It’s Pollinator Week in Bellevue, Take the Green Bellevue Pollinator Protector Pledge

Bellevue, NE – June 17, 2024 Green Bellevue announced its new Pollinator Protector Pledge at
the start of National Pollinator Week, June 17-23. Anyone who has green spaces or pot gardens
can take the Green Bellevue Pollinator Protector Pledge and join in creating an abundance of
habitats and food sources for our pollinators, helpful insects, and butterflies with native plants.
The Green Bellevue Pollinator Pledge can be found on the website at the following URL:
https://www.greenbellevue.org/pollinator-protector-pledge. Those who complete the pledge will
be recognized on the Green Bellevue website and can receive a certificate and a free native plant
at the Bellevue Farmers Market.

“Bee populations are in steep decline due to habitat loss and widespread use of pesticides; up to 40% of pollinator species are at risk of extinction due to human impacts. When we protect native bees, other native pollinators benefit. Being a Bee City USA involves more than just city employees and volunteers working on and implementing plans to make community spaces more pollinator-friendly. We need the help and support of the greater public,” said Nancy Scott, Green
Bellevue Board member and Bee City USA leader.

About Bee City USA and Pollinator Week

Green Bellevue has been educating, planting and maintaining public pollinator gardens in the city
for years. In March 2021, Green Bellevue and the city of Bellevue qualified to become the first Bee
City USA in Nebraska. Bee City USA is an initiative of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate
Conservation. Pollinator Week is an annual celebration in support of pollinator health that was
initiated and is managed by Pollinator Partnership. It is a time to raise awareness for pollinators
and spread the word about what we can do to protect them.

In addition to the city of Bellevue Parks Department, Green Bellevue partners for Bee City USA
are Bellevue Native Plant Society, Milkweed Matters, Bellevue Tree Board, Omaha Men’s Garden
Club and Pollinator Alliance of the Heartland.

About Green Bellevue

Initiated in 2009 by the City of Bellevue, Green Bellevue brings people together to promote a more
resilient, sustainable community. We are a diverse network of individuals, businesses, organizations, schools, and public entities based in Bellevue, Sarpy County and beyond the greater metro area. Green Bellevue serves to increase awareness, enabling individuals and groups to undertake programs enhancing our neighborhoods, preserving our natural resources and fostering stewardship of our environment. In partnership with Green Bellevue, the city of Bellevue became a Tree City USA in 2010 and a Bee City USA in 2021. As a grass-roots movement, Green Bellevue is YOU!