Bee named honorary citizen of Bee Cave

The city of Bee Cave is the first city in the country to proclaim the bee an honored resident of its city, according to a press release from the city.

Council voted unanimously during the March 28 regular council meeting to issue the proclamation.

“We are a Bee City USA Affiliate; we host events like Books and Bees, which spreads bee education; and, we are even a city named for this vital insect,” Bee Cave Mayor Kara King said in the press release. “This is another way we can encourage the community and visitors to think about ways we can value bees and protect them.”

Peter Keilty, a Bee Cave resident, beekeeper and Bees-For-All founder, presented the idea to Council, the press release said.

“Everything we do that helps ensure the bee’s survival helps ensure our survival,” Keilty said in the presentation.

The steps the city of Bee Cave has taken as an affiliate to conserve native bees include creating safe habitats, hosting community events, and planting native flowers and plants to increase pollination, city staff said.

The proclamation was issued several days before the annual Books and Bees Festival and inaugural Honeyfest.