UMaine mentioned in Press Herald profile on DOT vegetation manager
The University of Maine was mentioned in a Portland Press Herald feature on Bob Moosmann, vegetation manager for the Maine Department of Transportation. Aware of the threat that colony collapse disorder presents to bees, Moosmann wanted to promote restorative projects to help bring back pollinators. He started collaborating with counterparts at transportation agencies through New England and applied for a grant to study ways to establish native wildflowers, according to the article. Two years ago, the Maine Natural Areas Program began surveying 40 roadside locations around the state, cataloging invasive species and the top 10 plant types in each location. From there, pollinator experts from UMaine took a closer look at 11 of the sites, visiting each three times to inventory bees and butterflies to see which native plants they were attracted to and would benefit the pollinators most, the article states. Once the final report is done, Moosmann will develop a restoration plan and start implementing it in areas like the newly cleared roadsides along I-295, Press Herald reported.