What is Detroit Hives doing to support pollinators in the city?

Detroit Hives, a local nonprofit, is working with Earthday.org to transform a vacant lot in Detroit into a thriving arboretum and botanical garden, providing a habitat for bees and other pollinators.

Why is the Detroit community involved in this project?

The Detroit community, including volunteers like 9-year-old Piper Pharr, are actively involved in cleaning up the vacant lot and preparing it for the transformation. This community engagement helps prevent littering and pollution, while also fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the project.

Home / Environment / Detroit Vacant Lot Blooms into Bee-Friendly Oasis

Detroit Vacant Lot Blooms into Bee-Friendly Oasis

Q: How will the vacant lot in Detroit be transformed?

The vacant lot will be replaced with walking paths, educational signs, and vibrant flowers, similar to the Navajo Grove in the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood. This will create a valuable green space for the community and support local pollinators.

16 Nov

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Summary

Detroit nonprofit partners with environmental group to revitalize vacant lot
Lot to become an official Bee City, supporting pollinators and community
Volunteers clean up trash, plant cover crops and flowers for busy bees

Detroit Vacant Lot Blooms into Bee-Friendly Oasis

In November 2025, a Detroit nonprofit is collaborating with an environmental organization to revitalize a vacant lot and turn it into an official Bee City. The project, which is currently in its second phase, will transform the neglected space into a thriving arboretum and botanical garden.

Last month, volunteers, including 9-year-old Piper Pharr, gathered to clean up the lot located on Detroit's east side. "You have to not litter, like, you can't just throw this or that on the ground," Pharr explained, highlighting the importance of reducing waste and properly disposing of trash.

Over the next year, the area will undergo a dramatic transformation. Walking paths, educational signs, and vibrant flowers will replace the vacant lot, similar to the Navajo Grove in the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood. Timothy Jackson of Detroit Hives emphasized the value of these pollinator-friendly spaces, noting that they provide a low-cost, sustainable solution to support both the community and local wildlife.