Michigan State University has made steady progress in supporting pollinators through operations, education, research and outreach. MSU is now a designated Bee Campus USA institution. With this designation, it is our hope to build upon our recent successes and continue to rally the Spartan community together to protect pollinators and create positive change through more learning and engagement opportunities. This designation is an important way to acknowledge the university’s progress to both our internal and external stakeholders and will be incorporated as a part of our comprehensive sustainability assessment going forward. Becoming a designated Bee Campus USA institution in 2023 reflects MSU’s holistic approach to sustainability and the strong partnerships that bring together students, staff and faculty to support pollinators through teaching, research, outreach and sustainable operations.
MSU Pollinator Resources
Through the Michigan Pollinator Initiative, MSU is working to develop a coordinated research, education, extension, and policy driven effort to address priority issues related to pollinators and pollination in Michigan. The University works with partners around the state in pursuit of research-based solutions for beekeepers, growers, land managers, and policy makers to promote economic vitality and ecological stability.
The MSU Pollinator Performance Center serves as a hub for teaching, research and outreach focused on pollinators and their connection to agricultural systems and the environment.
MSU offers the free Pollinator Champions course for those interested in learning more about pollinators. This self-paced online course is packed full of videos, articles, and fun activities to guide you through the amazing world of pollinators, pollination and stewardship.
Fuel for pollinators is essential for their success. MSU provides a native plant search tool to select native plants based on region, soil moisture, amount of sunlight and its attractiveness to pollinators and natural enemies. The regional plant section helps to determine what plants are suitable for the various regions in Michigan.
MSU Extension promotes pollinator educational events and materials throughout the state of Michigan. Including the MSU Extension - Integrated Pest Managementt program, which collaborates with faculty and Extension educators to develop diverse information serving growers of many crops, the landscape/turf “green” industry, and those looking for home and garden pest solutions.
Bee Campus USA, an initiative of the Xerxes Society for Invertebrate Conservation, promotes communities to come together to provide healthy habitats for pollinator species. By creating healthy habitats MSU is charged with planting a variety of native plants, provide nesting sites, and continue to find ways to eliminate harmful pesticides.
MSU Bee Campus USA Committee
Matthew Bailey, Landscape Services, Chair
Lisa Randolph-Stukey, Office of Sustainability, Secretary
Yun Cao, Landscape Services
Ana Heck, MSU Extension
Rufus Issacs, Entomology
Meghan Milbrath, MSU Extension
Carolyn Miller, Beal Garden
Jerry Wahl, Landscape Services