Creating a Buzz for Change: The Vancouver Bee Project's Mission and Vision

Board member Sarah and guest at the mobile Plant & Seed Library at a Rose Village neighborhood event.

At the heart of Vancouver, Washington, an inspiring initiative is taking flight to create a vibrant, sustainable environment for pollinators and people alike. The Vancouver Bee Project is leading the charge in conservation and education, fostering a community that cherishes and supports pollinators. From native plant seed libraries to school programs, our work revolves around one goal: building a pollinator-friendly future.

Who We Are

Founded in 2021 with the mission of protecting pollinators and restoring habitats, the Vancouver Bee Project brings together conservationists, educators, and local communities. Through innovative projects and a passion for sustainability, we aim to ensure that native bees and other essential pollinators can thrive for generations to come. Learn more about our journey and initiatives on our official website.

One of our recent highlights is the launch of our Native Plant & Seed Library, which provides a curated selection of pollinator-friendly plants and seeds for local gardeners. You can find everything you need to start your own pollinator haven in your backyard. Check out our seed mix offerings and join the movement to #GrowNativeVancouver! If you’re looking for native forb and grass seeds that are truly native to your region and not treated with systemic pesticide, check out these resources:

Southwest Washington, Puget Sound, and West of the Cascades

·       Heritage Seedlings – Salem, OR Heritage Seedlings: Home

·       Northwest Meadowscapes – Pt. Townsend, WA Northwest Meadowscapes: Home

Eastern Washington

·       BFI Native Seed – Moses Lake, WA BFI Native Seeds

Current and Future Projects

Fall wildflower meadow planting workshop, where volunteers are helping to set the native seed into the ground/planting native wildflowers under the BPA power line corridor in Central Vancouver.

Habitat Creation and #GrowNativeVancouver

Creating suitable habitats for pollinators is at the core of what we do. With the help of local volunteers and partners, the Vancouver Bee Project is actively restoring degraded landscapes and transforming underutilized spaces into thriving pollinator habitats. Through the #GrowNativeVancouver initiative, we’re encouraging community members to plant native species, which are vital for supporting pollinators and enhancing biodiversity.

In addition to providing seeds and resources, our team works closely with residents and businesses to educate them on the importance of native plants. We offer workshops on meadowscaping and enhancing landscapes with native pollinator plants. Every backyard, school garden, or community park that incorporates pollinator-friendly plants is a step toward a greener, healthier Vancouver.

Working with Schools

Engaging the next generation is critical for sustaining our mission. We collaborate with local schools to offer educational programs that teach students about pollinators, biodiversity, and the impact of conservation efforts. These hands-on experiences—ranging from planting gardens to mason bee education and placing houses on school campuses—are cultivating environmental stewards who will carry this work forward.

Bee City USA Designation

In 2025, we’ll proudly celebrate Vancouver’s official designation as a Bee City USA. This recognition reflects our community’s commitment to supporting pollinators and promoting sustainable practices. Achieving this milestone involves collaboration at every level—from individual residents planting native gardens to citywide initiatives that prioritize habitat restoration and conservation.

The resource table at the Oct 2024 Native Plant & Seed Library was staffed by board members, Sarah and Ian, who were providing resources and seeds to participants.

A Buzz-Worthy Future: The Pollinator Festival

Mark your calendars for 2025! We’re thrilled to announce that Vancouver will host its second annual Pollinator Festival to celebrate our Bee City USA designation and highlight the incredible work being done in our community. The festival will be a vibrant gathering of experts, authors, enthusiasts, and families, featuring pollinator habitat tours, a bioblitz, speakers, live demonstrations, and more.

Vancouver Bee Project is excited to welcome author, lepidopterist, honorary Life Fellow of both the American and Royal Entomological Societies, and founder of the Xerces Society of for Invertebrate Conservation – Dr. Robert Michael Pyle. Stay tuned for updates on our blog, social media, and event website (pollinatorfestival.org) as the event draws closer!

A large group of volunteers came out for the native planting event with Vancouver Flex Academy seniors at the Grandmother Camus site in Central Vancouver.

Join the Movement

The Vancouver Bee Project invites everyone to be a part of this transformative journey. Whether you’re planting a small garden, volunteering at a habitat restoration event, or supporting our educational programs, every action makes a difference. Together, we can create a future where pollinators—and the ecosystems they support—can thrive.

Visit vancouverbeeproject.org to learn more about our initiatives, access native plant resources for Southwest Washington, or get involved. Let’s work together to make Vancouver a buzzing hub of biodiversity and sustainability!

By fostering community engagement, education, and environmental stewardship, the Vancouver Bee Project is building a brighter future for pollinators and people. Let’s grow together—one seed, one garden, and one city at a time. 🌼🐝