March 18, 2024 – Butterfly Pavilion, the first Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)- accredited, stand-alone, non-profit invertebrate zoo in the world and BioMed Realty, a Blackstone portfolio company and leading provider of real estate solutions to the life science and technology industries, announced today a partnership to develop and enhance pollinator habitat in BioMed Realty’s Flatiron Park in Boulder. It represents Butterfly Pavilion’s first partnership with a life science and technology campus through its Environmental and Ecological Services offerings. The partnership involves a multi-year project that officially began in 2023 with a baseline fall assessment. In 2024, pollinatorfriendly habitats will be designed and implemented at four buildings in Flatiron Park, with other buildings planned for 2025 and 2026.
The model of collaborative conservation creates pollinator habitats by increasing the presence of diverse plant species to attract beneficial insects and birds, creating a balanced ecosystem. This ripple effect extends beyond the property, positively impacting the broader environment and promoting a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.
“This initiative will promote the cultivation of native plants that cater to the specific needs of local butterfly species, bees, and other invertebrates, thereby enhancing biodiversity and building a greater appreciation for these critical species and their habitats,” said Hannah Brown, Environmental and Ecological Services Manager at Butterfly Pavilion.
Pollinators, such as honey bees, native bees and butterflies, play a critical role in ecosystem function and are vital to the human production of food and the reproduction of native plants. Yet global pollinators are at risk with habitat destruction, chemical pollution, parasites, and pathogens significantly decreasing their numbers. Flower-rich landscapes support greater biodiversity and climate resilience, supporting pollinators and other beneficial species. By providing a habitat conducive to local pollinators, Flatiron Park will contribute to the overall enhancement of biodiversity in the region.
“Committed to bettering the communities in which we operate, we have partnered with Butterfly Pavilion to ensure the protection and conservation of pollinators while supporting greater biodiversity,” said Mike Ruhl, Vice President of BioMed Realty. “We’ve seen an increase in demand for sustainable infrastructure investments from both tenants and investors, and our leading ESG initiatives continue to set us apart.”
Flatiron Park’s outdoor areas will offer a unique and interactive experience for tenants, fostering a sense of connection with nature. As occupants interact with the pollinator habitats and participate in optional onsite educational classes presented by Butterfly Pavilion, they gain a deeper understanding of the significance of local biodiversity conservation. This heightened awareness often typically leads to a growing interest in sustainable practices and a strong inclination to engage in community initiatives aimed at environmental preservation.
“We applaud BioMed Realty for recognizing the importance of pollinators and for their foresight to incorporate pollinator habitat into their landscaping plans,” said Patrick Tennyson, President and CEO of Butterfly Pavilion. “As development and infrastructure increases throughout our region, Butterfly Pavilion is pioneering an innovative approach for incorporating pollinator habitat to help conserve and protect these valuable creatures.”
This partnership is part of BioMed Realty’s ongoing commitment to sustainable operations and community betterment. Recognizing the value of resources that extend beyond just the physical buildings, BioMed Realty’s Flatiron Park features reserved open spaces, mature landscaping, native ecosystems, and easily accessible pedestrian and bicycle paths. These elements contribute to the physical and mental health and well-being of the community.
Since its entrance into the Boulder community in April 2022, BioMed Realty has been in the process of upgrading and converting traditional office space to lab use throughout Flatiron Park’s existing buildings over time, creating approximately 600 local construction jobs and further nourishing Boulder’s research and development ecosystem. The Company’s current footprint in Boulder includes 23 buildings and 1 million square feet of space.
Butterfly Pavilion’s habitat development model at Flatiron Park is a blueprint for creating, improving, and sustaining pollinator habitat throughout Colorado, and soon internationally in Turks and Caicos. Habitat enhancements are integrated into engineered green spaces such as rain gardens, bioswales, green roofs, shared public areas, and residential neighborhoods.
The Baseline development in Broomfield, Colorado, has already shown an increase of pollinators where a new habitat was planted just a few years ago. The future of pollinator habitat is more than creating and sustaining the habitat but includes an education and research component that engages and activates the community.
About Butterfly Pavilion Environmental & Ecological Services
Butterfly Pavilion Environmental & Ecological Services is a diverse line of consulting products and services designed to balance the needs of humanity with the protection of invertebrates, the species upon which all life depends. From pollinator-promoting commercial and industrial landscape designs, to habitat restoration, to brag-worthy backyard gardens, Butterfly Pavilion can increase value, aesthetics, and create more balance between humans and these tiny giants for any landscape or development.
About BioMed Realty
BioMed Realty, a Blackstone portfolio company, is a leading provider of real estate solutions to the life science and technology industries. BioMed Realty owns and operates high quality life science real estate comprising 16.8 million square feet concentrated in leading innovation markets throughout the United States and the United Kingdom, including Boston/Cambridge, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Boulder and Cambridge, UK. In addition, BioMed maintains a premier development platform with 2.7 million square feet of Class A properties in active construction to meet the demand of the life science and technology industries. To learn more about BioMed Realty, visit biomedrealty.com and follow the company on X @biomedrealty.
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