Office of Sustainability at the University of Southern Maine

Office of Sustainability at the University of Southern Maine The USM Office of Sustainability works across all campuses, departments, and disciplines to reduce environmental impact. Have questions?

Send us a message or follow us on Instagram!

08/28/2026
Hi there! I am Common Milkweed, or you can call me by my scientific name, Asclepias syriaca. You can find me and my poll...
07/27/2026

Hi there! I am Common Milkweed, or you can call me by my scientific name, Asclepias syriaca. You can find me and my pollinator friends in USM’s very own pollinator garden on Portland campus.

Here are some fun facts about me:
I can grow 3-5 feet tall
If you crush my leaves I will produce a milky liquid and sap
My flower clusters have about 100 flowers

I am the Purple Coneflower, some may refer to me as Echinacea purpurea. I love seeing my pollinator friends and you! Jus...
07/20/2026

I am the Purple Coneflower, some may refer to me as Echinacea purpurea. I love seeing my pollinator friends and you! Just don’t get scared by the buzz! Come visit me in the pollinator garden.

Here are some quick facts about me:
My blossoms are commonly used to support the immune system
Deer tend to avoid me
I can grow up to 4 feet tall

Hi! I am Maine’s Native Swamp Milkweed, Asclepias incarnata. You can find me blooming over the summer in Portland campus...
07/17/2026

Hi! I am Maine’s Native Swamp Milkweed, Asclepias incarnata. You can find me blooming over the summer in Portland campus’ pollinator garden. I am a host plant for my friend the Monarch butterfly, along with other pollinator friends!
Fun facts about me:
I grow 3 to 5 feet tall
I am toxic if largely ingested
I am deer resistant

I’m Aquilegia canadensis but you can call me Red Columbine too. You can hang out with me in Portland campus’ pollinator ...
06/10/2026

I’m Aquilegia canadensis but you can call me Red Columbine too. You can hang out with me in Portland campus’ pollinator garden just like my pollinator friends do!

Some fun facts about me:
I flower March through July and fruit June through August
I grow between 1 and 2 feet tall
I am toxic to most herbivores :(

We know what we need for a productive and comfortable bus ride...do you?Comment on your bus ride essentials 🎒
05/08/2026

We know what we need for a productive and comfortable bus ride...do you?

Comment on your bus ride essentials 🎒

Take advantage of the spare time while waiting for the bus!🌸Enjoy the spring weather on the Bean Green📚Grab some husky s...
05/07/2026

Take advantage of the spare time while waiting for the bus!

🌸Enjoy the spring weather on the Bean Green

📚Grab some husky swag before the semester ends

♻️ Be proud of using sustainable modes of transportation

Show us what you’re doing while killing time for the bus to arrive with the

We are so proud of Chloe Longpre for her achievement of the Contribution to Campus Sustainability award presented by the...
05/06/2026

We are so proud of Chloe Longpre for her achievement of the Contribution to Campus Sustainability award presented by the Office of Student Engagement & Belonging at USM. Chloe managed our Freestore this year and helped us participate in a record number of events!

What bus activities have you experienced?Comment BINGO below if you got three in a row!🏆
05/06/2026

What bus activities have you experienced?

Comment BINGO below if you got three in a row!🏆

Need to keep up with rider alerts?🔔Go to www.gpmetro.orgHover over Routes, Schedules & Services drop downClick on Rider ...
05/05/2026

Need to keep up with rider alerts?🔔

Go to www.gpmetro.org
Hover over Routes, Schedules & Services drop down
Click on Rider Alerts

Comment below on how you manage holiday/weather changes with the bus!

Address

Portland, ME

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Office of Sustainability at the University of Southern Maine posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category