SANTA FE – New Mexico’s first Pollinator Protection license plate, featuring student artwork is now available for purchase. Sales will fund pollinator-friendly planting projects on state roads.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation has a robust Environmental Department.

This pollinator project will increase habitat by seeding roadsides with native plants and creating educational gardens as well as reducing mowing and spraying of herbicides.

“When we build roads, we disturb the natural environment, that’s why it’s essential the Transportation Department invest in preserving and nurturing the plant, water and animal habitat around our infrastructure. This Pollinator Project allows the public to show they care as much as we do,” said NMDOT Secretary Mike Sandoval.  

The license plate features artwork by Jazlyn Smith, a sixth grade student at Albuquerque Sign Language Academy.  Jazlyn, a lifelong artist, illustrated a blanket flower and green sweat bee to portray the relationship between native flowers and pollinators. 

“I think the license plate will help people understand that it’s important to try to protect plants and pollinators in any way we can,” said Jazlyn Smith. 

Jazlyn’s art was chosen by a panel of esteemed judges, including a bee scientist and botanist, from entries submitted by Wild Friends students from around New Mexico. Wild Friends is a civics education program for grades 4-12 based at the UNM School of Law.  Students studied pollinators and their critical role in sustaining both food systems and natural ecosystems, and helped pass a bill to create the license plate at the 2019 Legislature. 

The license plate costs $25 for the initial purchase and $15 for yearly renewal. Plates may be purchased online at www.mvd.newmexico.gov .

“We are thrilled with the beautiful license plate that students worked hard to create to protect pollinators, and appreciate the partnership with MVD and DOT to bring it to life,” said Sue George, Wild Friends Director.  

For more information on Wild Friends go to http://wildfriends.unm.edu.