San Diego Zoo all abuzz for Bee City USA sign honoring World Bee Day

Bee City USA sign unveiled at the San Diego Zoo Photo by Kathryn DeGeller Office of Council President Joe LaCava In honor of World Bee Day the city of San Diego revealed a new Bee City USA sign at the San Diego Zoo commemorating its commitment to preserving a home for pollinators San Diego was designated a Bee City USA affiliate in August for implementing a citywide effort to develop and maintain pollinator friendly habitats abundant with native plants while being mindful of pesticides As former chair of the Conditions Committee and representative of a coastal district that includes pollinator sanctuaries like Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve I m proud to continue championing stronger habitat protections and responsible pesticide practices Council President Joe LaCava noted These efforts are critical to the wellness of our region s ecosystems agriculture and food supply San Diego s first Bee City USA sign at the San Diego Zoo Image courtesy of Office of Council President Joe LaCava The initiative was spearheaded in by LaCava in collaboration with James Nieh professor of ecology at UC San Diego and the chair of the San Diego Bee City Committee It makes San Diego the largest metropolitan area to receive the designation among the more than other cities and communities By raising awareness about biodiversity supporting our native plants and encouraging thoughtful pesticide use through coaching we are taking real attempts to create a more sustainable and informed future for us and the planet Nieh commented This is not just about pollinators it is about all of us working together to care for the world we share