Carroll University is a proud member of Bee Campus USA, an initiative by the Xerces
Society for Invertebrate Conservation. We recognize the great importance of native pollinators to the health of our ecosystem
and our food sources. Up to 40% of pollinator species are at risk of extinction due
to pesticide use, loss of habitat and climate change.
Carroll University is committed to provide a welcome home to native pollinators as
well as educate our campus on the significance of pollination. Keep an eye out on
campus to see pollination at work!
Current initiatives include:
- Using all organic lawn care products
- Working with a landscape architect to plant native flower species
- Discussing pollination in biology classes
- Respecting native ground bee species present on campus
- Providing bee houses for solitary bee species at the Field Station
When drinking nectar, bees collecting pollen on their bodies and transport it between
flowers. The pollen from the male reproductive organ is therefore transferred to the
female reproductive organ of another flower. This fertilization allows the plant to
produce a fruit or seeds. While most people focus on domesticated honey bees, there
are around 3600 species of bees native to the USA and more than 90% of them are solitary
bees which do not form colonies. Most are non-aggressive and many are stingless. |
Ground Nesting Bees
70% of wild bees live in underground nests and include species like miner bees and
cellophane bees. They prefer dry sandy soils and may make burrows that resemble ant
hills. Ground nesting bees come out of the ground in the spring when the weather warms
to mate and pollinate. We currently have a ground nesting bee population under the
volleyball court at the Bergs. During their active months, please give them space
and let them do their work for the planet!
Bumble Bees
These are bigger bees with round fuzzy bodies and can fly at lower temps and darker
light. This makes them great pollinators for agricultural plants in Wisconsin.
Cavity Nesting Bees
30% of wild bees nest in cavities found in reeds, hollow stems, or brush piles. Common
species include mason, leafcutter, and carpenter bees. We are collaborating with the
CU Green Field Station/Prairie Springs Environmental Education Center to provide bee
houses for these species starting in Spring 2023.
Butterflies and Moths
Known for their beautiful and distinctive wings, butterflies and moths also feed on
nectar and transport pollen between flowers. Many species are on the decline in Wisconsin,
but some of our more common species are the red admiral butterfly and white lined
sphinx moth. We also are in the native range of the monarch butterfly which migrate
into Wisconsin in May. You can plant milkweed to support monarch populations.
