In the heart of Detroit’s revitalization, an organization is buzzing with purpose – Bees in the D. Founded in 2016 by Brian Peterson-Roest, a lifelong educator and conservationist, this nonprofit has grown into a movement dedicated to protecting pollinators, restoring native habitats, and educating communities on the critical role these species play in our ecosystem.
Pollinators – including honeybees, native bees, butterflies, moths, and other essential insects – are responsible for fertilizing nearly 75% of flowering plants and crops. However, habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change have put these vital species at risk. Bees in the D began with a focus on beekeeping but has since expanded its mission to advocate for all pollinators, emphasizing the importance of native species such as bumblebees, mason bees, and monarch butterflies.
Through partnerships with urban farmers, businesses, schools, and conservation groups, Bees in the D has established more than 200 hives across Southeast Michigan. These hives, placed in locations such as the rooftop at Detroit’s Convention center – Huntington Place, the Michigan DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, and corporate campuses like Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, serve as educational tools and promote sustainable practices. But honeybee hives are only part of the story. The organization is also working to create pollinator-friendly green spaces, transforming vacant lots into thriving native gardens that support local ecosystems.
Brian’s background as a teacher has shaped Bees in the D into an educational powerhouse. The nonprofit offers hands-on workshops, school programs, and hive tours that teach people of all ages about pollinators’ essential role in food production and biodiversity.
Beyond honeybees, these programs highlight the often-overlooked native pollinators that are just as – if not more – crucial to maintaining a healthy environment. Unlike managed honeybee colonies, native pollinators have no beekeepers looking after them, making habitat restoration efforts even more critical.
In recent years, Bees in the D has expanded its conservation efforts to include large-scale pollinator corridors, which connect fragmented green spaces to provide essential food and nesting sites for all pollinators. Native plantings in these corridors support species that have co-evolved with Michigan’s ecosystem for thousands of years, ensuring a balanced and resilient environment.
Bees in the D’s impact is further amplified through strategic collaborations with organizations like Meijer, which now carries the nonprofit’s local honey, and DTE Energy, which has helped fund projects to expand pollinator-friendly spaces. These partnerships showcase how businesses can contribute to sustainability while supporting conservation initiatives.
For Brian, this work is about more than beekeeping – it’s about ensuring a future where pollinators thrive alongside people. “When you protect pollinators, you protect the environment,” he says. “And when you protect the environment, you protect our future.
”As Detroit continues its resurgence, Bees in the D is proving that even the smallest creatures can play a significant role in shaping a greener, healthier, and more sustainable city. Through education, conservation, and collaboration, the organization is creating lasting change – one pollinator at a time.
