Bee City USA
The national nonprofit organization Bee City USA has recognized Hillsborough's work to reverse pollinator declines. As a designated Bee City, the town works to help raise awareness of the role pollinators play in sustaining more than 75 percent of the world’s plant species and to help expand pollinator-friendly practices and environments in town. The Hillsborough Garden Club, which suggested that the town seek Bee City USA status, works in partnership with the town Public Space Division and Tree Board on developing the program and educational materials.
For more information, contact Public Space Manager Stephanie Trueblood by email or by phone at 919-296-9481.
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Pollinator-friendly activities
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The town has undertaken several initiatives to reverse pollinator declines. These include:
- Operating an information booth with the Orange County Beekeepers Association at the town's Last Fridays downtown arts event.
- Working with the Orange County Master Gardener Program of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Orange County Center to facilitate installation of a pollinator garden at Gold Park.
- Partnering with area organizations to commission and maintain a bee hotel at the Gold Park pollinator garden.
- Working with the Orange County Master Gardener Program to facilitate monthly workdays at the Gold Park pollinator garden spring through fall.
- Training Hillsborough Tree Board members in pollinator garden installation and maintenance and visiting a pollinator garden at Chatham Mills in Pittsboro.
- Installing and maintaining a pollinator garden at Cates Creek Park.
- Planting pollinator-friendly species in downtown planters and parking lot islands.
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Annual report
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The town's annual report on its pollinator-friendly activities is available on the Bee City USA website.
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Upcoming events
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Description:Cates Creek Pollinator Garden WorkdayDate:April 27, 2019Time:9:30 a.m.Location:1445 Cates Creek ParkwayContact:Public Space Manager Stephanie Trueblood
EmailDetails:Join town advisory boards and other volunteers in dividing and replanting pollinator-friendly plants to expand the rain garden in Cates Creek Park. Volunteers are encouraged to bring gloves, small trowels, shovels and water bottles. The work is expected to take place from 9:30 a.m. to no later than noon, weather permitting.
Description:Gold Park Pollinator Garden WorkdayDate:May 2, 2019Time:8 a.m.Location:415 Dimmocks Mill Rd., HillsboroughContact:Details:Gathering at 8 a.m., volunteers will work in the garden for no more than two hours. Those who wish to help are asked to bring pruning shears, a weeding tool, gloves and a container to collect plant debris. The pollinator garden is located near the train trestle at the town park, 415 Dimmocks Mill Road. It is maintained by the Orange County Master Gardener Program, which is administered through the Orange County Center for the N.C. Cooperative Extension. In addition to providing nectar and larval food for pollinators, the demonstration garden allows citizens to observe and learn about pollinators.
Description:Gold Park Pollinator Garden WorkdayDate:June 6, 2019Time:8 a.m.Location:415 Dimmocks Mill Rd., HillsboroughContact:Details:Gathering at 8 a.m., volunteers will work in the garden for no more than two hours. Those who wish to help are asked to bring pruning shears, a weeding tool, gloves and a container to collect plant debris. The pollinator garden is located near the train trestle at the town park, 415 Dimmocks Mill Road. It is maintained by the Orange County Master Gardener Program, which is administered through the Orange County Center for the N.C. Cooperative Extension. In addition to providing nectar and larval food for pollinators, the demonstration garden allows citizens to observe and learn about pollinators.
Description:Gold Park Pollinator Garden WorkdayDate:July 11, 2019Time:8 a.m.Location:415 Dimmocks Mill Rd., HillsboroughContact:Details:Gathering at 8 a.m., volunteers will work in the garden for no more than two hours. Those who wish to help are asked to bring pruning shears, a weeding tool, gloves and a container to collect plant debris. The pollinator garden is located near the train trestle at the town park, 415 Dimmocks Mill Road. It is maintained by the Orange County Master Gardener Program, which is administered through the Orange County Center for the N.C. Cooperative Extension. In addition to providing nectar and larval food for pollinators, the demonstration garden allows citizens to observe and learn about pollinators.
Description:Gold Park Pollinator Garden WorkdayDate:Aug. 1, 2019Time:8 a.m.Location:415 Dimmocks Mill Rd., HillsboroughContact:Details:Gathering at 8 a.m., volunteers will work in the garden for no more than two hours. Those who wish to help are asked to bring pruning shears, a weeding tool, gloves and a container to collect plant debris. The pollinator garden is located near the train trestle at the town park, 415 Dimmocks Mill Road. It is maintained by the Orange County Master Gardener Program, which is administered through the Orange County Center for the N.C. Cooperative Extension. In addition to providing nectar and larval food for pollinators, the demonstration garden allows citizens to observe and learn about pollinators.
Description:Gold Park Pollinator Garden WorkdayDate:Sept. 5, 2019Time:8 a.m.Location:415 Dimmocks Mill Rd., HillsboroughContact:Details:Gathering at 8 a.m., volunteers will work in the garden for no more than two hours. Those who wish to help are asked to bring pruning shears, a weeding tool, gloves and a container to collect plant debris. The pollinator garden is located near the train trestle at the town park, 415 Dimmocks Mill Road. It is maintained by the Orange County Master Gardener Program, which is administered through the Orange County Center for the N.C. Cooperative Extension. In addition to providing nectar and larval food for pollinators, the demonstration garden allows citizens to observe and learn about pollinators.
Description:Gold Park Pollinator Garden WorkdayDate:Oct. 3, 2019Time:8 a.m.Location:415 Dimmocks Mill Rd., HillsboroughContact:Details:Gathering at 8 a.m., volunteers will work in the garden for no more than two hours. Those who wish to help are asked to bring pruning shears, a weeding tool, gloves and a container to collect plant debris. The pollinator garden is located near the train trestle at the town park, 415 Dimmocks Mill Road. It is maintained by the Orange County Master Gardener Program, which is administered through the Orange County Center for the N.C. Cooperative Extension. In addition to providing nectar and larval food for pollinators, the demonstration garden allows citizens to observe and learn about pollinators.
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Membership
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NameTerm expiresCasey CollinsJan. 31, 2020Frances Harris — vice chairJune 30, 2021Andrea Lewis — chairNov. 30, 2021Tim LogueJan. 31, 2020Phyllis Simon — liaison to Hillsborough Garden ClubMarch 31, 2021Bryan StuartFeb. 21, 2021Elizabeth WatersJan. 30, 2022Gregory Yavelak — ex-officio memberJune 8, 2018-
Casey Collins
- Term expires Jan. 31, 2020
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Frances Harris — vice chair
- Term expires June 30, 2021
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Andrea Lewis — chair
- Term expires Nov. 30, 2021
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Tim Logue
- Term expires Jan. 31, 2020
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Phyllis Simon — liaison to Hillsborough Garden Club
- Term expires March 31, 2021
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Bryan Stuart
- Term expires Feb. 21, 2021
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Elizabeth Waters
- Term expires Jan. 30, 2022
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Gregory Yavelak — ex-officio member
- Term expires June 8, 2018
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Casey Collins
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Meeting information
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Upcoming:Regular MeetingDate:May 22, 2019Time:9 a.m.Location:Town Hall Annex Board Meeting Room
105 E. Corbin St