The VCU School of Life Sciences and Sustainability is celebrating the success of its Native Plant-Pollinator Biodiversity Project following a strong community response at the Maymont Herbs Galora sale on April 25, 2026.

Led by Dr. Colleen Higgins alongside student researchers Ethan Stiles, Jett Weaverm Myra Randhawa, Ivan Micheletti and Siofra Foster, the project promotes the creation of "native corridors," small-scale habitats designed to reconnect fragmented green spaces and support urban wildlife throughout the Richmond region. 

The initiative saw all 30 pre-planned garden kits sell out in just three hours. Each kit included 11 carefully selected perennial native plants grown from seed by SLSS students. The gardens were specifically designed to attract and support pollinators, helping strengthen biodiversity within the Richmond ecosystem for years to come.

In addition to expanding pollinator-friendly habitats, the projects also incorporate a citizen science component that allows community members to contribute directly to ongoing ecological research. Garden recipients will observe and document pollinator activity within their gardens, providing valuable data for student researchers. 

Through this initiative, students will be able to compare the effectiveness of native and non-native plants in attracting pollinator species, evaluate the long-term environmental impact of the gardens and apply statistical methods to analyze pollinator abundance and diversity trends. 

The project highlights the value of combining sustainable horticulture, student research, and community engagement to create measurable environmental impact throughout the Richmond area. 

Project Lead: Dr. Colleen Higgins

Student Researchers: Ethan Stiles, Jett Weaver, Myra Randhawa, Ivan Micheletti Lopez and Siofra Foster