The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has long been devoted to improving roadways and properties across Utah through efforts to continuously evaluate, prioritize, and advance

their understanding of changing needs throughout the state. Foresight from a UDOT employee championed the idea of enhancing roadside properties into usable pollinator habitat to support declining populations.

This kickstarted a collaboration between conservation specialists and groups interested in implementing pollinator habitat improvements and availability of native plant resources to be utilized for future improvements across the state. Leaders from UDOT’s Wastewater Management Program and Research and Innovation Division provided the financial and logistical support efforts to get the program launched.

Funding contributions for the UDOT Pollinator Habitat Enhancement Program were derived from a variety of sources, including (but not limited to): UDOT, Utah State University (USU), Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), Paisley LLC, and RAE Environmental Inc. The tireless contributions and support of students, staff, environmental stewards, and members of the general public have made these habitat improvement efforts possible. We extend gratitude to the many USU students who contributed and continue to take ownership of this project.

In-kind and financial support from Utah State University (USU) in terms of faculty and staff time, as well as opportunities for students to experience unparalleled, hands-on field lessons in restoration ecology, pollinator ecology and public outreach have been vital to our efforts. Data collection from citizen scientists through iNaturalist will continue to provide valuable long-term data to help guide future decisions concerning the long-term maintenance and benefits of roadside habitats.