City Council Affirms Commitment to Pollinator Protection and Biodiversity

The City of Suwanee has been officially designated a Bee City USA®, reaffirming the city’s commitment to protecting pollinators and fostering a more sustainable, biodiverse community. Suwanee City Council passed a resolution in October formally recognizing this designation and the city’s ongoing efforts to support pollinator health.

Bee City USA® is a national program that encourages communities to create sustainable habitats for pollinators such as native bees, butterflies, and moths—species that play a critical role in healthy ecosystems and food systems. Pollinators support more than 85 percent of flowering plants, making their protection essential to environmental resilience.

As part of this commitment, the City of Suwanee has established designated pollination areas throughout the city. These areas are intentionally located in non-use spaces and are planted with native wildflowers and perennial species to provide habitat and food sources. To further support wildlife, these pollination areas are maintained as “no-mow zones” through the winter months, allowing songbirds continued access to seed and shelter until the end of March.

Pollination areas can currently be found at:

• Harvest Farm Community Garden’s Butterfly Garden
• Suwanee Sports Academy
• Town Center on Main

In addition, mason bee boxes have been installed at:

• Harvest Farm Community Garden
• Suwanee Sports Academy

Through the Bee City USA® designation, Suwanee is committed to:

• Increasing the use of native plants in public and private landscapes
• Reducing the use of harmful pesticides
• Promoting education, volunteerism, and community involvement in pollinator conservation

The city also promotes the use of Georgia-native plants throughout the community and hopes to partner with local homeowners associations in the future to expand pollinator-friendly practices beyond public spaces.

Residents interested in learning more or getting involved are encouraged to contact Suwanee’s Bee City Liaison, Bill Stinehart, at bstinehart@suwanee.com

The City of Suwanee extends its thanks to Marin Shappert and the Bee City Committee for their leadership and dedication in helping the city achieve this designation.

For additional resources, including native plant guides and information on Suwanee’s Butterfly Garden, visit suwanee.com.