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In April 2024, the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ (UM) proudly joined the ranks of Bee Campus USA, a certification program designed to mobilize educational campuses in pollinator conservation efforts. This designation highlights UM’s commitment to creating and maintaining sustainable habitats that support essential pollinators, including bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds.

The certification process was a collaborative effort, with significant contributions from UM’s Arboretum Committee. This dedicated group played a key role in planning and implementing initiatives that align with Bee Campus USA’s standards, from native plant selections to the careful management of pollinator habitats.

At UM, efforts to support pollinators are already visible across campus. From student-led native plant installations to courses that integrate pollinator research, UM is actively fostering a healthier environment for these critical species. Our campus landscapes are managed with an emphasis on avoiding harmful pesticides, ensuring pollinator habitats are as safe as possible.

This new initiative also offers exciting opportunities for student involvement, including service-learning and research projects focused on pollinator habitats. UM’s dedication to reducing invasive species and promoting native flora not only supports pollinators but also enhances our university’s sustainability efforts.

Bee Campus USA is a program of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, which empowers communities and campuses across the nation to support healthy habitats rich in native plants and free of pesticides. By participating in Bee Campus USA, the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and contributing to the broader movement to protect pollinators—species that play a critical role in maintaining biodiversity and food security worldwide.

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