The City of Livingston's Commitment to Pollinators – And How You Can Help!

We support community-driven initiatives that enhance wildlife habitat, from bees to bears. The City of Livingston has committed to the following as part of its Bee City USA proclamation. Our local volunteer committee, formed in early 2024, supports these commitments through community-driven initiatives:

Creating and Enhancing Pollinator Habitat: The City is commited to transforming public spaces—from parks and gardens to roadsides and other city-owned properties—into thriving pollinator habitats. Consider planting native wildflowers in your own yard to help create a corridor of pollinator-friendly spaces across Livingston. The Xerces Society has compiled a list of the top 50 native plant species known to attract pollinators and beneficial insects for our region. Download or print list here.

Reducing or Eliminating Pesticide Use: The City is committed to minimizing and ultimately eliminating the use of harmful pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids, on city-managed lands. We're also embracing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to ensure a healthy environment for both people and pollinators. You can help by reducing or eliminating pesticide use in your own gardens and encouraging your neighbors to do the same. Check out the MSU Urban IPM tips here.

Educating the Public: The City is passionate about raising awareness about the importance of pollinators and empowering residents to take action. We'll be offering workshops, educational materials, signage, and community events to share knowledge and inspire change. Stay tuned for upcoming events and educational opportunities!

Promoting Pollinator-Friendly Practices: The City encourages everyone in Livingston – residents, businesses, and organizations – to adopt pollinator-friendly practices. This includes planting native plants, reducing pesticide use, and providing nesting sites for bees. Let's work together to make Livingston a model pollinator community!

What does it mean to be a Livingston Loves Bees sign holder?

An official sign holder is a Livingston resident committed to caring for and creating pollinator habitat without the use of unnecessary harmful pesticides. In addition, they display their sign during the sunny months to promote this important pro-pollinator initiative in their front yard.

Sign holders provide their email address so we can easily communicate about upcoming opportunities, pollinator habitat tips, and other relevant information.

If you'd like to become an official sign holder, pick up your sign for a suggested donation at the Montana Freshwater Partners Native Plant Sale in May, or at one of our other community events. All donations are currently being raised to support seed spreading events and establishing a pollinator demo garden in Livingston’s downtown area.

GET INVOLVED! Check out our events page, the Livingston Loves Bees Facebook page, and become an official Livingston Loves Bees sign holder to join our email list.

Western Bumble Bee Spotted Here in Livingston

The Western Bumble Bee is on the brink of being listed as an Endangered Species, and Park County is fortunate to have a population. Local bee experts have observed this species in their own back yards. We can play a vital role in protecting this species and countless others by preserving their natural habitats.

In the clip above, from PCEC's USA Bee City Community Conversation with Clay Bolt, World Wildlife Foundation Manager of Pollinator Conservation and a local resident of Livingston explains more about how you can get support effort to save this species. You can watch the full recording of this conversation on our YouTube page.

By working together, we can create a brighter future for Montana’s pollinators and the Livingston community.