Bee Campus

Welcome to the UNM-Taos Bee Campus 

At UNM-Taos, we are dedicated to supporting pollinators through education, conservation, and hands-on community involvement. Our Bee Campus project is part of a larger effort to create a thriving ecosystem on campus that nurtures bees, butterflies, and other pollinators essential for maintaining biodiversity. 

Bee Campus USA Commitments 

UNM-Taos was designated as a Bee Campus USA by the Xerces Society in August of 2023. As part of this national program that recognizes campuses making a positive impact on pollinator populations, UNM-Taos made the following commitments: 

• Establishing a Bee Campus USA Committee: A team of students, faculty, and staff to promote pollinator conservation efforts across campus. 

• Creating and Enhancing Pollinator Habitats: We are actively planting native species and pollinator-friendly plants and installing nesting sites to support pollinators. 

• Reducing Pesticide Use: We established an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan to minimize pesticide use and adopt non-chemical pest management methods. 

• Offering Educational Opportunities: We incorporate pollinator conservation into our courses and community events to educate the public about the importance of pollinators. 

• Displaying Educational Signage: Signs placed around campus provide information about native plants, pollinators and how to support their conservation. 

• Maintaining an Online Presence: This webpage, along with our social media, helps us share our activities and resources with the community. 

A Pollinator-Friendly Campus 

As part of our commitment to pollinator conservation, we created a pollinator garden featuring 10 varieties of bee-attracting plants, and we are working to preserve other natural habitats around campus. This effort was made possible by a partnership with the New Mexico Native Plant Society-Taos Chapter, plant donations from High Country Gardens, and a grant from the Carroll Petrie Foundation. 

We have also formalized our efforts to reduce the use of pesticides through our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan, ensuring that our campus remains safe for native pollinators and other wildlife. 

Pest Management Policy

Furthermore, we are engaging our campus and the broader community on educational opportunities about pollinator-friendly practices. Educational signage has been installed across the campus gardens to raise awareness about native plants and their importance in supporting pollinator habitats. We are also introducing service-learning projects that allow students to actively enhance and maintain pollinator habitats on campus. 

Our Apiary: A Hub for Learning and Conservation 

In May 2023, we proudly established two Langstroth beehives at the entrance of our Klauer campus. These hives, located by the sculptures and protected by pine trees planted as a windbreak, are part of a larger vision to create opportunities for learning about conservation habitat and sustainability. 

Our bees, provided by Zia Queenbee Company, come from a unique blend of Caucasian and Western honey bees selected for their longevity and resilience. These bees were raised right here in New Mexico, and their new home at UNM-Taos is designed to give them everything they need to grow into productive colonies. With the support of donated plants from High Country Gardens, our pollinator garden is thriving with species like English Lavender, Echinacea, and Blue Hyssop, all selected for their ability to attract and nourish native and domestic pollinators. 

Education and Engagement 

Rather than a beekeeping initiative, the UNM-Taos Bee Campus is an opportunity for students and community members to engage in hands-on learning. From biology and environmental science to agriculture and entomology, our apiary serves as an outdoor classroom where participants can explore the critical role of pollinators in our ecosystem. We are also exploring partnerships to expand our educational outreach and provide additional opportunities for K-12 students and community groups. 

Join Us 

At UNM-Taos, we believe in the power of community-driven conservation. Whether you are a student interested in learning more about pollinator conservation, native plants, or the amazing world of honey bees, a community member looking to volunteer, or an educator interested in bringing your class to explore the campus gardens and apiary, there are plenty of ways to get involved.  

Press Releases & Media Coverage 

• UNM-Taos introduces campus apiary  
• ‘Bee-ing’ a part of the pollinator conservation movement  
• Bee cause: Planting for pollinators 
• UNM-Taos buzzing over campus apiary  
• American Meadows Doing Good Through Gardening Press Release  

Our Partners 

• Xerces Society https://www.xerces.org/ 
• NM Native Plant Society https://www.npsnm.org/about/chapters/taos/ 
• High Country Gardens https://www.highcountrygardens.com 
• Carroll Petrie Foundation https://www.carrollpetrie.org/ 

By prioritizing local action while adhering to national Bee Campus USA standards, UNM-Taos is making a meaningful contribution to pollinator conservation, ensuring that our campus and community thrive for generations.