Source: www.TurfMagazine.com
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.— Bayer CropScience LP (Bayer) is investing over $100,000 in a project with Integrated Vegetation Management Partners, Inc. (IVM Partners) designed to improve and expand pollinator and wildlife habitats on public rights-of-way through integrated vegetation management.
IVM Partners, a nonprofit organization that is a liaison for industry, agency and conservation, develops programs and provides education on vegetation management and conservation best practices. The organization will work with Bayer on case study sites managed by utility or transportation rights-of-way.
The project aims to improve habitats for pollinators, birds and other wildlife in upland and wetland ecosystems in sites across eight states: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Oregon, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
Implementing integrated vegetation management practices includes: reducing or eliminating mowing, applying selective herbicides to encourage low-growing vegetation, controlling invasive and undesirable plant species, protecting watersheds, optimizing habitat for pollinators and other wildlife, reducing carbon footprint and reducing overall costs.
“With funding from Bayer, we will be able to expand integrated vegetation management research on diverse ecosystems across the country that correspond to migration routes of birds and Monarchs and increase and improve habitats for pollinators, birds and other wildlife,” said Rick Johnstone, president and founder of IVM Partners. “These sites can be used to educate utilities, agencies and the public on how we can partner using IVM best practices to control invasive plants, reduce erosion and sedimentation of waterways, and lower the risk of wildfires.”
Bayer’s collaboration with IVM Partners is just one example of its commitment to improve pollinator health and to increase forage for honeybees and other pollinators.