BIODIVERSITY GARDEN
In 2022 OU Pollinator Conservation Organization, OU Student Congress, CASE-OU, and OU Biological Sciences collaborated to create a biodiversity garden near the OC and Kresge Library. The garden was expanded in 2023.
To learn more about the plants, animals, and microbes you can find in the garden, read below!
Why should we care?
Biodiversity supports a critial balance in nature. Biological diversity maintains stability and resilience within a given habitat and globally. Wildlife populations have declined by about 70% in the last 50 years. Plants and pollinators support the foundation of natural foods webs and human food systems.
This garden facilitates essential ecosystem services and sustainability.
Biodiversity benefits all of us. From providing food to regulating the climate to reducing stress and anxiety, biodiversity affects us in a variety of ways. The many benefits can be grouped into regulating, provisioning, cultural and supporting categories. All of these benefits depend on a healthy environment.
Change is necessary. Transformation takes time.
Wondering how you can help? Here are five ways to support pollinators:
Create habitats by planting native species
Select diverse plants that bloom from spring to fall
Avoid or limit use of pesticides
Provide bare spots in your garden for pollinators that nest in the ground
Keep leaves and stems in your garden as shelter for overwintering pollinators
Our OU community aims to conserve Michigan's natural heritage by protecting native plants, pollinators and other species.
Native perennial plants enhance water retention, carbon storage and provision for a diverse community of organisms, including ar-risk pollinators.
Want to get involved?
Learn more and connect with the organizations that made this garden possible:
