How Alexandria’s Beekeepers and Gardens Helped Virginia Climb to Number 4 in National Bee Conservation Rankings

How Alexandria’s Beekeepers and Gardens Helped Virginia Climb to Number 4 in National Bee Conservation Rankings



Virginia has soared into the top five most bee-friendly states nationwide—landing fourth place according to a recent assessment by BestMadHoney. And much of that buzz is coming from community-driven pollinator efforts right here in Alexandria.

Virginia achieved a strong score of 68.12 out of 100, notably ranking a low bee-colony loss rate of 42.24 percent, signaling a thriving pollinator environment enriched by local engagement.

Bees are essential to Alexandria’s ecological balance and cultural landscape, pollinating everything from neighborhood community gardens to historic landscapes and public green spaces. Their role goes beyond producing honey—they sustain the flowers, trees, and crops that keep the city vibrant and livable. Local efforts by gardeners, backyard apiarists, and city-led programs have helped ensure Virginia’s place among the top states for pollinator protection.


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One example is the work of Alexandria’s Beautification Commission, which integrates native and drought-tolerant plants—such as Coneflowers, Black-eyed Susans, Virginia Bluebells, and Milkweed—into city landscaping projects. These intentional plantings provide nectar and pollen for pollinators, reduce the need for chemical pesticides, and increase the city’s ecological resilience.

Alexandria has a thriving beekeeping community that has played a role in raising awareness about pollinator health. In 2020, then-Mayor Justin Wilson’s wife, Alex Crawford-Batt was spotlighted for tending two backyard hives with roughly 60,000 honeybees. She described beekeeping as her “nerd indulgence” and a give-back to the community: “everyone is benefiting from my bees.”

She is joined by neighbors and fellow Northern Virginia beekeepers whose efforts illustrate the passion behind the state’s high ranking.

Kamie McGlynn, a federal technology manager living in Alexandria’s North Ridge neighborhood, has managed 60,000 bees in each of her eight hives since 2015. She compares beekeeping to “animal husbandry, like managing cows,” and checks her hives regularly to ensure the queen is laying and larvae are healthy. “You’re responsible for the animal,” she explained.


Chris Shepperson of Falls Church, who manages an equipment rental branch by day, keeps as many as 70 to 80 hives. He admits, “I’m crazy,” but says he’s entranced by bees’ behavior. He studies everything from royal jelly to the temperament of queens, noting that he prefers colonies led by docile queens.


Liz Craver, an architect in Mount Vernon, manages five hives of up to 75,000 bees each. She inspects her colonies in full gear to ensure the queens are laying eggs, workers and drones are active, and pests are under control. Her enthusiasm has even converted her once-skeptical neighbor into a fellow beekeeper.

Take the kids before school is back in session: The Pollinator Garden at the National Museum of Natural History, 1000 Madison Drive NW, DC, shows how plants and insects depend on one another.
[PollinatStroll the east side of the museum to see native plants, grasses, and trees that provide food and shelter for pollinator insects, and join Smithsonian Gardens for a hands-on “pollination investigation” to discover the who, what, when, where, why, and how of pollination.or Garden]

Practical guidance for residents has also encouraged Alexandrians to take simple, effective steps to support pollinators at home. Suggestions include planting native wildflowers and herbs, grouping plants in clusters for easier foraging, providing shallow water sources, setting up nesting habitats, and avoiding pesticides—all actions that give local bees a better chance to thrive (see more here).

Beyond official initiatives, residents have embraced pollinator-friendly practices in their own spaces, from backyard hives to balcony planters. Educators and community groups continue to encourage simple changes—like planting natives, reducing chemical use, and creating small habitats—that make a big difference. Together, these efforts contribute to healthier bee populations, stronger ecosystems, and a greener future for Alexandria.
Looking Ahead

Buoyed by Virginia’s new national ranking, Alexandria has an opportunity to expand its impact even further. Increasing native plant habitats in city parks, neighborhood yards, and tree-lined boulevards would provide more food and shelter for pollinators. The city could also consider pursuing Bee City USA certification, a step that would formally recognize its pollinator-friendly commitment. Educational efforts, such as George Mason University’s Honey Bee Initiative, offer another pathway to deepen community knowledge and connect residents with the importance of pollinator health.

For residents, there are simple ways to make a difference. Planting native favorites like Black-eyed Susans, Milkweed, and Virginia Bluebells supports local bees, while cutting back on pesticides helps keep hives safe. Small touches, such as placing shallow water dishes with pebbles or building bee houses, can provide vital resources. Even getting children involved—whether through school projects or backyard gardens—can help inspire the next generation of pollinator stewards.

“Every step, no matter how small, contributes to a healthier ecosystem,” said Alexandria beekeeper Liz Craver. “When neighbors plant natives or choose not to spray chemicals, it strengthens the entire community of pollinators we all depend on.”