Stony Brook Celebrates Bee Campus USA Designation with New Pollinator Garden

Stony Brook University is expanding its commitment to sustainability and biodiversity with the creation of a new pollinator garden in front of the Student Activities Center. The effort also marks the university's designation as a Bee Campus USA member.

Stony Brook earned the designation in January 2025. The recognition highlights institutions that support pollinators through habitat creation, education and sustainable land management practices. The university marked the milestone during inauguration week and the Shirley Strum Kenny Student Arts Festival with the planting of a new garden designed to support bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Pollinators are essential to healthy ecosystems and food systems. As populations decline due to habitat loss and climate pressures, creating and maintaining supportive environments has become increasingly important.

The new garden adds to existing pollinator-friendly spaces across campus and is designed to incorporate native plantings to support biodiversity. It also serves as a hands-on learning environment for students and faculty.

"This designation reflects Stony Brook's ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship," said William Herrmann, vice president for facilities and services and chief sustainability officer. "By creating and maintaining pollinator habitats across campus, we are supporting critical ecosystems while also providing opportunities for education and research."

"The biggest commitment to becoming a Bee Campus is creating and maintaining pollinator habitats," said Erin Kluge, sustainability coordinator in the Office of Sustainability. "This garden, along with another planned installation, will support pollinators while giving students a space to learn directly from their environment."

The garden's educational signage was produced in partnership with the Campus Beautification Committee and hand-painted by Olivia Biondi, a sophomore studio art major graduating in 2028.

Bee Campus USA is an annual designation that requires ongoing engagement and continued progress. With this new garden and additional projects planned, Stony Brook continues to build on its commitment to a more sustainable campus.

Members of the campus community interested in being a part of the Bee Campus Stony Brook Committee are encouraged to reach out to [email protected].