm at Liberia House and Grounds, Manassas.
Join thousands of visitors and buzz on by to have fun and learn about honeybees, native pollinators, and planting native plants at this FREE annual event!
Look at the fun and educational activities that we are planning in the City of Manassas!
Sign-up to join us as a vendor, sponsor, speaker, or volunteer.
Thank you to the City of Manassas, Liberia House and Grounds, and Sponsors, Supporters, Partners and Friends for their support! We are a Bee City USA!

Pollinator Week!
2026-06-22 - 2026-06-28 | Online
Pollinator Week is an annual celebration in support of pollinator health. It is a time to raise awareness for pollinators and spread the word about what we can do to protect them. The great thing about Pollinator Week is that you can celebrate and get involved any way you like! Popular events include planting pollinator habitat, hosting garden tours, movie screenings, pollinator plant giveaways, bioblitzes, and so much more. Read Bee City and Bee Campus annual reports for inspiration
