A San Francisco environmental advocate is transforming an urban wasteland into a thriving haven for bees, showing how community action can reverse pollinator decline.

At a Glance

• Isaiah Powell established the Calibird Pollinator Sanctuary in San Francisco’s Bayview-Hunters Point area, converting fire-damaged land into a habitat for bees and other pollinators
• The project addresses both environmental justice and food security by restoring polluted soil and growing organic produce in an underserved community
• The sanctuary promotes native plant growth, soil health, and provides educational opportunities that reconnect community members with nature
• Bee populations are experiencing alarming declines nationwide, making local conservation efforts increasingly critical

From Wasteland to Sanctuary

In 2020, as bee populations continued their troubling decline across America, Isaiah Powell saw an opportunity in a neglected plot of fire-damaged land in San Francisco’s Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood. Powell co-founded Dragonspunk, a non-profit organization focused on food justice and land restoration, and established the Calibird Pollinator Sanctuary. This community-driven project has transformed once-polluted soil into a thriving ecosystem where bees and other pollinators now flourish, providing essential environmental services to the surrounding area.

The sanctuary’s development represents a practical response to the nationwide crisis of pollinator decline. Unlike many environmental initiatives that focus solely on conservation, Powell’s approach integrates community needs by addressing food security, environmental education, and soil restoration simultaneously. The project has already attracted increased wildlife to the area and supports the growth of organic fruits and vegetables that benefit local residents who previously had limited access to fresh produce.

Community Solutions to Environmental Challenges

Bayview-Hunters Point has long struggled with environmental justice issues, including soil contamination from industrial pollution. Powell’s work continues a tradition of local environmental activism pioneered by community leaders like Marie Harrison, who fought for improved air quality and public health. By focusing on soil restoration and pollinator habitat creation, the Calibird Sanctuary tackles multiple problems at once, addressing both ecological health and community wellness through practical, hands-on solutions.

The sanctuary now provides collard greens, nopales, kumquats, and other fresh produce to community members, addressing food insecurity while creating habitat for pollinators. This dual-purpose approach exemplifies how conservation efforts can deliver tangible benefits to local communities rather than remaining abstract environmental goals. By involving residents in planting native species and maintaining the sanctuary, Powell has created a model of community ownership that makes conservation personally meaningful.

Practical Solutions for Bee Conservation

As bee populations face threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change, the Calibird Sanctuary demonstrates effective strategies that ordinary citizens can implement. The project focuses on planting native flowering species that provide food for pollinators throughout the growing season. Powell has eliminated synthetic pesticides from the sanctuary, allowing natural predator-prey relationships to develop. The sanctuary also incorporates areas of bare soil for ground-nesting bees and maintains undisturbed areas where stem-nesting species can thrive.

Future plans for the sanctuary include expanded educational programs that teach community members about pollinator conservation and organic growing methods. Powell’s team also intends to conduct further soil testing and introduce more beneficial microbes to continue improving soil health. The project welcomes community involvement through volunteer opportunities, donations, and participation in growing workshops. As Earth Day 2025 approaches, the Calibird Sanctuary stands as a practical example of how individual and community action can create meaningful environmental change.