Morehead State University certified by Bee Campus USA program

Only fifth school in U.S. to receive certification

MOREHEAD, Ky. (March 4, 2016) — Morehead State University has been named the nation’s fifth institution of higher education to be certified as an affiliate of the Bee Campus USA program. The program is designed to marshal the strengths of educational campuses for the benefit of pollinators.

“We are proud to be named the fifth certified Bee Campus USA in the nation,” said Wayne Andrews, MSU president. “There already are many students, faculty and staff working on pollinator health and sustainability issues and the members of our newly formed Bee Campus USA Committee will provide good leadership to these pollinator conservation efforts.

Holly Neihoff, sustainability and safety specialist, said MSU developed its campus Pollinator Protection Plan for its 1200-acre landscape to include a locally native and pollinator friendly plant list with regional sources for plants. The plan is posted on the MSU Earthwise Eagles webpage, which will be updated regularly.

In keeping with Bee Campus USA commitments, MSU already utilizes Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, using pesticide very selectively and only as a last resort and some of MSU’s designated pollinator gardens already have educational signage about the contribution of bees.

MSU has planned to celebrate and fulfill the responsibilities of its Bee Campus USA certification on March 22 and 30 and April 1 and 16.  Activities include planting native trees and other plants in the new Carbon Pocket Park outdoor classroom adjacent to the Space Science Center, installing new educational signage about protecting pollinators, and showing the movie “Vanishing of the Bees.”

Niehoff will provide a training workshop and information on pollinator protection and habitats at the annual community Town and County event held at the Rowan County High School. MSU’s Office of Environmental Health and Safety will provide training on proper pesticide use and application for MSU’s ground maintenance employees and farm/orchard employees in April (and annually thereafter).

Each certified campus must reapply each year and report on accomplishments from the previous year.