How pollinator gardens in the Rogue Valley support Oregon’s bees

Communities in the Rogue Valley are rebuilding after the Alameda Fire by planting pollinator gardens, offering hope for Oregon's bees.

Save the bees

Thao Lan | Shutterstock.com

In the wake of the devastating Almeda Fire, communities in the Rogue Valley have found an inspiring way to rebuild — by planting pollinator gardens. As reported by OPB, these gardens are transforming charred landscapes into vibrant havens for bees, butterflies and other essential pollinators. This grassroots effort led by Pollinator Project Rogue Valley not only heals the land but also plays a critical role in addressing the larger crisis facing pollinators across Oregon.

Pollinators like bees are indispensable to our food systems and ecosystems. Unfortunately, habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change have driven alarming declines in their populations. That’s why we’re is dedicated to protecting these vital creatures through our Save the Bees campaign. By promoting policies to limit harmful pesticides, expand wildflower habitats and encourage sustainable practices, we’re working alongside a coalition of groups to ensure a future where pollinators thrive.

The rise of pollinator gardens in the Rogue Valley highlights the power of local action. These gardens provide essential food and shelter for bees while fostering community engagement and environmental education. They also serve as a reminder that recovery efforts can be a springboard for broader ecological restoration. Imagine the impact if every Oregonian planted even a small pollinator-friendly space in their backyard or community.

As we celebrate these efforts, we’re calling on everyone to join the movement to save the bees. Whether it’s through planting native flowers, reducing pesticide use or advocating for pollinator-friendly policies — your actions make a difference. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and create a future where pollinators — and the ecosystems they support — flourish.

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Help restrict the worst uses of neonic pesticides

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Justin Boyles

Conservation Advocate, Environment Oregon Research & Policy Center

As the Conservation Advocate for Environment Oregon, Justin runs our campaign to protect and restore Oregon’s special places and the myriad wildlife that call them home. Justin has worked on campaigns to protect the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, clean up superfund sites along the Willamette River and promote solar energy in Oregon. In recent years, he was part of the Public Interest Network’s Creative and Editorial team where he developed campaign logos and materials connected to dozens of campaigns, turned deep-dive research into digestible interactive features for our websites, and created myriad tools for campaigns to help win real results for the environment and the public interest. Justin lives in Portland with his children where they regularly explore the diversity that Oregon’s environment has to offer: From the coast to the high desert and the many amazing rivers, lakes, forests and mountains in between.