Pollinator Corridor set with 1,200 native plant species and hundreds of volunteers

Michigan State University Landscape Services continues to support the sustainability and ecosystem of the Red Cedar River thanks to a grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation. MSU Landscape Services was the recipient of a $100,000 Consumers Energy Foundation Planet Award. The university put those dollars to work through several coordinated efforts along the Red Cedar River behind the MSU Auditorium and the Rock.  

“There’s something special about the banks of the Red Cedar, and we at the Consumers Energy Foundation are proud to help MSU protect them,” said Brandon Hofmeister, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “This is exactly the kind of project our Planet Awards are meant to support: practical work that improves water quality, restores habitat and creates a healthier river for students, wildlife and the East Lansing community.” 

The grant will support the planting of native pollinator species along the Red Cedar River corridor as part of ongoing efforts towards sustainability, water quality, biodiversity, and campus beautification. The new pollinator corridor covers approximately three miles on the banks of the Red Cedar River on Michigan State University’s East Lansing campus, providing native habitat and resources for pollinating species like bees, butterflies and other pollinators.  

This project removed invasive species along the river, implemented rain gardens to capture and manage stormwater runoff, and planted native species to reduce soil erosion along the riverbank in an effort to improve the Red Cedar River water quality and positively impact Michigan’s environment. Additionally, native plants and pollinator species planted create a sustainable environment. Promoting healthy and resilient ecosystems with the use of native plants helps ensure that pollinators can continue to pollinate more than 35% of the world's food crops. 

Michigan State University’s campus serves as a living lab for students, researchers, and faculty. The planting event was a great educational showcase to engage volunteers and the community in hands-on learning about MSU’s commitment to sustainability. Today community volunteers, representatives from Consumers Energy Foundation, and Michigan State University staff came together to: 

• Plant native pollinator plugs 
• Install native grasses and flowering species 
• Enhance this section of the river corridor 
• Discuss pollinators and water quality 

A sign along the river walkway near the Farm Lane Bridge helps continue educational opportunities for the community.  

“It is encouraging to experience MSU’s commitment to sustainability through projects and partnerships like this pollinator corridor. After many years working in the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), I appreciate the importance of being good stewards of our environment. Grants from community partners like the Consumers Energy Foundation help ensure that our grounds continue to welcome future generations of Spartans and pollinators alike.” said Associate Vice President for MSU Strategic Infrastructure Planning and Facilities Ken McFarlane.   

Designated as a Bee Campus USA in 2023, MSU continues to support pollinators through habitat development, education, outreach, research and partnerships, like the one with the Consumers Energy Foundation. Enhancing pollinator habitat on campus helps us embrace our land grant calling by modeling best practices that we teach in our classrooms, that we study in the field, and that we share with residents, students and visitors alike. 

A passionate community of experts continue to transform multiple locations on campus into rain and pollinator gardens and wildlife habitats. The work isn’t done the day the space is cultivated. Regular stewardship is necessary to maintain the environment, remove unwanted plant species, and maintain the native plants to ensure long-term success. 

Learn more about MSU sustainability efforts. 

Join us next week for our fall Red Cedar River cleanup event along the river near Brody Hall.

About Michigan State University 

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 170 years. Among the world’s top 100 universities and a leading U.S. public research institution, MSU pushes the limits of discovery and innovation to advance the state of Michigan and the nation, and make a better, safer, healthier world for all. The university provides life-changing educational opportunities through an inclusive academic community with more than 400 programs of study and is the largest producer of talent for Michigan, educating more undergraduates than any other university in the state. 
 

About the Consumers Energy Foundation  

The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider. The Foundation contributes to the growth and strengthening of Michigan communities by investing in what’s most important — our people, our planet and Michigan’s prosperity. In 2025, the Consumers Energy Foundation, CMS Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees and retirees contributed more than $17 million in support of Michigan nonprofits and communities. For more information, visit consumersenergy.com/foundation.  
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CONTACT: 
Matthew Bailey, Manager for MSU Landscape Services, baile227@msu.edu  
Megan D. Kirk, Consumers Energy Foundation, megan.d.kirk@cmsenergyc.com