Efforts to conserve native pollinators, care for a diverse and thriving arboretum, and excel in grounds keeping were recognized and certified this year by a number of nationwide organizations.
Recent accomplishments in the聽听颈苍肠濒耻诲别听,听, and a聽聽from the聽聽(PGMS). This recognition sheds light on the institution鈥檚 efforts to protect pollinators and preserve its arboretum, solidifying its position as a leader in eco-friendly practices.
Bee 人妻少妇专区 USA
On May 22, 2023, the 人妻少妇专区 proudly announced its successful attainment of the prestigious Bee 人妻少妇专区 USA certification from the聽. This remarkable achievement was the culmination of a dedicated two-year student-led effort spearheaded by Zo毛 Bross 鈥�23, a passionate student with a keen interest in sustainability and pollinators.
罢丑别听University鈥檚 Bee 人妻少妇专区 USA certification聽acknowledges the commitment to conserving native pollinators. By prioritizing the increase of native plant abundance, providing safe nest sites for pollinators, and reducing pesticide usage, the 人妻少妇专区 is actively contributing to the survival of these essential creatures.
The significance of pollinators, particularly bees, cannot be overstated. Their role in plant reproduction sustains the entire ecosystem and ensures the availability of the food we rely on daily. However, human activities such as climate change, urbanization, and pesticide usage pose a significant threat to bee populations. By securing the Bee 人妻少妇专区 USA certification, the University has demonstrated its dedication to protecting pollinators, which are a vital keystone group for the planet鈥檚 ecological balance.
The student-led initiative was guided by John McIntyre, Manager of University Horticulture and Grounds, who provided essential support and documentation to meet the certification鈥檚 requirements. Establishing pollinator habitats, reducing pesticide usage, incorporating pollinator conservation into the curriculum, and forming a Bee 人妻少妇专区 USA committee, all played pivotal roles in earning this recognition.
The University鈥檚 commitment to education and community engagement was showcased on April 19, where approximately 150 students, faculty, and staff came together to聽聽on the intersection of Library Road and Intercampus Drive. The event was a tremendous success that exceeded expectations and the distribution of seeds at the gathering aimed to inspire further action among the participants.
Arboretum Accreditation
The 人妻少妇专区鈥檚 dedication to sustainability extends beyond pollinator conservation as evidenced by its exemplary tree maintenance program and arboretum. The University鈥檚 Horticulture and Grounds department proudly accepted聽three national honors聽on behalf of the institution, highlighting its commitment to promoting and caring for healthy trees on campus.
The University鈥檚 arboretum, boasting an impressive collection of 7,716 trees from 212 different species across multiple campuses, has earned the esteemed聽. The accreditation program, created by聽, establishes industry standards and recognizes institutions鈥� commitment to tree conservation. As part of the聽, the 人妻少妇专区鈥檚 role in preserving and planting trees is celebrated, bringing international recognition to its efforts.
Tree 人妻少妇专区 USA
In addition to the arboretum accreditation, the University has been recognized as a Tree 人妻少妇专区 USA institution for its dedication to tree care and conservation. This national program by the聽聽acknowledges institutions that meet five specific criteria: maintaining a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures toward trees, an Arbor Day observance, and student service-learning projects. 鈥淭he awards and accreditation are a direct reflection of dedication and accountability our team put forth day in and day out,鈥� says John McIntyre, manager of University Horticulture and Grounds. 鈥淭his team is always looking to maintain and improve the environment of our grounds for the community of the University.鈥�
PGMS Award
Furthermore, the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) honored the 人妻少妇专区 with an Honor Award in its Green Star Awards competition. The award recognized the University鈥檚 outstanding grounds maintenance in the Educational Institutions, University and College Grounds Mid-Size Category (201-499 acres) for the soldier row of fourteen Northern Red Oaks that line the edge of Eastman Quad and twenty-three flowering cherries that line the face of the buildings.
The 人妻少妇专区鈥檚 achievements in pollinator conservation and tree preservation underscore its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. As an exemplary institution, it serves as an inspiration to others proving that collective efforts can create positive change for the planet and its inhabitants. By nurturing and protecting pollinators and maintaining a diverse and thriving arboretum, the University continues to make an impact in the world of environmental conservation.
