Purdue recognized as a Bee Campus USA affiliate, advancing pollinator conservation efforts

Purdue University has been recognized as an affiliate of Bee Campus USA, a nationwide program dedicated to creating and maintaining habitats for pollinators. This recognition highlights the university’s ongoing efforts to support bees, butterflies and other vital insects by fostering a campus environment rich in native plants and free of harmful pesticides.

The Grounds department, in collaboration with campus partners such as Administrative Operations Sustainability, the Department of Entomology, the Purdue Arboretum, and Campus Planning and Architecture, has taken several steps to enhance green spaces across campus. The university has minimized the use of harmful pesticides and increased the number of native and pollinator-friendly species across campus. These efforts not only provide essential food and shelter for these insects but also contribute to Purdue’s larger sustainability goals.

To maintain its Bee Campus USA designation, the university must meet several key criteria. These include continually developing and improving campus habitats, minimizing pesticide use, incorporating conservation principles into educational courses, and providing service-learning opportunities to enhance pollinator-friendly environments. Additionally, the university must display informative signage and maintain an online presence highlighting its Bee Campus USA initiatives.

“This designation as a Bee Campus USA affiliate is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our Grounds team and campus partners,” said Grounds director Phil Richey. “Being able to provide an environment in which these species can thrive, while also enhancing the campus landscape, is extremely rewarding. It’s exciting to see Purdue take another step forward in landscape sustainability and environmental stewardship.”

Healthy insect populations play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystems and supporting food production, yet their populations are declining due to habitat loss, pesticide exposure and climate change. As a Bee Campus USA affiliate, Purdue is stepping up to create a more pollinator-friendly campus by integrating sustainable landscaping practices, educational initiatives and community involvement.

By creating a campus that prioritizes biodiversity, Purdue is not only enhancing biodiversity but also reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable practices. The Grounds department plans to collaborate with the Purdue for Life Foundation to provide service opportunities on April 25’s Purdue Day of Service that expand this initiative, while also partnering with the academic community to integrate pollinator conservation into educational courses.

Grounds is a part of the Administrative Operations organization, which supports the university by providing safe, reliable and transformative services. Fostering a healthy environment for pollinators to thrive is just one way the organization continues to power Purdue. To learn more about the daily operations of the organization, follow us on Instagram at @purdueoperations and Facebook at Purdue Administrative Operations.