What was once grass that required weekly mowing is becoming habitat for bees, butterflies and other pollinators across Michigan State University.

A bumblebee collects nectar from light purple wild bergamot flowers surrounded by pink coneflowers, black-eyed Susans and other native wildflowers in a Michigan State University pollinator habitat. — A bumblebee gathers nectar from native wild bergamot flowers in a pollinator habitat east of Conrad Hall and the University Archives & Historical Collections Library. Photo by Ebony Stith.

Over the past two years, MSU Landscape Services has transformed approximately six acres of underused turfgrass to create landscapes that support pollinators, reduce maintenance costs and advance the university's sustainability goals. This first phase of the project will serve as a blueprint for expanding pollinator-friendly spaces across campus in the coming years.

"This project reflects the dedication of our entire Landscape Services team,” said Landscape Services Coordinator Josh Ridner. "Group leader Wes Brown played a key role in making it happen. Even though the native plugs were small, planting thousands of them took a lot of work. Seeing how successful the plantings have been after just one year makes all that effort worthwhile.”

MSU maintains hundreds of acres of turfgrass, much of which serves important recreational and campus functions. But Landscape Services identified several low-use areas that required regular maintenance while providing little functional or ecological value.

Rather than continuing to maintain those spaces as traditional lawns, they converted those areas into habitats designed to attract bees, butterflies and other insects.

Investing in Michigan's ecosystems

Pollinators play a critical role in Michigan's agricultural and natural ecosystems, helping fertilize crops and native plants that support wildlife and food production.

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