Biological diversity supports a critical balance in nature, maintaining ecological stability and resilience. Unfortunately, natural ecosystems have been transformed by human activity, and critical habitat for plants and animals has been lost and degraded. Across the globe, wildlife populations have declined by an estimated 70% over the last 50 years. The good news is that collective actions, including small changes, can help protect species in decline.
Oakland University has several biodiversity gardens across our campus, supported by OU students, faculty and staff. These gardens aim to create habitat for a diverse community of organisms, including beneficial plants, animals and microbes. Native perennial plant species in these gardens provide an array of ecosystem services, such as provisioning pollinators with floral resources, aiding in water retention and filtration, in addition to facilitating carbon sequestration.
Currently, there are two gardens on main campus: one garden in front of Kresge Library and the Oakland Center, and a second, smaller garden in front of the eastern Dodge Hall entrance. Additionally, two gardens can be found at the OU Laboratory for Outdoor Research, Agriculture, Conservation and Sustainability (LORACS).
Give to Support Biodiversity ConservationLearn about Plants and Animals in the Garden
