Shepherdstown Celebrates Bee City USA Designation, Raise Funds for Bee-Friendly Initiatives | News, Sports, Jobs

Community members bid on auction items at the Bee City USA fundraiser held in Alma Bear on Sunday afternoon.tabatha johnston

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Late Sunday afternoon, as evening approached, Alma Bear was filled with area residents eager to celebrate the news that the Shepherdstown corporation had been selected as Bee City USA by the invertebrate conservation society, the Xerces Society .

For Mayor Jim Oakeser, the designation was undoubtedly appropriate given the nature-oriented views of many Shepherdstown residents.

“We’re Tree City USA, so why not Bee City USA?” It’s just a different kind of green focus. ” Oakser said. “Protecting pollinators is extremely important. Without bees, our food supply would be greatly reduced. And especially for Shepherdstown, bees have a strong place in our hearts. It has a place, and there are quite a few people around town who are interested in bees.”

One of them was Town Recorder Lori Robertson, who kept a number of beehives in the garden of her Princes Street home for years.

“We were already planning on becoming Bee City USA this winter before we heard Linda Lane’s presentation.” Robertson said.

Community members view artwork for sale at the Bee City USA auction Sunday at Alma Bea.tabatha johnston

Lane, a master gardener and beekeeper, may have been the first to push Shepherdstown to become a Bee City USA affiliate, but she has since grown interested in protecting pollinators and beekeepers. She is on the Shepherdstown Bee City USA Committee along with many other local residents. Create a habitat for them.

“We hope to spread the word about the importance of pollinators through presentations and events like this.” Mr. Lane said. “Tonight, we are also announcing the location of our first pollinator garden, which will be around the Shepherdstown sign by O’Hurley’s General Store.” We had envisioned a mediator’s garden, but passed by before planting. So obviously it must be our first. We have two others in the city. We have selected potential locations, and one of them is here at Alma Bea.”

Lane said planting pollinator plants at Alma Bear will be a way to thank the restaurant owners for their kindness in donating their restaurants as Sunday venues. The restaurant continued to generate revenue from food and drink purchases that night, but its designation as a special event space for the evening allowed the Shepherdstown Bee City USA Committee to bring the building to life and host live music. We were able to bring the building to life by adding a band. Gifts and services were displayed on the table and were scheduled to be auctioned off later that night.

“This is our first event. This is our kickoff fundraiser and the first thing we do.” said Rebecca Thompson, Shepherdstown Bee City USA board member. “We will use the funds raised from this event to educate people about the need for gardens that focus on native plants and pollinators. We will maintain pollinator gardens and teach others how to care for their local pollinator gardens.”

Thompson, a master naturalist and master gardener, said Bee City USA’s name may suggest the organization focuses on only one type of pollinator, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I pointed out that this is not the case.

On Sunday afternoons at Alma Bear, a band will perform a selection of recent hits for an audience.tabatha johnston

“Bee City USA promotes all pollinators, not just bees.” Mr. Thompson said. “As well as the native bees that pollinate, there are also butterflies, moths, bats, hummingbirds, certain types of beetles, and certain types of non-aggressive parasitic wasps. Some of these wasps do not sting. There are some, but they are good at pollinating.”

Community members enjoy a hearty meal together at the Bee City USA fundraiser held at Alma Bear on Sunday.tabatha johnston