March 31, 2020

New Mexico’s first-ever pollinator protection license plate is now available!  New Mexicans can support native plants and pollinators through their purchase of the brand-new Pollinator Protection License Plate. Proceeds will fund pollinator-protection activities by the New Mexico Department of Transportation, including increasing habitat by seeding roadsides with native plants and creating educational gardens.  The license plate costs $25 for the initial purchase and $15 for yearly renewal, and plates may be ordered online at mvd.newmexico.gov.

The license plate project enhances existing efforts by the Department of Transportation to implement habitat-friendly practices on New Mexico roadsides, including reducing mowing and spraying of herbicides.

The license plate features artwork by Jazlyn Smith, a sixth grade student at Albuquerque Sign Language Academy.  Jazlyn, a lifelong artist, illustrated a blanketflower 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. 

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.

“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.

If you would like more information about this project, please contact Sue George, Director at 505-277-5089 or email at Sgeorge2@unm.edu.