Coastal Bend College Certified “Bee Campus USA” Affiliate

Coastal Bend College Certified “Bee Campus USA” Affiliate

BEEVILLE, TX —Coastal Bend College (CBC) and Bee Campus USA announced that CBC is the 13th educational institution in the nation to be certified as an affiliate of the Bee Campus USA program, designed to marshal the strengths of educational campuses for the benefit of pollinators.

College students, faculty, administrators, and staff have long been among the nation’s most stalwart champions for sustainable environmental practices. CBC President Dr. Beatriz T. Espinoza said, “It seems only fitting that we become a Bee Campus, in Bee County and with an initial college name of Bee. More importantly though is the education and commitment that comes with the designation. We rely heavily on pollinators to bring us both bounty and beauty and it’s time to recognize those contributions across our community. I am very pleased that CBC is joining with the City of Beeville to build knowledge and expand experiences. As the 13^th recognized campus across the county, this brings us to new heights and expands our engagement to a national level.”

Said Bee Campus USA director, Phyllis Stiles, “Imperiled pollinators are responsible for the reproduction of three-fourths of the world’s plant and tree species. CBC is a stellar example of the influence educational institutions can have on their students and larger communities. Their talented faculty, staff, and students offer an invaluable resource for Coastal Bend area residents in seeking ways to manage ornamental landscapes in more wildlife-friendly ways.”

Dean of Academics Mark Secord is excited about the opportunities for student research and service learning, “Our designation as the second “Bee Campus” in the state of Texas clearly demonstrates our commitment to position ourselves as a flagship institution. We are dedicated to not only our students and community, but also the environment we live in.  A love of wildlife and wild places is very much a part of our heritage and this designation will provide a platform by which we can help protect that heritage.  Pollinators play a vital role in maintaining heathy ecosystems and we are excited to embrace this opportunity to further their conservation.”

According to Stiles, each certified campus must reapply each year and report on accomplishments from the previous year. Other institutions of higher education are invited to explore completing the application process outlined at beecampususa.org.

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About Bee Campus USA and Bee City USA

The Bee Campus USA designation recognizes educational campuses that commit to a set of practices that support pollinators, including bees, butterflies, birds, and bats, among thousands of other species. For more information about the application process for becoming a Bee Campus USA affiliate, visit beecampususa.org.

Bee City USA® urges local governments, individuals, organizations, corporations, and communities to promote and establish pollinator–friendly landscapes that are free of pesticides. Since its inception in Asheville, North Carolina in 2012, many cities have been certified across the nation and many others are in the process of preparing applications. For more information about the application process for becoming a Bee City USA community, visit http://www.beecityusa.org/heres-how.html.