Royal Oak is a Bee City USA

LEAVE YOUR LEAVES

This fall, we are asking residents to relax during fall cleanup and "Leave Your Leaves." 

By doing less this fall, you are doing more by creating beneficial habitats for pollinators and wildlife. Don't worry; we have you covered on what to do with those leaves come spring. LEARN MORE! 

LET‘S WORK TOGETHER TO

HELP POLLINATORS FLOURISH!

On April 11, 2022, the Royal Oak City Commission  adopted a proclamation to designate Royal Oak as a BEE CITY USA®. In doing so, the commission agreed to fulfill the requirements of being a Bee City, which includes raising awareness of pollinator conservation and expanding protecting pollinator health and habitats.

Pollinators do a big job—they help make about one-third of the food we eat! This special 4-page section includes information on what the city is doing and what residents can do to protect pollinators that are vital to feeding our planet. 

The Environmental Advisory Board serves as the Bee City committee.

For more resources on how to protect our pollinators, visit the Xerces Society .

Joining Forces with Bee City USA

Michigan is home to over 450 native bee species crucial for pollination. But our native pollinators face threats. Habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change are putting up to 40 percent of pollinators at risk globally. That's why Royal Oak is joining forces with  BEE CITY USA® and other communities nationwide to protect our native bees. 

We‘re buzzing about Royal Oak projects:

  • Normandy Oaks Park, the Erb Arboretum, the butterfly garden at the Royal Oak Public Library, and a series of roadside rain gardens throughout the city consist of a long list of plants needed to support the entire life cycle of pollinators.
  • New pollinator gardens at Hamer Finch Wilkins and 13 and Main Parks are planned in 2024.
  • The No Mow May program helps local pollinators by increasing the early season flowers that provide pollen and nectar as young bees are maturing..
  • More education and workshops are in the works!

BEE CITY USA®, along with Bee Campus USA, is led by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.