The University of New Orleans (UNO) proudly participated in the 2025 NOLA Bug Fest, showcasing its commitment to environmental sustainability, community engagement, and scientific exploration. UNO was represented by members from a range of campus organizations, including Keep UNO Beautiful, the UNO Garden Club, UNO Federal Credit Union, Birds of UNO, the Society for Earth and Environmental Sciences (SEES), and the UNO Autism, Brain, & Language Lab.

The NOLA Bug Fest, held annually in New Orleans, is a celebration of the world of insects, offering attendees educational opportunities, interactive exhibits, and exciting hands-on activities. This year, UNO’s participation highlighted the university’s deep connection to local environmental and scientific initiatives, making an impactful contribution to the event's mission of raising awareness about biodiversity and sustainability.

• · Keep UNO Beautiful: Students from Keep UNO Beautiful played a vital role in promoting sustainability efforts and environmental stewardship, organizing educational campaigns and engaging with the public on topics like waste reduction and sustainable living.
• · UNO Garden Club: Members of the UNO Garden Club shared their expertise on urban gardening, pollination, and the role insects play in sustaining healthy ecosystems, while providing tips on how to grow eco-friendly native gardens.
• · UNO Federal Credit Union: Offering financial literacy support, UNO Federal Credit Union demonstrated the importance of sustainable financial practices, aligning with the overall theme of environmental responsibility and long-term planning.
• · Birds of UNO: Birds of UNO shared insights into the connection between bird populations and insect communities, fostering an understanding of the interconnectedness of all species in local ecosystems.
• · Society for Earth and Environmental Sciences (SEES): SEES students showcased their research on environmental conservation and biodiversity, demonstrating the scientific approach to addressing the challenges posed by habitat loss and climate change.
• · UNO Autism, Brain, & Language Lab: The UNO Autism, Brain, & Language Lab engaged attendees in interactive demonstrations promoting inclusivity and understanding in scientific exploration.

"The NOLA Bug Fest is a unique opportunity to engage with the broader New Orleans community, and we are proud to have so many of our student organizations and employees contributing to such a fun and educational event," said Dr. Carol Lunn, Assistant Vice President for Research and Economic Development at UNO. "At UNO, we’re committed to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration that supports sustainability, education, and inclusivity. It was amazing to see how our students' passion for these values was reflected in their activities at the Bug Fest."

With the success of this year’s participation, UNO looks forward to continuing its involvement in the NOLA Bug Fest for years to come. The event serves as a valuable platform for UNO to connect with the community, raise awareness about critical environmental issues, and inspire future generations of environmental stewards and scientists.

For more information on UNO’s ongoing environmental and sustainability efforts, visit https://www.uno.edu/sustainability.