Document Type

Article

Original Publication Date

2024

Date of Submission

August 2024

Abstract

Abstract

The aim of this study was to measure pollinator abundance and diversity across Virginia Commonwealth University’s Monroe Park Campus in Richmond, Virginia, especially focusing on the impact of campus plantings on pollinators.

Methods

18 transects across VCU’s Monroe Park Campus, as well as 2 at the nearby Amelia Street School native meadow planting, were established and stratified by planting composition (native/invasive) and species diversity. Each transect was inventoried every other week for pollinators from April through July of 2023. Nonparametric and median-based linear models were used to test differences in pollinator abundance and morphospecies diversity across planting types.

Results

Pollinator abundance and morphospecies richness varied greatly by planting composition. Namely, transects that had higher total plant diversity also had a higher diversity of pollinators. Transects that had a native plant presence also had higher pollinator abundance and higher pollinator diversity. These findings are evidence that native plantings in urban campuses can be used to promote the presence of pollinators.

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Publications from the Center for Environmental Studies

Included in

Life Sciences Commons

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