NMU officially recognized as Bee Campus USA affiliate

What’s happening: The Bee Campus USA program is now solidly in Michigan’s Central Upper Peninsula — Northern Michigan University has been officially recognized as an affiliate of the pro-pollinator effort. To be named an affiliate, the campus has to increase the availability of native plants in various landscaping and natural growth sites, reduce the use of pesticides that could harm other plant and insect species and provide nest sites used by various local wildlife species.

Providing environmental growth: Over the years, NMU has developed multiple sustainability efforts under its Sustainability Hub for Innovation and the Environment (SHINE). After re-establishing the Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences Department’s Native Plant Park, educational pursuits focused on native trees and wildflowers to help with pollinator efforts and preserve local biodiversity. Various locations on campus also have “overwintering hotels” — various natural materials densely organized to help various insects nest and survive the winter. NMU also brought back its Campus Nursery behind the NMU Police Department in 2024, which houses almost 200 various shrubs and trees to be used in landscaping projects. 

What they’re saying: “Students come to NMU for the beautiful environment that Michigan’s Upper Peninsula provides,” Ashlyn Albert, a NMU student intern at SHINE, said. “As students, we are proud to call NMU home and I’m excited that joining Bee Campus USA will give us resources that will continue to help us protect our native wildlife and foster a healthy environment for both pollinators and students. SHINE takes pride in NMU’s commitment to minimizing hazards to pollinators by using nearly no neonicotinoids or other potentially dangerous pesticides.” 

What’s next: NMU and SHINE will soon publish a web page sharing information about how NMU handles various environmental issues that could be used by the public for similar issues in local environments. To maintain its Bee Campus USA affiliation, NMU will continue its pro-pollinator efforts.