By Blake Jackson
Kentucky State University has earned designation as a Bee Campus USA affiliate, reinforcing its commitment to protecting pollinators that play a vital role in food production and ecosystem stability.
Nearly one in three bites of food relies on pollinators, underscoring the importance of safeguarding these species through research, habitat expansion, and responsible land management.
By joining the national Bee Campus USA network, Kentucky State aligns with colleges and universities dedicated to enhancing landscapes and campus operations to better support native pollinators.
“Pollinators are foundational to global food systems and ecosystem health,” said Kentucky State University President Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo.
“As Kentucky’s land-grant university, we are proud to align our teaching, research, and campus operations with practices that protect environmental health and model stewardship for our students and community.”
The initiative reflects years of collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and community partners. Native plantings have increased throughout campus grounds, pollinator habitats have been strengthened in research and demonstration areas, and conservation concepts are being integrated into academic programs and hands-on learning experiences.
A notable partnership with Columbia Gas of Kentucky, a NiSource company, has led to the installation of pollinator habitat within utility rights-of-way on campus.
The effort highlights how infrastructure corridors can double as safe, productive habitat. University leaders are also exploring similar collaborations with the City of Frankfort, which is pursuing Bee City status.
“Pollinator conservation starts with awareness, but it has to translate into habitat and management decisions,” said Kristin Conrad, research and extension associate and pollinator ecologist, who co-chairs the University’s Bee Campus USA committee.
“Bee Campus USA gives us a structured way to expand native plantings, strengthen our integrated pest management approach, and engage students and community members in hands-on conservation work that makes a measurable difference.”
The University has adopted an Integrated Pest Management strategy that significantly limits neonicotinoids and other harmful pesticides. Bee Campus USA and Bee City USA are initiatives of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
“The program aspires to make people more PC — pollinator conscious,” said Scott Hoffman Black, executive director of the Xerces Society.
“If individuals and communities begin planting native, pesticide-free flowering trees, shrubs, and perennials, it will help sustain many species of pollinators.”
Photo Credit: kentucky-state-university
Categories: Kentucky, Education, General