BROOKINGS – Bee Campus USA announced that South Dakota State University is the first educational institution in the state to be certified as an affiliate of the Bee Campus USA program, designed to marshal the strengths of educational campuses for the benefit of pollinators. South Dakota State is the nation’s 42nd campus certified.
“We are proud to be creating a more pollinator-friendly campus and to provide education and outreach materials to the public about what makes for a pollinator-friendly habitat,” said Tanner Aiken, project manager and horticulturist with landscape and grounds at SDSU.
SDSU is the only campus in the state to become a certified Bee Campus so far.
“Imperiled pollinators are responsible for the reproduction of 90 percent of the world’s wild plant and tree species,” said Phyllis Stiles, Bee Campus USA director. “South Dakota State is a stellar example of the influence educational institutions can have on their students and the broader community. Its talented faculty, staff and students offer an invaluable resource in seeking ways to manage ornamental landscapes in more wildlife-friendly ways.”
According to Stiles, each certified campus must reapply each year and report on accomplishments. Other institutions of higher education are invited to explore completing the application process outlined at beecampususa.org.
About Bee Campus USA and Bee City USA
The Bee Campus USA designation recognizes educational campuses that commit to a set of practices that support pollinators, including bees, butterflies, birds and bats, among thousands of other species. For more information about the application process for becoming a Bee Campus USA affiliate, visit http://www.beecityusa.org/application-campus.html.
Bee City USA urges local governments, individuals, organizations, corporations and communities to promote and establish pollinator–friendly landscapes that are free of pesticides.
Since its inception in Asheville, North Carolina, in 2012, many cities have been certified across the nation and many others are in the process of preparing applications. For more information about the application process for becoming a Bee City USA community, visit http://www.beecityusa.org/application-city.html.
