Purdue earns Bee Campus USA designation for 2026

Purdue has once again been recognized as a Bee Campus USA affiliate for 2026, reaffirming its commitment to creating and maintaining a campus environment that supports pollinators such as bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.

The Bee Campus USA designation is part of a nationwide initiative that encourages colleges and universities to protect pollinators through sustainable landscaping, habitat creation and educational outreach. At Purdue, these efforts are led by the Grounds department in collaboration with campus partners, including Sustainable Operations, the Department of Entomology, the Purdue Arboretum, Campus Planning and Architecture and the Horticulture department.

To maintain this designation each year, the university continues to expand pollinator-friendly habitats, reduce pesticide use and incorporate conservation principles into campus planning and academics. These ongoing efforts support biodiversity while aligning with Purdue’s broader sustainability goals.

As part of this year’s initiative, the Bee Campus student group partnered with Grounds to host the 2026 Bee Campus USA event at Smith Hall, home to the Purdue Entomological Research Collections (PERC). This location was selected for its strong connection to research in insect biodiversity, pest management, beneficial insects and environmental change.

During the event, approximately 30 student and staff volunteers planted more than 150 native plants on the east side of Smith Hall. These new plantings will help provide essential food and habitat for pollinators while enhancing the surrounding landscape.

Efforts like these play an important role in addressing the decline of pollinator populations, which are critical to ecosystem health and food production. By continuing to invest in pollinator-friendly practices and engaging the campus community, Purdue is helping to create a more sustainable and resilient environment.

Grounds is part of the Administrative Operations organization, which supports the university by providing safe, reliable and transformative services. Supporting pollinator habitats is one of the many ways Administrative Operations continues to power Purdue while advancing environmental stewardship. To learn more about the daily operations of the organization, follow us on Instagram at @purdueoperations and Facebook at Purdue Administrative Operations.