Jennifer Arena, a junior at the University of New Haven, is turning a small space behind Celentano Hall into a vibrant ecosystem. Her senior thesis is all about sustainability and inviting beneficial insects into the urban environment.
When Arena first visited the campus, she noticed a lack of natural landscapes. This observation sparked her idea to create raised garden beds designed to attract pollinators. “I want to bring bees, butterflies, and birds to urban areas,” she explains. “Restoring the Monarch butterfly population is a key goal, as they are endangered.”
Starting in spring 2025, she’s managing two garden plots—one with familiar flowers and the other using native plants like lavender and butterfly bushes. “I’m tracking how many pollinators visit each plot,” she shares. Her findings will help illustrate the importance of native plants in supporting local wildlife.
Laura Miller, the director of energy and sustainability at the university, praised Arena’s project, calling it a wonderful example of student-led environmental action. “We wanted the garden beds to be near our LEED-certified buildings to emphasize sustainability,” Miller said.
Arena is diligent in her work. She collects soil samples and records data on visits from pollinators several times a week. “I’ve made it a habit to check on them often,” she notes.
Arena terms her project a “Victory Grove,” inspired by an initiative she read about. “These spaces serve as microecosystems. The idea is that when enough of them are established, they’ll help restore biodiversity in urban areas,” she explains.
In developing her thesis, she consulted with her adviser, Dr. Jean-Paul Simjouw, and experts from Yale University. “Their guidance has been invaluable,” she says.
The initiative also aims to address the “Urban Blockage” for pollinators. The university is considering joining the Pollinator Pathways Initiative and becoming a part of Bee City USA, which promotes chemical-free environments for pollinators.
According to a recent survey, urban green spaces can significantly reduce temperatures and act as vital carbon sinks. Replacing conventional landscaping with more native plants can cut down on pollution and promote healthy ecosystems. “Native plants are beautiful and require less maintenance,” says Arena. “They benefit the local environment and help our bees and butterflies.”
Arena hopes to create a lasting impact. “I want future students to build on this project,” she shares, envisioning a campus rich in biodiversity. She imagines other environmental students using the gardens for research and learning.
Miller sees great potential as well. “We’d love to add educational signs about the gardens and include them in sustainability tours,” she adds. Expanding the use of native plants across campus is also a goal.
Arena’s vision aims to inspire the community beyond the campus. “We need more urban green spaces in West Haven and New Haven,” she emphasizes. “It’s about getting everyone involved in growing beneficial plants.”
What began as a small garden project is evolving into a broader movement. “If we can create enough green spaces, we can restore biodiversity, one grove at a time,” she concludes.
