Native pollinator conservation: A sustainable-campus initiative supporting research and education on the role of native plant propagation in promoting pollinator conservation

Abstract

As a small sustainability-focused agricultural college, SUNY Cobleskill provides an ideal diversity of expertise, cropping and horticultural systems and educational/outreach infrastructure to implement a replicated series of native wildflower plots aimed at conserving native pollinators. These plots would allow us to evaluate the efficacy of different native plant combinations, at attracting native pollinators, and, to census the local community of native insect pollinators, both seasonally, and long term. Additionally, signage at the site would serve as an educational venue for courses offered on campus, and the large number of visitors that frequent the campus.