Book Displays

Bees, Butterflies, Other Pollinators, and You

On display online and in Rose Library, April 2025

Throughout the month of April, many of us think about how we can make a difference for our planet on Earth Day and every day. We invite you to explore a selection of books about bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and us. We hope you will find something you can connect with - from who are the pollinators, to what’s at stake, to how you can help.

Our campus is home to many pollinators, including bumblebees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Pollinators play a profound role in our lives in many ways. For example, bees and other pollinators are responsible for up to one third of the fruits and vegetables that we consume. Pollinators also contribute to the production of our clothes and stability of our ecosystems. In many places throughout the world, the critical service of pollinators is at risk due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and introduced diseases. Here at JMU, many faculty, staff and students are being the change by supporting pollinator populations through habitat conservation, teaching, research, outreach and more. Anyone may begin to participate at their own home by adopting four simple steps: growing pollinator-friendly flowers, providing nest sites with yard and garden habitats, avoiding pesticides, and spreading the word. 

This display of resources related to pollinators was created in partnership with JMU Libraries, JMU’s Institute for Stewardship of the Natural World Student Educators and the JMU Bee Campus USA Committee. JMU is a Bee Campus USA participant since 2019. We continue building an environmentally literate community whose members act as model stewards of the natural world.