KENOSHA, Wis. – On Tuesday, June 25 at the legendary Wayne E. Dannehl National Cross Country Course, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and the Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network (WIN) announced a new partnership: the Pollinator Patch Program. The goal of the program is to develop a land restoration plan and create more habitat for the Rusty Patched bumble bee while also preserving and enhancing the iconic cross country course on campus.
 
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The Wayne E. Dannehl National Cross Country Course is home to the Rangers' cross country teams and hosts more than a dozen college, high school and youth cross country meets annually. In the Fall of 2018, more than 8,000 runners crossed the finish line and more than 24,000 spectators visited the course. Graduate student and current Parkside student-athlete Amanda Johnson, who is a Racine native, represented Parkside athletics and her teammates at the partnership announcement. Johnson shared with the group how much the course means to her as a Parkside student-athlete, a runner and a community member.

"Our cross country course is an incredible asset not only to Parkside Athletics and our student-athletes, but to thousands of visitors each year and our community," said Andrew Gavin, Director of Athletics. "This partnership is an incredible example of our institution's commitment to community engagement. On behalf of Parkside Athletics, I thank Dave Giordano and his team at Root-Pike WIN and our University leadership for their vision and collaboration on this initiative."

The federally endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee is attracting attention locally as the Midwest is the only territory where the once wide-ranging bumble bee has remnant populations. The stressors to bumble bees in general, and the Rusty Patched in particular, include habitat loss, land disturbance, native vegetation loss, herbicide and pesticide use, disease, and possibly climate change.

"UW-Parkside is the hub of the Pike River watershed and now at the center of valuable habitat for threatened pollinators and other rare species," said David Giordano, executive director of Root-Pike WIN. "Uniquely, when these habitats are enhanced and restored, they also reduce storm-water runoff, boost water quality and create more opportunities for recreational activities. We are thrilled to launch the Pollinator Patch Program with UW-Parkside."

UW-Parkside is in a unique position to rehabilitate and enhance the approximately 211 acres of forest, and open space between county highways JR and E, and state Highway 31. These areas provide appealing native vegetation and prime habitat for wildlife, including the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee and other pollinators.

"UW-Parkside was founded by the community for the community," said UW-Parkside Chancellor Debbie Ford. "During our half century of serving southeastern Wisconsin, faculty, students, staff and alumni have been excellent stewards of the natural resources entrusted to our learning community. Building habit for the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee will be an exciting initiative."