The Town of Vienna is now recognized as one of the nation’s most bee-friendly places.

Bee City USA identifies cities and towns taking steps to protect natural pollinators. Vienna is one of three places in Virginia with the “Bee City” title, including Lynchburg and Scottsville.

The town’s Conservation and Sustainability Commission applied for the certification a while back, Mayor Laurie DiRocco said. The town eventually received an email from Phyllis Stiles, the organization’s founder, confirming the town’s acceptance.

“Vienna is institutionalizing our commitment to pollinator conservation by planting natives, reducing conventional pesticide use and educating the community on the benefits of planting pollinator habitats,” a town spokesperson said.

Each year, the city is required to pay a $200 fee and send in a report on updates in order to maintain its listing. In return, Bee City USA will support the city by providing educational materials and outreach ideas, the town spokesperson said.

DiRocco said that the bee-friendly certification means the city is “setting a standard of what we would like to do within our community when it comes to native plants and pollinators,” adding that she hopes other neighboring communities follow suit.