Quietly tucked away at the southernmost end of campus, behind the tranquility of the Arboretum and Japan House, lies a place humming with pollinators.
The UI Pollinatarium stands as the nation’s first freestanding science center dedicated to the study and appreciation of pollination. Established in 2009, it serves as both a public educational resource and a research center, highlighting the critical role of both plants and pollinators.
“It’s a very great place to learn more about the pollinators,” said Cariad Williams, a graduate student studying entomology, who is also a research assistant at the Pollinatarium.
Williams’ research focuses on paleoentomology, the study of fossilized insects and other arthropods — a sub-field of both paleontology, the study of ancient life, and entomology, the study of insects. She highlighted the importance of the conservation of pollinators and other insects.
Bees, butterflies and birds are all examples of pollinators. Their role is to move pollen from one flower to another, enabling plant fertilization and the production of seeds and fruit. This process is crucial for ecosystems and food production.
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On a warm, breezy Friday afternoon, program manager of the Pollinatarium and professor in LAS, Lesley Deem, welcomed The Daily Illini on a bee hive visit.
As we suited up to meet the honey bees in residence, Deem shared they had an incoming nucleus colony — a small honey bee colony containing a queen bee and workers ready to establish a full-sized hive.
Walking out to the hives, Deem noted that while honey bees are their only pollinators in residence, others can be found among their plots of plants, such as bumble bees and carpenter bees.
“You make a plan for what you’re going to do when you get in the hive, but then you change that according to what you find or what is needed,” Deem said.
As she points out a rescue hive from an old split oak tree, Deem finds intruding pests that resulted in casualties to the hive. Deem describes this discovery as traumatic and panic-inducing.
In situations like these, Deem’s method to help the issue is to, “put them together, see how they’re hurt, how you can rescue them.”
Being a beekeeper means more than admiring the wholesomeness of a hive working together as one. The job can be complex and emotionally challenging.
Outside of hive visits, guests to the Pollinatarium can explore a variety of exhibits inside that highlight the intricate relationships between pollinators and plants. Current displays include bumblebee biology, monarch butterflies, the history of beekeeping, and the role of pollinators in ecosystems. The center also features an observation hive, allowing guests to witness the daily activities of a bee colony up close.
Deem said her favorite part of the job is witnessing the wide range of people who pass by, from children to elderly. She shared that if the Pollinatarium expands in the future, she hopes they can build an outdoor teaching pavilion for visitors to use during rainy weather, so weather is never a hindrance to education.
Another project she shared she wants to explore is collaborating with the greenhouses on campus.
“It would be nice to work with plant biology, who has a conservatory room already in the greenhouse, and work with them to put butterflies in there,” said Deem.
In addition to its exhibits, the Pollinatarium is involved in several research initiatives aimed at understanding and conserving pollinator populations. One such project is BeeSpotter, a citizen science program that encourages individuals to photograph and report sightings of honey and bumble bees.
This collaborative effort provides valuable data on bee populations and distribution, contributing to broader conservation efforts. In 2018, the University became the first Big Ten school to receive the Bee Campus USA designation. This recognition was a result of the University’s efforts to enhance pollinator habitats, reduce pesticide use, and promote pollinator education.
Naturally, the Pollinatarium played a pivotal role in this achievement, serving as a model for other institutions seeking to support pollinator conservation.
Deem said the best way for people to help promote the wellbeing of local pollinators is by planting more habitat. Helpful plants include Milkweed, Purple coneflower, and Penstemon.
