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 Horticulture and Grounds department include Bee Campus USA, Tree Campus USA, and a Green Star Award from the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS). This recognition sheds light on the institution’s efforts to protect pollinators and preserve its arboretum, solidifying its position as a leader in eco-friendly practices.
Bee Campus USA
On May 22, 2023, the University of Rochester proudly announced its successful attainment of the prestigious Bee Campus USA certification from the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. This remarkable achievement was the culmination of a dedicated two-year student-led effort spearheaded by Zoë Bross ‘23, a passionate student with a keen interest in sustainability and pollinators.
The University’s Bee Campus USA certification 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 University of Rochester 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 Campus USA certification, the University has demonstrated its dedication to protecting pollinators, which are a vital keystone group for the planet’s 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’s requirements. Establishing pollinator habitats, reducing pesticide usage, incorporating pollinator conservation into the curriculum, and forming a Bee Campus USA committee, all played pivotal roles in earning this recognition.
The University’s commitment to education and community engagement was showcased on April 19, where approximately 150 students, faculty, and staff came together to plant a pollinator garden of native plants 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 University of Rochester’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond pollinator conservation as evidenced by its exemplary tree maintenance program and arboretum. The University’s Horticulture and Grounds department proudly accepted three national honors on behalf of the institution, highlighting its commitment to promoting and caring for healthy trees on campus.
The University’s arboretum, boasting an impressive collection of 7,716 trees from 212 different species across multiple campuses, has earned the esteemed Arboretum Accreditation at Level II. The accreditation program, created by ArbNet, establishes industry standards and recognizes institutions’ commitment to tree conservation. As part of the Morton Register of Arboreta, the University of Rochester’s role in preserving and planting trees is celebrated, bringing international recognition to its efforts.
Tree Campus USA
In addition to the arboretum accreditation, the University has been recognized as a Tree Campus USA institution for its dedication to tree care and conservation. This national program by the Arbor Day Foundation 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. “The awards and accreditation are a direct reflection of dedication and accountability our team put forth day in and day out,” says John McIntyre, manager of University Horticulture and Grounds. “This team is always looking to maintain and improve the environment of our grounds for the community of the University.”
PGMS Award
Furthermore, the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) honored the University of Rochester with an Honor Award in its Green Star Awards competition. The award recognized the University’s 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 University of Rochester’s 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.
Written by Carole Wilay ‘25
Photos by J. Adam Fenster and Brandon Vick / University of Rochester