Presented by UMB Council for the Arts & Culture
Stop 8
The Health Sciences Research Facility II (HSRF II) Pollinator Garden, established in 2023, is a dedicated space aimed at supporting local pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other insects. It features educational signage highlighting UMB’s sustainability initiatives, offering visitors valuable information about the role of pollinators in the ecosystem and the importance of native plants. The garden is part of a broader effort to enhance sustainability on campus. The addition further underscores UMB’s commitment to environmental responsibility and community engagement.
Before the garden’s installation, the HSRF II lawn experienced stormwater issues and flooding during rain events, primarily due to traditional grass having shorter root systems compared to native plants that have deeper roots. Deeper roots enable increased water absorption. Therefore, by converting the traditional lawn into a greenspace with native plantings, UMB can better support biodiversity on campus and increase the absorption of rainwater.