Detroit has long been known for its cars, music, and resilience, but another movement is quietly humming across the city—the revival of pollinators. At the center of this is Bees in the D, a nonprofit organization founded by Brian Peterson and others who saw the value of bringing honeybees and native pollinators back into Detroit’s landscape. Their vision is simple yet powerful: use beekeeping and pollinator education to help people reconnect with the natural world, strengthen local ecosystems, and promote sustainability right in the heart of the Motor City.
Bees in the D has installed hundreds of hives throughout Metro Detroit, from rooftops downtown to schoolyards and community gardens. Each hive is more than just a home for honeybees—it becomes a teaching tool. Schools use the hives to introduce students to science, businesses use them as part of their sustainability goals, and neighborhoods embrace them as symbols of renewal. This creative placement of hives allows pollinators to thrive while weaving environmental awareness into the daily life of Detroiters.
The work of pollinators is critical. Honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, and other species contribute to the pollination of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, ensuring biodiversity and food security. In a city like Detroit, where urban farms and community gardens are expanding, these pollinators play a direct role in feeding families and strengthening local food systems. By raising awareness of their importance, Bees in the D helps remind residents that the health of bees and people are deeply connected…