The Bee City USA Program recognizes and encourages pollinator conservation efforts in cities, counties, and campuses. The primary benefit of this initiative is to increase the abundance of native plants and pollinator habitat, which will not only support our local pollinators, but it will also improve community character by creating more visually interesting landscapes. Bee City USA provides a framework to increase the abundance of native plants while reducing the use of pesticides.

There are over 200 total Bee City USA affiliates including five other communities in Tennessee. Bee cities make commitments to conserve and enhance native pollinator habitats laid out in a resolution adopted by the local governing body. City staff and community members work together to carry out these commitments to make their city a better place for pollinators. Please note, this is not about beekeeping and the production of honey.

The Sustainability Commission and the Tree Commission both voted to recommend approval of Resolution 2024-15 to the BOMA who approved it on May 28, 2024. 

Resolution 2024-15

Franklin Bee City Presentation 2024

Franklin Native Plant Suggestions

Regional Native Plant Recommendations Specifically, Aquatic milkweed, Butterfly milkweed, Purple coneflower, Virginia sweetspire, Fragrant sumac, and Little bluestem are great for the Franklin area.

Soil Preparation is important for long-term success in order to prevent weed growth. The most common approaches for small areas are solarization, sod removal, sheet mulching, and herbicide treatments. The fall or late winter are the ideal times to plant wildflower seeds. 

Bee City USA Website

Staff Lead: Annette Dalrymple at 615-550-6743