MSU students leading new pollinator projects
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EmailMichigan State University undergrads in the RISE program (Residential Initiative on the Study of the Environment) have taken the lead on three new projects to show how pollinators and pollinator education can be integrated into campus life.
Michigan State University undergrads in the RISE program (Residential Initiative on the Study of the Environment) have taken the lead on three new projects to show how pollinators and pollinator education can be integrated into campus life. MSU Department of Entomology members Walter Pett, Meghan Milbrath, Zachary Huang and Gabriel Ording provide support to the students of the RISE program.
1. Rooftop bees at Bailey Hall: Two honey bee colonies were moved onto the southeast side of the Bailey GREENroof, providing pollinators and making history as this was the first time a honey bee colony was placed on the roof of a residence hall. The hives are visible to residents and visitors to the Bailey Greenhouse and Urban Farm, serving as a reminder of the importance of pollinators in all food production systems – even campus ones!
2. Butterfly gardens outside Bailey Hall: The garden will provide a space for Monarch butterflies and a visual demonstration on how a pollinator garden can be installed anywhere. The plants were chosen with Monarch butterflies in mind, but will support other butterflies and pollinators, providing a source of food and habitat where they can lay eggs.
3. Cedar River walkway “truly green space:” The path along the Red Cedar River is a high traffic area, a perfect place for education about pollinators and ecosystem health. Students designed a “Truly Green Space” in this area, choosing native plants to restore an area near Bailey Hall. Plants were selected for their ability to attract pollinators.
For more information on these projects, see “Beehives and butterflies: New pollinator projects by MSU students.”
