Bee Campus USA - Sustainability Initiatives (2024)

Bee Campus USA

What’s All The Buzz About?

GSU is committed to the preservation of pollinators and their habitats.

Pollinators are crucial to our landscapes, food supplies, and agricultural economies. Pollinators are responsible for approximately one out of three bites of food we eat. Between 75%-95% of all flowering plants need help pollinating. Unfortunately, some pollinator populations are at risk due to loss of habitats, pollution, chemical use, and changes in climate. ​

GSU aims to exemplify pollinator-friendly methods and environments by being a part of Bee Campus USA by the Xerces Society. GSU is currently supporting pollinators through our several gardens and greenspaces.

Being Advocates for Pollinators​

We have a dedicated Bee Campus USA committee that’s devoted to protecting pollinators on Georgia State’s campus. ​

Increasing Pollinator Habitats​

Our goal is to enhance the number of pollinator habitats found on campus each year. By increasing the number of native plants in our landscaping and green spaces we hope to benefit our native pollinator populations. ​

Reduce the use of pesticides​

To protect pollinators while also preventing pest issues, we’re working on implementing an integrated pest management (IPM) plan. Our committee aims to reduce the use of chemical pesticides to protect insects that are beneficial to our ecosystem. ​

Educate the Community​

Georgia State offers a number of opportunities to educate the public about the importance of pollinators and native plants. We use social media (@sustainablegsu, @_nativeplantsgarden, @gsu_community_garden) to engage with campus and community stakeholders. The Native Plant Botanical Gardent at GSU’s Perimeter Campus in Decatur hosts seasonal plant sales, educational seminars, and volunteer days. In the future, we aim to incorporate pollinator education into existing courses, tabling events, and seminars. ​

Service-learning projects​

We offer volunteer opportunities at our several garden locations including The Native Plant Botanical Garden, The Rooftop Garden at Center Parc Stadium, The Perimeter College Decatur Campus Community Garden, and The Perimeter College Clarkston Campus Garden. Visit the volunteer section for more information!​

Georgia State University has a standing committee consisting of faculty and students dedicated to Bee Campus USA. The committee meets regularly to discuss our certified garden on the Perimeter College campus as well as our other gardens and greenspaces across Georgia State’s campuses.

Jewels Morgan (Chair) – Assistant Professor, Botanical Garden Director

Jennifer Wilson (Co-chair) – Manager, Office of Sustainability Initiatives

Michelle Arth – College Tech Mgr

Zachariah Degon – Laboratory Coordinator

Mark Graves – Tenured Assistant Professor and Interim Associate Chair of Life and Earth Sciences; Perimeter College and Clarkston Campus

Shane Guy – Perimeter College student member

Riona Harris – Student, Student Environmental Team

Diane Lahaise – Tenured Associate Professor

Vicki Lloyd – Garden Community Volunteer

Elin McDonough – Dir, Civic Engagement, Student Affairs

Aaron Pacheco ​- Intern, Office of Sustainability

Rob Paltz – Operations Manager

Maddie Riddell – Serve@State Student Director, Student Civic Engagement

Susan Ridley – Senior Director Finance, Admin, & Risk Management

Julia Simonsen – ​ Intern, Office of Sustainability

Susan Skeen – Business Manager II; Mathematics, Computer Science & Engineering, Finance Department, Perimeter College, Clarkston campus

Brianna White – Intern, Office of Sustainability

Gardens can only flourish if people like you are willing to keep them up! Below you will find links and resources on how you can help tend to Georgia State’s greenspaces.​

Monday-Thursday: 9am-1pm ​

Directions and website​

To set up volunteer events email: [emailprotected] ​

Students can register through PIN ​

Community Garden

Hosted by the Decatur Earth Club volunteer opportunities are posted often

Students can register through PIN

Clarkston Campus Garden ​​

The Clarkston Earth Club holds monthly events for service hours and educational outreach

Students can find and register for these events on PIN ​

Pollinators are slowly declining due to several factors including loss of habitats, pollution, chemical use, and changes in climate.​Here are several ways you can support the pollinator community:

Plant your own pollinator garden​

A pollinator garden is a cluster of nectar and pollen-producing plants with the sole intent of attracting pollinators. Consisting mostly of native plants, these gardens make the jobs of pollinators a little easier as they pick up and transfer pollen grains from plant to plant. By planting a pollinator garden, you are helping the environment and welcoming a colorful addition to your yard space!​

Not sure where to buy native plants? You can find a variety at Georgia State’s Native Plant Botanical Garden’s seasonal sales! Click here for more information.

Avoid using pesticides​

Although using pesticides can be beneficial to get rid of unwelcome guests in your garden, they are just as harmful to pollinators stopping by to do their job. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, pesticides’ five most common active ingredients are “glyphosate, 2,4-D, atrazine, dicamba and malathion”. Some alternatives to pesticide use could be using “soft” chemicals, parasites, and predators. For more information on pesticide alternatives click here​