Pollinator Positivity: A Master Plan for Pollinator Awareness at Miami University

POLLINATOR POSITIVITY A Master Plan for Pollinator Awareness in Oxford, Ohio.

In collaboration with Miami University’s Institute for the Environment and Sustainability, Three Valley Conservation Trust, and contributing members of the Oxford Community.

Developed by Danny Nolan August - December 2018

MIAMI UNIVERSITY O X F O R D , O H • E S T. 1 8 0 9

Report Prepared by Students in the

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCE

Institute for the Environment & Sustainability

Table of Contents 4. Introduction 6. Why Oxford? A Focus on Lorenzo Lorraine Langstroth 10. Review of City Practices & Community Input 14. Recommendations 16. The Pollinator Promenade 20. Signage, Designation, & Interaction 26. Level of Pollinator Positivity 28. The Langstroth Pollinator Exhibit 34. Conclusion & Special Thanks

Introduction

In the Fall of 2018, the issue of pollinator health and decline in the City of Oxford was raised by both conservation groups and local city government. It is widely known that pollinators are an important part of any ecosystem that requires asexual reproduction. An estimated

three-fourths of the world’s plants and about 35% of worldwide agriculture require pollination from animals like bees, moths, bats, birds, beetles, and other insects.

Studies show that these pollinators are failing to survive in the wake of increased anthropogenic development. With a decline in pollinator population comes a negative impact to the entire ecosystem and the services it provides. This not only threatens our natural areas, but can also harm food production potential for humans.

Pollinating animals travel from plant to plant carrying pollen on their bodies in a vital interaction that allows the transfer of genetic material critical to the reproductive system of most flowering plants. This nearly invisible ecosystem service is a precious resource that requires attention and support. Pollinators

provide pollination services to over 180,000 different plant species and more than 1,200 crops. In terms of money, pollinators add 217 billion dollars to the global economy, and honey bees alone are responsible for between 1.2 and 5.4 billion dollars in agriculture productivity in the United States. Not only are pollinators vital to the economy, they

play extremely important roles in ecosystems; from key members in food chains, to the reproduction of 90% of the worlds flowering plants.

Pollinator populations are changing, and have been declining over the past couple of decades. This change is attributed mostly to a loss in feeding and nesting habitats.

Other negative contributions to the decline include the increase of air and soil pollution, disregard for no mow and no spray zones, and the general lack of knowledge of pollinators. The habitat area counts in Oxford are vast and

the city is perfectly situated to become home to many pollinators.

Surrounded by miles of farmland, Oxford is a prime home for an abundance of pollinator friendly areas. Farms that are closer to natural habitats produce more crop yield because they attract more pollinators, also producing better quality crops. While a majority of our population feels as if pollinators are too small to have an impact on the human race, we are vastly dependent on these specialized species for a majority of the agricultural industry and our food supply.

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% Of the Agriculture that requires pollinators:

32%

17%

Allspice Almond Apple Apricot Avocado Beet Blackberry Blueberry Boysenberry Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Cantaloupe Carrot Cashew Cauliflower Coconut Cotton Cranberry Cucumber Eggplant Fennel Flax Grape Grapefruit Guava Lemon Lime Lychee Mango Mustard Onion Orange Passion Fruit Peach Pear Peppers Plum Pomegranate Potato Raspberry Sesame Squash Strawberry Tangerine Tomato Watermelon

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Why Oxford?

Langstroth Cottage

Lorenzo Langstroth

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Meet Lorenzo Lorraine Langstroth, The Father of Modern Day BeeKeeping Lorenzo Lorraine Langstroth lived in the Langstroth Cottage in Oxford, Ohio from 1858 until 1887. The house was a gift from his brother-in-law, and is also where he wrote his famous “The Hive and the Honeybee,” a revolutional beekeepers manual. His fascination with the honeybee began in the 1850s while he was living in Massachusetts, leading him to become a self taught expert. Throughout his research and work, he

discovered that there was a specific spatial measurement between the wax combs, later called the “bee space,” which bees don’t block with wax, but keep as a free passage.

Having determined this bee space (between 1/4 to 3/8”), Langstroth designed a series of wooden frames within a rectangular hive box, carefully maintaining the correct space between frames, and found that the bees built parallel honeycombs in the box without bonding them to each other or to the hive walls. This enables the beekeeper to slide any Lorenzo Langstroth (1810 - 1895) frame in and out of the hive for inspection, without harming the bees or the comb, protecting the eggs, larvae, and pupae contained within the cells. It also meant that combs containing honey could be gently removed and the honey extracted without destroying the comb. The emptied honey combs could then be returned to the bees for refilling. The

discovery and development of the movable comb hive fostered the growth of commercial honey production on a large scale in both Europe and the United States. At the time of Langstroth’s development of the new hive, honey was the primary sweetener in American diets, so his new techniques were significant to a growing population. Without Langstroth, the mass market of crops and produce that are heavily reliant on honeybees wouldn’t be as prosperous or efficient as it is today.

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A LANDSCAPE

FOR BEES

A POUND OF HONEY = A DOLLAR OF PRODUCE This graphic overlays data drawn from the 1870 Agricultural Census onto L.H. Everts’s 1875 Map of Oxford Township. The circles represent the relative value of orchard products (red) and market garden produce (green) (in dollars) and honey (yellow) (in pounds) as reported by farmers in the census who are listed on the map. The census shows that Lorenzo Langstroth was by far Oxford Township’s biggest producer of honey, with 1500 pounds reported. The Langstroth Cottage was located on the property of his brother-in law, A. B. Hull as listed on the map.

Research and design by Ben Jacks, Vanessa Cannon, and Marguerite S. Shaffer

Section William 78 Imp $6000 $50 Orc $100 P

Mrs. S. 110 Im $10,00 $75 Orc

John M 79 Imp $6000 $70 Orc $300 P

Hiram K 49 imp $3500 $30 orc $50 pro

Section Isaiah D Farmer b. 1834 200 im $18,60 $50 Orc 20 lbs h

Section William 157 im $15800 $750 O $200 p

Robert 100 im $7000 $20 orc 25 lbs h

Section William 218 im $24,00 $75 orc

John Sh 128 im $11280 $40 orc

Section Daniel 137 im $13620 $25 orc 75 lbs h

Section William 50 imp $3000 25 lbs h

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Section 1 William Booth 78 Improved acres $6000 Cash value of farm $50 Orchard produce $100 Produce of market garden

Section 7 John Shera 128 improved acres $11280 cash value of farm $40 Orchard produce

Isa Stout 80 improved acres $6500 cash value of farm $20 orchard produce $200 produce of market garden z

Section 8 T. E. Greer (Thomas Grier) 97 improved acres $8160 cash value of farm $25 orchard produce

Section 13 John Harris (J.H. Harris) 66 improved acres $5800 cash value of farm $150 orchard produce $500 produce of market garden 45 lbs honey

Section 20 Samuel Bollin 99 improved acres $7800 cash value of farm $40 orchard produce David Finch 135 improved acres $11000 cash value of farm 32 lbs honey

Langstroth’s Impact

Mrs. S. Davis 110 Improved acres $10,000 Cash value of farm $75 Orchard produce John Murdock 79 Improved acres $6000 Cash value of farm $70 Orchard produce $300 Produce of market garden Hiram King (H & W King) 49 improved acres $3500 value of farm $30 orchard produce $50 produce of market garden Section 2 Isaiah Douglass Farmer b. 1834 South Carolina 200 improved acres $18,600 cash value of farm $50 Orchard produce 20 lbs honey Section 3 William Douglass 157 improved acres $15800 cash value of farm $750 Orchard produce $200 produce of market garden Robert Douglass 100 improved acres $7000 cash value of farm $20 orchard produce 25 lbs honey Section 4 William Greer 218 improved acres $24,000 cash value of farm $75 orchard produce John Shera 128 improved acres $11280 cash value of farm $40 orchard produce Section 5 Daniel Shera 137 improved acres $13620 cash value of farm $25 orchard produce 75 lbs honey Section 6 William Duckett (Duckett Estate) 50 improved acres $3000 cash value of farm 25 lbs honey

G. Munns 114 improved acres $8520 cash value of farm $60 orchard produce Section 10 R. Gear (Lucy Zee Gere) 86 improved acres $7500 cash value of farm $75 produce of market garden William Mitchell (W & J Mitchell) 70 improved acres $5000 cash value of farm $50 orchard produce Richard Vereker 84 improved acres $1200 cash value of farm $20 orchard produce Section 11 James Horner 110 improved acres $13500 cash value of farm $200 orchard produce William Mitchell (W & J Mitchell) 70 improved acres $5000 cash value of farm $50 orchard produce George Null 65 improved acres $6300 cash value of farm $40 orchard produce $300 produce of market garden 20 lbs honey Section 12 John Copp (J. F. Copp) 130 improved acres $10600 cash value of farm $600 produce of market garden Warner Freeman Farmer b. 1815 Connecticut 330 improved acres $22000 cash value of farm $50 orchard produce $1000 produce of market garden 50 lbs honey Isaac Glasgow (I. Glasgow) 75 improved acres $7300 cash value of farm $20 orchard produce $200 produce of market garden

William Morris 40 improved acres $2600 cash value of farm $26 Orchard produce $500 Produce of market garden William Stewart 44 improved acres $3500 cash value of farm $20 orchard produce $150 produce of market garden

?

Section 15 Edward Brown 149 improved acres $16500 cash value of farm $1000 orchard produce Lewis Brown 75 improved acres $5000 cash value of farm $200 orchard produce $200 produce of market garden Section 16 James M. Greer Farmer and Association of American b. 1838 Ireland 70 improved acres $5400 cash value of farm $8 orchard produce Section 17 Franklin Hill (F.B. Hill) 170 improved acres $10600 cash value of farm $250 orchard produce J. D. Ringwood 52 improved acres $4320 cash value of farm $30 orchard produce Section 18 Jno. Bake (John Baker) 125 improved acres $10300 cash value of farm $25 orchard produce Section 19 Philip Morrical 40 improved acres $3400 cash value of farm $10 orchard produce

This research shows the monetary value and significance of Langstroth’s honey production.

Orlando Finch 90 improved acres $7240 cash value of farm $25 orchard produce Thomas Manning 47 improved acres $3900 cash value of farm $10 orchard produce Section 24 Israel DeWitt Farmer b. 1814 Kentucky 164 improved acres $15000 cash value of farm $150 produce of market garden Section 25 James C. Bryant (N. A. Bryant) Farmer & Distiller b. 1818 Ohio 33 improved acres $3800 cash value of farm $100 produce of market garden Joseph Martindale 100 improved acres $9200 cash value of farm $45 orchard produce $175 produce of market garden Section 26 J. J. Fry (John Fry) 86 improved acres $8700 cash value of farm $45 orchard produce $100 produce of market garden Socrates Holbrook Farmer & China Hogs b. 1856 New York 123 improved acres $6650 cash value of farm $311 orchard produce Lorenzo Langstroth (A. B. Hull) 4 improved acres $4000 cash value of farm 1500 lbs honey James Logan (Logan & Hesse) Farmer b. 1854 Virginia 87 improved acres $7000 cash value of farm $100 orchard produce $100 produce of market garden Section 28 Henry Bagby Farmer and Raiser of Small Fruit b. 1857 Virginia

35 improved acres $2400 cash value of farm $20 orchard produce 50 lbs honey John Lytle (John Little) 10 improved acres $1000 cash value of farm $30 orchard produce $600 produce of market garden Joseph A. Miller (A. J. Miller) Farmer b. 1827 Ohio 84 improved acres $7400 cash value of farm $20 orchard produce Section 29 James Dougherty 20 improved acres $1400 cash value of farm $20 orchard produce Patrick Dougherty 105 improved acres $15000 cash value of farm $50 orchard produce Thomas H. Dodge Stone and Brick Mason b. 1825 Massachusetts 43 improved acres $3600 cash value of farm $50 orchard produce Robert Riggs 160 improved acres $13000 cash value of farm $30 orchard produce Charles Wright (J. Wright) 100 improved acres $8000 cash value of farm $75 orchard produce $100 produce of market garden Section 30 James Akers 94 improved acres $5600 cash value of farm 50 lbs of honey Section 31 Daniel Ross 40 improved acres $3000 cash value of farm $30 orchard produce Section 32 John R. Ratliff 117 improved acres $15200 cash value of farm $150 orchard produce $400 produce of market garden Everett Woodruff 84 improved acres $7300 cash value of farm $40 orchard produce

Section 33 William Conklin Farmer b. 1812 Pennsylvania 84 improved acres $7600 cash value of farm $30 orchard produce W. J. Corrington 118 improved acres $5500 cash value of farm $20 orchard produce 15 lbs honey William Finch Farmer b. 1831 Ohio 100 improved acres $9000 cash value of farm $75 orchard produce Samuel Shook Farmer b. 1833 Indiana 65 improved acres $4800 cash value of farm $50 orchard produce John Mason (Mason & Synder) Farmer b. 1868 Scotland 154 improved acres $11700 cash value of farm $20 orchard produce Section 34 John S. Jones 65 improved acres $5400 cash value of farm $20 orchard produce William Mulligan 44 improved acres $3600 cash value of farm Section 35 William Douglass 180 improved acres $13800 cash value of farm $40 orchard produce 90 lbs honey Section 36 William Bell (Alexander Bell) 90 improved acres $6600 cash value of farm 350 lbs of honey Joseph Martindale 100 improved acres $9200 cash value of farm $45 orchard produce $175 produce of market garden William Woodruff 55 improved acres $6000 cash value of farm $65 orchard produce

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Review of city practices and community input

On September 22nd, 2018, we held a community meeting with officials from Miami University and Oxford to brainstorm ideas on what best ways to implement this idea of creating a “Pollinator City.” Led by Scott Johnston, associate professor to the Department of Architecture & Interior Design, with a focus on sustainable design, solar design, energy conservation, and building systems, ideas were thrown back and forth on how to successfully address this influential community. With the generous help from the mayor of Oxford, Kate Rousmaniere, Three Valley Conservation Trust, Chad Smith, Donna McCuollum, Steve Gordon, Agnes Marchlewska, Randy Evans, Eric Hollins, and fellow Miami University IES faculty, Sarah Dumyahn, Steven Sullivan, Suzanne Zazycki, six topic points on how to tackle creating a Pollinator Positive City in Oxford:

1. Langstroth Cottage 2. Master Plan 3. Events and Activities

4. Signage and Education 5. PR & Marketing 6. Pollinator Designation

The assembled task force was asked what current practices were being used on the lands of Oxford, and how they impact pollinator populations. Reported practices include pesticide use, mowing, active & intensive land use, species selection for seeding and planting, and construction / building-related landscaping. The community represented at the meeting was also asked to identify areas of opportunities to enhance pollinator protection efforts by adding demonstration projects (how to build a bee hotel or plant pollinator friendly plants), improving public communication and outreach, creating feeding and nesting habitats, and forming partnerships to increase pollinator population numbers.

Through many of its current practices, the City of Oxford acknowledges the vital

role of pollinators and recognizes the significance of maintaining a prosperous habitat. Oxford is a small rural agricultural city, and pollinators are important partners when it

comes time for the growing season. It is important to note that each land management activity carries trade-offs. A specific mowing practice, although not conducive to pollinators, may be needed to control invasive species or maintain recreational opportunities. With each of these activities, the goal is to produce more overall benefits than costs for the city and pollinators.

The biggest takeaway from the community meeting is that the pollinator city designation would be a foundation, the first step for Oxford to become a more sustainable and “green” city.

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Community Meeting Notes:

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Review of city practices and community input cont’d

To face the challenge of promoting awareness about such an important part of the local natural ecosystem, our IES project team was tasked with designating Oxford as a Pollinator City. We were paired with a local environmental advocacy group Three Valley Conservation Trust, who advised us along our project timeline. The goal of Oxford’s Pollinator

Positivity Project is to create a Pollinator City in Oxford. This Master Plan was developed consisting of strategies which increase the awareness of pollinators for the students of Miami University and the residents of Oxford. Early on in planning, we came across the obstacle that there isn’t a well known nationwide standard for promoting pollinators in the United States. Because of this lack of attention, we held a community meeting, where we were joined by the director of Three Valley, the mayor of Oxford, as well as other members of the Miami University and Oxford Township communities. We decided that it was necessary to define where efforts should be directed to create the foundation of how to designate Oxford as a Pollinator City. These tactics include, but are not limited to: • Revitalizing the Langstroth House, a registered National Historic Landmark, to highlight Oxford’s significance in modern beekeeping around the world, promoting awareness of sustainability and pollinators; both important national topics.

• Implementing a GIS (geographic information systems) enabled “Pollinator Promenade” that will offer both visitors and residents an educational walking tour around Oxford and Miami’s campus, and insight into areas with a heavy pollinator presence.

• Pinpointing natural areas of high pollination around Oxford, and installing signage that will coincide with the Pollinator Promenade, as well as outlining those areas worthy of protection.

By obtaining input from a diverse sample of Oxford residents, we hope to bring a road map to both 3VCT and the City of Oxford. This document will represent what Oxford residents believe should be accomplished to become more pollinator friendly. This master plan will be a guide for anyone who wishes to lead a pollinator project for the City, and will contain all the relevant information they will need to successfully complete said project(s).

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Potential Collaborators:

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recommendations

This section will give a basic overview of our three major recommendations to Oxford’s public and private institutions, with the goal of increasing the awareness and interest in Oxford’s pollinators. Split up into short and long term sections, these recommendations are by no means binding. What is intended is to spark people’s interest in protecting and

appreciating pollinator space, as well as provide a loose framework for decision makers to guide their focus towards pollinator issues and potentials.

As the numbers of honeybees and native pollinators continue to decline, it is essential to take steps to not only protect pollinators, but to create an environment in which they will thrive; as well as educate the community. The city of Oxford is to presented with these goals:

1. GIS Pollinator Promenade 2. Signage, Designation, and Interaction 3. Langstroth Cottage

The expected eventual outcome is that the city will work with government agencies, businesses, city departments, schools, farmers, organizations actively working with pollinators, and the public to increase both food resources and suitable nesting habitat for pollinator species. This can include, but is not limited to:

1. Adopting and implementing policies that promote pollinator health and habitat.

2. Exploring alterations to current City land management practices that improve habitat of pollinators on City-owned land.

3. Educating the general public and City departments on the issue of pollinator decline and strategies that can be implemented to improve pollinator health and habitat.

4. Creating and fostering partnerships that assist in the advancement of pollinator health at the local, regional and federal levels.

A suggested time frame for implementation is provided after each recommended action, the time frame is listed as a guideline and is represented as follows:

1. Short Term Goals: 1 - 3 years from now 2. Medium Term Goals: 3 - 5 years from now 3. Long Term Goals: 5 - 20+ years from now 14

Timeline:

2018 - 2021

Pollinator Promenade (GIS) Time frame: Short Recommended Actions: • Further expand the Promenade to include more gardens and spaces.

• Host events and activities around the Promenade to increase awareness and education.

2021 - 2023

Signage, Designation, and Interaction Time frame: Medium Recommended Actions: • Survey & produce specific signs for residential and public spaces.

• Use local gardens to host interactive events to further educate residents, students, and visitors when desired.

2023 - 2043

Langstroth Cottage as Sustainability Center Time frame: Long Recommended Actions: • Budget & allocate funds for construction to emphasize Langstroth’s legacy.

• Advocate the space as an educational building for student organizations and classes, drawing visitors and prospective students.

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Pollinator Promenade Short Term Goal 1 - 3 Years

One idea that was continually repeated during the community meeting was the need for an interactive, outdoor experience for tourism in Oxford. After brainstorming ideas on how to get students, faculty, residents, and even visitors involved, we realized that something

was needed that would constantly be available at Miami University.

The solution was the Pollinator Promenade, an educational walking trail through Miami’s Campus and parts of Oxford, highlighting gardens and plots of land that promote pollination. While Miami already has multiple Butterfly Gardens around campus including the Pearson Plaza Butterfly Garden, Upham Hall Bluestone Gardens, Rec Center Butterfly Garden, and the Natural Areas Bird Butterfly Gardens, this accumulation of data would be an extension of these existing public spaces. The trail will pass through

some of the larger areas of pollinator potential, and is accompanied by a geographic information systems enabled interactive walking tour. At all of the stops, walkers will be able to approach an area designated by a sign, which contains a QR code in the bottom corner. Upon scanning, the visitor will be presented with a myriad of information about that particular area; including flora, fauna, history, and its use today.

This walking tour came to fruition with the help of a generous group of students studying GIS this semester in the Geography Department, all who have been listed on page 35. With

their help, the preliminary and interactive experience of the Pollinator Promenade has been developed. Through ESRI, a GIS mapping software and spatial

data analytics and location platform tool, this idea has fully come to fruition. Ideally, the trail will be expanded as more residents and organizations opt in to volunteer to have their space as a stop in the trail. This not only brings together the residents of Oxford, but also current and prospective students, and visitors as well. As the Pollinator Promenade expands, residents of Oxford would be able to participate, upon approval, showing off their hard work landscaping and creating a pollinator friendly garden.

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esri story map: Courtesy of assistant professor of geograohy, Jessica McCarty, and students in her GEO 242: Mapping a Changing World class.

1.

Elliott and Stoddard Halls These two buildings, Elliott and Stoddard Halls, are the oldest on Miami’s campus. Originally, the two were constructed as dormitories and are still used for the same purpose today, currently home to the Scholar Leader LLC. The extensive landscaping, featuring both native and nonnative plants are located around the building, providing shelter and food for bees. For example, rose bushes are nonnative and attract pollinators to this area.

4.

Shideler Pollinator Garden Shideler Hall is home to a combination of departments, most notably Geography, Geology, and the Institute for the Environment and Sustainability. As it was just recently renovated in 2015, the building houses state of the art facilities in each department, setting them apart from other universities. The recent renovation included construction of a pollinator garden featuring native plants, such as lavender. These gardens illustrate how new construction on campus can be an opportunity to provide pollinator friendly features instead of destroying habitat.

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Bringing a Technology Invested Generation Closer to Nature

To get Miami University Students involved, it was vital to figure out a way to grab their attention, and create an experience they would want to pursue. ESRI has multiple applications and mobile friendly websites that allow for easy access and instant information to be displayed for almost any basic tech user.

Educating the future generations on the importance of pollinators is one of the only ways we can ensure safeguarding and protection of pollinators. Providing the instant knowledge that pollinator gardens represent a small part of Miami’s campus prompts the “ohhhh” and “wow that’s so cool!” moment, which can inspire a new motivation for saving the planet. This experience can create new interest for any student, faculty member, or visitor on campus.

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Signage, Designation & Interaction Medium Term Goal: 3 - 5 Years

A vital part of making people aware of pollinators is getting the word out. Clubs and organizations on Miami’s campus have a large presence in the Oxford Community. The events they put on are effective, but not eternal or long lasting. We wanted to develop some

form of signage that would have longevitity and grow as the general knowledge of pollinators became more prominent. Creating physical signs with specific and different indications in terms of Pollinator Habitats truly creates a Pollinator City. Once gardens and plots of land are designated as their respective Pollinator Habitat, they will serve to advocate, as well as educate, for Pollinator Gardens.

Signs were designed with informational aspects in mind; from educational, to updated lawnscape practices.

Users can pick the specific sign they want based on their preference and garden space. Implementing the

designated pollinator garden signs around the city of Oxford will be helpful in spreading awareness of pollinator protection. One of the

key areas in which the city can be active in spreading awareness of pollinators is through education of city departments, and more importantly, the general public, of the importance of strong pollinators and opportunities for actions. Advertising the benefits of making a commitment to restricted pesticide use and mowing on a neighborhood level, and designing a recognition system for neighborhood association and organizations that manage land, including Miami University, will provide a common and easily recognizable visual.

With these signs, workshops, events, and activities would be held more often to promote the creation and implementation of new pollinator spaces. While some students may or may not know what plants are needed for a pollinator friendly garden, they may not necessarily know how to plant them properly. Demonstration workshops and events would be ideal to spread the implementation of these pollinator gardens. From learning how to build a bee hotel, raising flowering plants, and how to maintain these gardens, the signage would be a conversation starter to further the knowledge of how to sustain the pollinator habitats in Oxford.

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Pollinator Presence Detected Garden Assessment Specific Sign Designated “Potential Pollinator Habitat” “Pollinator Habitat” “No Mow Zone, Pollinators Present” “No Mow Zone, No Spray Zone” Happy Pollinators Happy People

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Pollinator Habitat This lawn sign is ideal for residents in the greater Oxford area. The simple design can alert anyone from a distance on what a true Pollinator Habitat looks like. The QR code can be scanned and synced to the Pollinator Promenade, giving details on what plants and flowers are present. This provides

simple and effective education to those who come across it.

Potential Pollinator Habitat This sign would be put in place of gardens or plots of land with the potential to become a Pollinator Habitat. The goal of this specific signage is to prevent unaware pedestrians from walking or disturbing the soil, plants, or flowers. Whether public or residential, gardens with this sign will either have just been planted or designated as a future Protected Pollinator Habitat.

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No Mow Zone No Spray Zone Perfect for those with pesticide free and carefully maintained gardens or fields, this marker would prevent the chemical contamination of the specific indicated area. An

estimated 90% of pollen is contaminated with pesticides, so these signs aim to end the confusion on no mow and no spray zones. Local farmers and planter in Oxford would benefit greatly from these signs.

No Mow Zone Pollinators Present Ideal for any resident or for on campus, this sign would help prevent the mowing of eco friendly lawns, or plain grass alternative lawns. Lawn care providers may not be knowledgeable on whether or not to mow specific areas, so this clear and concise sign is easy to read for those who carry out lawn care. The QR code can also be scanned and used as a marker for future referencing and databasing.

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Level of pollinator positivity A Classification Guide

This guide is a reference for anyone with a pollinator garden to assess the level of pollination production that their garden can achieve. Ranking gardens based on amount of pollinator plants, special installations, and ecological footprint; this system can give other people a reference for growing ideas, or even to seek assistance. Once a garden level is established, the owner can receive their own designated pollinator sign from the city of Oxford. In the future, these levels of certification would be synced with an even greater level of detail on pollinator gardens, as well as exposure to those on the walking tour.

“Bee the change you wish to see in the world.�

- Gandbee

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Potential

Strong

Level 4:

Pollinator Paradise

Pollinator Paradise gardens have the extreme potential to increase pollinator productivity. With pollinator hotels, watering holes, native plants, and pollinator fostering plants, these gardens can increase and attract pollinators of all kinds. Sage, Sourwood, Hollyocks, Lavender, Cilandro, Buttercup, Anemone, Crocus, you name it, this garden has it all!

These gardens go above and beyond pollinator productivity; using native plants increase biodiversity and help filter storm water run off, futher bettering the environment and reducing negative ecological footprints.

Requirements: 15+ pollinator plants, 5+ native plants, and 2+ special installations.

Level 3:

Pollinator Preserve

A pollinator preserve is the ideal garden for pollinators of all sorts.With a pollinator hotel or watering hole for pollinators to rest and freshen up, these types of garden are perfect for short term pollination. Consisting of flowers and plants that better foster productivity, these areas may include Asters, Fennel, Maples, Thyme, Sage, and Poppies. These gardens suffice, but can do better, there is always room for improvement. With a little addition and extra time landscaping, this garden can reach the highest level!

Requirements: 10 pollinator plants, and 1 special installation.

Level 2:

Pollinator Pacifist

This garden has the potential to grow into a greater pollinator garden, but is only created with minimal work and effort. Easy to plant, pollinator plants and flowers include Sunflowers, Sweet Peas, California Poppies, Marigold, Geraniums, and Pansies. While these flowers do foster little pollinator productivity, they don’t come close to nor exceed full pollinator potential.

Requirements: 5 pollinator plants.

Level 1:

Pollinator Pothole

These types of gardens contain absolutely no pollinator potential positivity. Plants that are detrimential to pollinators include Rhododendron, Azalea, Trumpet Flower, Oleander, and Yellow Jessamine. Plain lawnscaping, grass, and even asphalt and concrete are found in these “gardens.�Pollinator productivity is not fostered in these areas and need vast amounts of attention to serve the environment in a positive way!

Requirements: none.

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The Langstroth Pollinator Exhibit Long Term Goal: 5 - 20+ Years

The revitalization of the Langstroth Cottage, located on Patterson Ave., in front of Western College on Miami’s Campus creates another interactive and educational experience for visitors and students. For years, this space has been used as office and storage space; but not for student or community use. However, what many people don’t know

is that the Cottage is on the register of National Historic Places, and represents a significant breakthrough in beekeeping (apiculture) by Langstroth himself. Langstroth taught at Miami University from 1858 until 1887, seven years

prior to his death. The house, where he wrote his famous “The Hive and the Honeybee,” was his longest residence in a single location. Given the incredible significance that Langstroth had on modern beekeeping, we believe that the current use of the space, as a halfused office for the Butler County Regional Transport Authority, could be greatly improved. Oxford and Miami have a well preserved, important historical landmark that is being underutilized.

To fix this, we have envisioned an architectural add on that would revitalize the space, with the goal of turning it into a tourist destination as well as a space for student and community groups to meet and interact. Langstroth left a mark on the land as well, planting

bee-friendly flowers and trees around the cottage that still bears his name as a national historical site. Because of this legacy, we envisioned a installation

museum to showcase the significance of Langstroth’s accomplishments. Miami student groups, including the potential collaborators listed earlier, as well as academic departments would be able to use this space to full educational advantage. Not only does this increase academic stimulation and increase learning potential, but this dedication has the potential to show how much Miami truly cares about sustainability and the environment.

Included in the Exhibit:

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Pollinators: Butterflies Bumblebees Flowering Beetles

Honeybees Honeyeaters Hummingbirds

Ladybugs Moths Sunbirds

Pollinator Vegetation: Anemone Aster Borage Buttercup Calendula Catmint Cilantro Cleome

Crocus Fennel Flowering Dogwood Geranium Heliotrope Hollyhocks Lavender Linden Maple

Poppy Sage Sourwood Snowdrop Sunflower Sweet Alyssum Thyme Zinnia

Diagrammatic concept:

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In conclusion . . .

Oxford has incredible potential to become a major pollinator destination in the southwest Ohio area, given its influence in modern day agriculture and apiculture. Due to this influence, and Oxford’s history as a “pollination capital,” the community has made it clear that they want Oxford to be a “Pollinator City.” To define the terms of what a Pollinator City is, we asked members of the community to give their input, and were left with three major areas of interest; Langstroth House, Signage, Designation and Interaction, and the GIS Pollinator Promenade.

As described above, we hope to bring these changes to Oxford on a timeline ranging from 5 to 20 years, enacted by anyone who has this packet in their hands. Our goal is to enable Oxford to “Think Globally, Act Locally” by taking advantage of the rich history right in the heart of the Miami / Oxford community.

You, the reader, are an essential part of this process. By now, you understand both the problems and potential solutions to Oxford’s pollinator needs, which imbues you with the responsibility to act. We are aware that, without community support, these plans will fade into the past. That is why we ask you to take small steps towards a common goal. Feel free to distribute, disseminate, and share this information with anyone who shares a passion for sustainability, the environment, and the well being of the planet. As more and more people understand the significance of the Langstroth House, and Oxford’s overall contribution to modern day beekeeping, we are confident that people will speak up in support of the ideas laid out inside this plan. Our vision, if realized, will be the continued transition

to a more sustainable community; which is ultimately what this project represents. By tastefully combining the human world with the natural world, Oxford will

continue to grow as a healthy place for both Miami students and families to live, as well as Oxford residents who call this place their home.

“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul”.

- John Muir

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With special thanks to: Scott Johnston Vanessa Cannon Averi Cleary Sarah Dumyahn Mike Dvorak Randy Evans Steve Gordon Sam Gutierrez Abby Heublein Eric Hollins Caroline Igo Ben Jacks Ryan Kelly Agnes Marchlewska Donna McCuollum Jessica McCarty-Kern Ana Nelson Kate Rousmaniere Peggy Shaffer Chad Smith Steven Sullivan Ryan Wagoner Suzanne Zazycki

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Thanks for reading :)