{"id":1366,"date":"2023-08-14T00:00:59","date_gmt":"2023-08-14T04:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/sustainability\/?p=1366"},"modified":"2024-06-06T15:16:38","modified_gmt":"2024-06-06T19:16:38","slug":"four-big-ways-the-universitys-environmental-stewardship-and-sustainable-practices-meet-the-mark","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/sustainability\/four-big-ways-the-universitys-environmental-stewardship-and-sustainable-practices-meet-the-mark\/","title":{"rendered":"Four big ways the University\u2019s environmental stewardship and sustainable practices meet the mark"},"content":{"rendered":"
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.<\/p>\n
Recent accomplishments in the\u00a0Horticulture and Grounds department<\/a>\u00a0include\u00a0Bee Campus USA<\/a>,\u00a0Tree Campus USA<\/a>, and a\u00a0Green Star Award<\/a>\u00a0from the\u00a0Professional Grounds Management Society<\/a>\u00a0(PGMS). This recognition sheds light on the institution\u2019s efforts to protect pollinators and preserve its arboretum, solidifying its position as a leader in eco-friendly practices.<\/p>\n On May 22, 2023, the University of Rochester proudly announced its successful attainment of the prestigious Bee Campus USA certification from the\u00a0Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation<\/a>. This remarkable achievement was the culmination of a dedicated two-year student-led effort spearheaded by Zo\u00eb Bross \u201823, a passionate student with a keen interest in sustainability and pollinators.<\/p>\n The\u00a0University\u2019s Bee Campus USA certification<\/a>\u00a0acknowledges 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s ecological balance.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n The University\u2019s commitment to education and community engagement was showcased on April 19, where approximately 150 students, faculty, and staff came together to\u00a0plant a pollinator garden of native plants<\/a>\u00a0on 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.<\/p>\n The 糖心传媒\u2019s dedication to sustainability extends beyond pollinator conservation as evidenced by its exemplary tree maintenance program and arboretum. The University\u2019s Horticulture and Grounds department proudly accepted\u00a0three national honors<\/a>\u00a0on behalf of the institution, highlighting its commitment to promoting and caring for healthy trees on campus.<\/p>\n The University\u2019s arboretum, boasting an impressive collection of 7,716 trees from 212 different species across multiple campuses, has earned the esteemed\u00a0Arboretum Accreditation at Level II<\/a>. The accreditation program, created by\u00a0ArbNet<\/a>, establishes industry standards and recognizes institutions\u2019 commitment to tree conservation. As part of the\u00a0Morton Register of Arboreta<\/a>, the University of Rochester\u2019s role in preserving and planting trees is celebrated, bringing international recognition to its efforts.<\/p>\nBee Campus USA<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Arboretum Accreditation<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Tree Campus USA<\/strong><\/h2>\n