plan to landscape a sustainable campus - indiana wildlife · 2015-03-12 · 1 a plan to landscape...
TRANSCRIPT
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This plan outlines the current and
future landscape practices by
the Indiana State University (ISU)
Grounds Maintenance staff as
they pertain to the creation and
maintenance of a healthy,
vibrant ecosystem which is
sustainable and supports local
wildlife in addition to the needs
and lifestyle of the educational
community.
Plan to
Landscape a
Sustainable
Campus
Indiana State University
Grounds Maintenance
Indiana Wildlife Federation
Campus Certification Program
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A Plan to Landscape our Sustainable Campus
Indiana State University - January 2015
Acknowledgements: We thank Facilities Management Leadership, the Grounds Management Team, the
ISU Institute for Community Sustainability, and the ISU Center for Community Engagement, specifically, for
their contributions to our sustainable practices over the past 30 years, and their cooperation in organizing,
presenting, and promoting these practices and including sustainable landscape goals in the master
planning process for the university, city, county, and greater Wabash Valley. We thank the faculty, the
students, the administration, and the residents of Terre Haute and Vigo County for their feedback and
support of the university’s efforts toward sustainability.
We are also grateful to the Indiana Wildlife Federation (IWF) for promoting and educating Indiana
universities on the best management practices for a future with a variety of wildlife to make all our lives
richer. Their certification program is comprehensive yet eminently doable. This is an example of bringing
lofty visions into focus and finding a way to make it happen. Common sense tells us what is good for the
wildlife is good for us as well.
Abstract: This plan was formulated by taking an inventory of current management practices and seeing
which of those already satisfies recommendations by the IWF. This became the foundation for the plan
on which we built goals for the future, based on the activities of the university, as well as the efforts of
local non-profits and the city of Terre Haute.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
For over 30 years Indiana State University has undergone a
transformation from a dense, urban campus comprised of
buildings, city streets dissecting the campus and parking lots in the
industrial area of a mid-sized railroad town to a serene, urban
forest, slash garden campus with named and dedicated outdoor
spaces. Additionally, for the past seven years ISU has shifted its
future development plans from expanding slightly in its current
location to a plan that stretches across U.S. Highway 41 to the west
and connects the campus to the Wabash River and the new
Wabashiki Fish & Wildlife Preserve. This is actually no longer a
plan, but a reality as of 2014, when the new track and field/soccer
stadium was constructed on First Street just south of Chestnut
Street.
This transformation has not only created many opportunities on campus for education and enjoyment of the
outdoors, but it has also created habitats for wildlife that previously simply didn’t exist. Development
normally embodies a transition from suburban and rural natural areas to developed infrastructure, which has
primarily conservation oriented challenges. ISU is transitioning in reverse. We are moving from heavily
industrialized rail yards and demolition sites to a more suburban and green ecology. The challenges
associated with this process are numerous. This circumstance creates unique opportunities for ISU staff,
faculty and students to research methodologies and maximize the success of the emerging ecology.
Fortunately, Indiana State University is also privileged to be connecting our campus and vision to the Wabash
River, which adds an element of accessible wilderness, heavily populated by a wide variety of species. This
portion of the Wabash is adjacent to the Mississippi Flyway, which is part of the longest migratory bird route
in the western hemisphere, stretching from Alaska to Argentina. Having access to protected wildlife this close
to campus in such an urban environment is enviable and should be developed and nurtured in every way
possible.
ISU’s landscape management strategy can certainly impact not only the future quality of the campus
experience and the quality of wildlife that is able to visit, live and thrive in this area. As a pillar of campus and
community engagement, ISU is working with the city, county and numerous non-profit organizations to
coordinate environmental efforts to their best possible outcomes.
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Acknowledgements and Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………..………….1
Executive Summary………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….2
Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4
Goals Matrix Overview……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………6
Sustainable Lawn Maintenance and Landscaping................................................................................................................. 7
Appropriate Lawn Fertilization Strategy ............................................................................................................................. 8
Campus Fertilization Chart…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....………….9
Mowing Height ................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Design and Implement a Composting System ................................................................................................................. 10
Pesticide/Herbicide Use Reduction ..................................................................................................................................... 12
Use of IPM and Spot Treatments - Prioritize .................................................................................................................... 13
Use of chemical free forms of Pest and Weed Management .......................................................................................... 15
Invasive Species Eradication ............................................................................................................................................... 16
Develop a removal strategy .............................................................................................................................................. 17
Encourage Community Participation in Effort and Educate! ........................................................................................... 19
Native Plant Species Selection ............................................................................................................................................ 20
Landscape Disrupted Areas with Natives Only ................................................................................................................. 21
Use of natives in Transportation Corridors for Storm Water and Air Quality Improvement .......................................... 22
Deliberately Connect Habitat Areas through Native Plantings ........................................................................................ 23
Water Conservation/Retention and Recycling .................................................................................................................... 25
Incorporate Intelligent Irrigation Equipment and Operations .......................................................................................... 26
Use of Rain Gardens and Bio-Swales to Reduce Runoff ................................................................................................... 27
Use of Pervious Pavements when possible ...................................................................................................................... 27
Priority Projects .................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Priority Projects within next two years ............................................................................................................................. 30
Priority Projects within the decade .................................................................................................................................. 30
Priority Ongoing Revisions to daily Operations ............................................................................................................... 30
Synopsis of Strategy ............................................................................................................................................................. 31
Appendix A – Master Plants List………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………..……..32
Appendix B – Sustainability Minor Available Courses…………………………………………………………………………………………………..35
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GOALS MATRIX OVERVIEW
Lawn Maintenance and Landscaping
Organic fertilization plan
since 2008
Soil building and testing – using
Holganix
Continue planting small turf areas with
shrubs and perennials
Phased expansion of
organic program to all non-
athletic areas
Refine and improve
Composting program
Student Research and Partner-ships
Pesticide and Herbicide Use
Write and enforce our
specific Integrated Pest Management
Plan
Practice Discriminate
targeting of pests
Use all available prevention
techniques for pest reduction
Use manual weed control
when practical
Fill bare spots with plants,
plugs or seed to reduce invasives
Invasive Species Eradication
Continue removal strategy
that began in 2008 both on
and off campus lots
Strict policy adherence on
high risk natives
All replace-ment plantings should
be majority native or some low risk non-
native
Manage outlying properties for
total native eco-system preser-
vation
Continue to partner with
local non-profits and government
agencies
Encourage classroom
study
Native Plant Species New Installations To be near
Native
Native plant specifi-cations for
master specs
Use natives in bio-swales
parking lots and runoff areas
Connect natives in corridors to each other for
wildlife
Replace annual plantings with
perennials when possible
Educate public using signage
Water Conservation and Recycling
Continue to convert to smart
irrigation equipment with weather station
connection
Use drought tolerant plantings esp. in high stress
conditions
Use Rain Gardens and
pervious pavement at
every opportunity
Make onsite drainage features
invisible or attractive
Complete Deep well system for
irrigation
Use less caustic materials for ice melting
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Sustainable Lawn Maintenance and Landscaping
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Goal No. 1: Develop a sustainable lawn fertilizing plan that limits the use of excess nutrients, such as phosphorus. Consult the four R's before fertilizing: right product, right rate, right time, and right place. a. Right product: Conduct a soil test to determine the appropriate levels of nutrients for your lawn and understand the present conditions of your soil. Buy phosphorus-free lawn fertilizer for mature grass. For a new or nutrient deficient lawn, consider a fertilizer low in phosphorus.
b. Right rate: Avoid over-fertilizing by consulting the rate recommendations on the fertilizer bag.
c. Right time: Fertilize minimally, preferably in the fall. Never fertilize when the ground is frozen.
d. Right place: Use proper equipment, a drop spreader or rotary spreader, to apply fertilizer efficiently. Avoid fertilizing near water or impervious surfaces. Clean impervious surfaces (e.g. sidewalk, drive-way) of any fertilizer spills or grass clippings to prevent them from reaching our rivers and creeks.
Current Practices:
a. Organic Fertilizers since 2008 (Turf: NatureSafe, Other: Rosetone, Hollytone)
b. Converted to Holganix Liquid System autumn 2012 to replace NatureSafe and cut cost by half
c. Using bare minimum spot treatments of invasive broadleaf weeds, especially since Holganix allows use
of chemical control at half strength with same or better results.
d. Using large capacity top dresser since 2013 to improve soil quality on larger scale
Future Goals:
a. Conduct Soil Testing throughout entire campus through student support and Geography dept. lab
facilities
b. Continue to add more campus turf areas to the fertilization schedule as healthy turf becomes
established in current high priority areas.
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Indiana State University Turf Program Turf Maintenance Schedule
Season Month Soil Amendment
Season Month Herbicide
oz./1000 oz./Acre Product oz./1000 oz./Acre Product
Spring
March 7 304.92 Holganix
Spring
March 0.00
April 0.00 April 0.00
May 7 304.92 Holganix May 1 8.71 Threesome
Summer
June 0.00
Summer
June 0.00
July 0.00 July 0.00
August 0.00 August 0.00
Fall
September 7 304.92 Holganix
Fall
September 0.00
October 7 304.92 Holganix October 2.5 21.78 Threesome
November 0.00 November 0.00
Total 1219.68 Total 30.49
Season Month Liquid Fertilizer
Season Month Herbicide
oz./1000 oz./Acre Product oz./1000 oz./Acre Product
Spring
March 10 435.60 12-6-6
Spring
March 0.00
April 0.00 April 0.00
May 10 435.60 12-6-6 May 0.2 1.74 Triclopyr 4
Summer
June 0.00
Summer
June 0.00
July 0.00 July 0.00
August 0.00 August 0.00
Fall
September 10 435.60 12-6-6
Fall
September 0.00
October 10 435.60 30-0-0 October 0.2 1.74 Triclopyr 4
November 0.00 November 0.00
Total 1742.40 Total 3.48
Season Month Dry Fertilizer
Season Month Seeding
lbs.N/1000 bags/Acre Product lbs./1000 bags/Acre Product
Spring
March 0.00
Spring
March 3.5 30.49 RTF
April 0.00 April 0.00
May 0.00 May 0.00
Summer
June 0.00
Summer
June 0.00
July 0.75 6.53 10-2-8 July 0.00
August 0.00 August 0.00
Fall
September 0.00
Fall
September 0.00
October 0.00 October 3.5 30.49 RTF
November 0.00 November 0.00
Total 6.53 Total 60.98
Season Month Aeration Top
Dressing
Products
Holganix
Spring
March Yes Yes
Foliar Pak Bio 12-6-6
April No No
Nature Safe 10-2-8 All Season Fertilizer
May No No
Foliar Pak 30-0-0
Summer
June Yes Yes
Threesome/Triplet Broadleaf Herbicide
July No No
Triclopyr 4 Broadleaf Herbicide
August No No
Barenbrug Turfsaver RTF Turf Type Tall Fescue
Fall
September No No
October Yes Yes *baregroundseeding-
9lbs/1000
November No No
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Goal No. 2: Healthy, established turf grass decreases soil erosion and helps keep nutrients on your lawn.
Also consider exploring turf grass alternatives like fine fescues and native grass mixes for low traffic areas.
Current Practices:
a. High Mowing (3.5” – 4” minimum) Mowing higher (only top ⅓ of grass blade) to develop and maintain a
strong root system, an important aspect of healthy soil. Mow shorter by special request only, for example
athletic event on Recreational field or Special Olympics.
b. Planting native groundcovers, perennials and shrubs in small turf areas to reduce trim mowing. Also
reduces wasted efforts at reseeding, and maintaining turf areas that are too small to be healthy and have
too much traffic due to their size and location.
c. Continue over seeding established turf areas at least twice yearly to reduce the need for chemical weed
control by preventing open space in turf stands
Future Goals:
a. Goal #1: Create Master Specification for Contractor Installed Turf.
Goal No. 3: Design a composting system to collect yard waste (grass clippings, fallen leaves, branches) and recycle it as mulch. This organic material already contains nutrients that microbes can release to replenish the soil. Rich soil absorbs and filters rainfall. Current Practices:
a. Mulch mowing for 30+ years
b. Mulching of tree circles and shrub beds with locally sourced ground bark from two lumber mills. Great
additive to our sandy soil, much improving overall soil structure in many of the foundation planting areas
around campus buildings.
c. Mulching Perennial and Ground cover beds with composted cow manure or pelletized compost to increase
organic content of soil without smothering plant growth
d. Composting System (integrating all fresh veggie scraps from Sycamore Dining and all bio-digester product
from Lincoln Dining Service)
e. Built new Compost Bins in 2012 adjacent to Community Garden for ease of transport and access for
Gardeners. Also brings compost site closer to campus for less travel time and fuel waste for Grounds
Maintenance workers.
Future Goals:
a. Improve on scientific methods used to manage compost, ideally through student research involvement
b. Open facility to neighborhood residents for scheduled weekend leaf drop-off times.
c. Create a “hot” pile where noxious weeds can be composted successfully without risk of reproduction
(currently weeds are hauled off site) We could explore the possibility of making use of our existing steam
lines to purify the compost. (steam heat is one of the best ways to kill weed seeds)
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d. Look into creating hoop houses for growing, with compost used to heat and insulate rather than electric
power. (similar to Will Allen’s Prototype, who visited campus recently from Milwaukee, where he is an
innovator in urban food production)
Goal No. 4: Encourage students to lead research projects to determine the success of sustainable practices
and consider innovative approaches to improve these practices on campus.
Current Practices:
a. Created Sustainability Minor through the Institute for Community Sustainability (ICS)
b. Professors are bringing field experts into the classroom for guided discussions on sustainability topics.
c. Participation in the Sustainability Brown Bag lunch series for third year in spring 2015.
d. ICS supervising student research projects such as the Permaculture Plot at the community garden.
e. Active partnership between ICS and the newly formed Student Environmental Action Committee (SEAC) of
the Student Government Assoc. (SGA) Their priority goal for this school year is to create signage highlighting
sustainable efforts throughout campus.
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Pesticide/Herbicide
Use Reduction
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Goal No. 1: Develop an efficient and effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan by selecting products that are least harmful to humans and the environment. 2. Begin implementation of the IPM plan. Current Practices:
a. We don’t have a complete written IPM plan, but we practice IPM principles. For example, in managing the
Emerald Ash Borer invasion we decided to treat 180 of our 450 Ash trees, choosing those most critical and
likely to thrive. We decided on injection as this poses the least risk of collateral contamination during the
treatment process. We also chose injection because the purchase of the equipment also gives us the tools
to treat our many Oak trees with iron supplement to prevent disease and weakening of those trees.
Future Goals: a. Complete the IPM plan specific to ISU campus and incorporate primary BMP’s into Master Specifications for
construction
b. Incorporate as many IPM principles as possible into our routine maintenance procedures that rely on natural
diversity and defense building techniques, rather than treatment of individual symptom outbreaks as they
occur.
Goal No. 2: Identify which pests to target and determine the best eradication approach for each pest. Use spot treatment, if needed, to control weeds and insect pests. Current Practices:
a. For insect infestations in trees, treating the tree with healthy support (mulching, watering, aerating soil,
pruning) rather than killing the insect
b. Experimenting with NEEM and other biodegradable products for insect treatment
c. Using general broadleaf herbicide only in spot areas of high profile turf (30% of campus turf) Remaining
70% of campus adopting mixed turf with clover and other broadleaf components
d. Using surfactant-free Glyphosate products in tree root zones to eliminate danger of bark cracking as
recommended by research from Ohio State University (No Round Up Quick Pro around desirable live plants)
e. We use injection equipment to treat for EAB to keep pesticide inside the tree, nearly eliminating the
possibility of collateral damage
Future Goals:
a. Research more weed prevention techniques such as modifying soil pH to reduce broadleaf invasion or
eliminating the circumstances that suit the invasive plant, such as disturbed un-layered soil.
b. Continue to encourage more bird life because this exponentially increases predatory threat to insects
c. Keep the ground covered with desirable plants to eliminate host areas for invasives.
d. Increase education efforts to the Grounds staff on invasive weeds and pests and how to prevent them taking
over
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Goal No. 3: Avoid applying chemicals near water sources, especially areas prone to erosion, to keep toxic
compounds from reaching aquatic ecosystems, and avoid applying them in high-traffic areas to reduce
health risk to students.
Current Practices: a. Reduced overall chemical usage by more than 75% since 2006. Rather than maintaining all turf to same
standards of plant diversity (‘zero weeds’), turf is separated into two categories of high priority/visibility
areas, and general use turf areas. Only the Quad, the intercollegiate athletic facilities, and the Dede
Fountain area/Welcome Center are maintained to the high priority level. All other campus turf areas are
allowed to host a mixed broadleaf turf containing clovers, etc.
b. Even the high priority areas are maintained primarily with organic methods such as liquid organic fertilizer,
liquid soil builder, and intensive aeration and over seeding to maintain healthy thick turf. Chemicals are
used at half strength only on a spot treatment basis.
c. With the new riverbank property, chemicals are being employed on a very limited basis (stump spraying) to
eliminate a huge Asian Honeysuckle population, but the long term control strategy involves hand-pulling and
addition of native plant material plugs to populate the riverbank and prevent encroachment by invasives.
d. Any herbicide spot treatments are applied on the weekend when student traffic is extremely low, so any
residue (even at half strength some residue is possible) will be dry, stable and non-mobile in the soil and air.
Future Goals: a. Creation of planted bio-swales in most low spots and water retention areas rather than turf, to increase
water clarity for wildlife use
b. Continue to build soil quality in order to nearly eliminate the need for herbicide application of any kind.
c. Install paver rings around all light posts and building signs, and create stone mulch strip around all existing
campus buildings to reduce trimming needs and herbicide use.
Goal No. 4: Use alternative, chemical-free forms of weed and pest management such as insecticidal soap,
weed removal by hand, and companion planting. Organize community members to help with weed pulling in
major problem areas.
Current Practices: a. No tree spraying, minimal shrub spraying
b. Increasing hand removal of weeds Adopting intensive over-seeding and slit-seeding as primary
method to limit weed and broadleaf growth in higher profile turf areas.
c. Using paved surfaces as natural boundaries to decrease trimming/provide natural edges
between turf and mixed beds
d. Using fast spreading annuals to fill in planting beds and prevent weeds
Future Goals:
a. Reduce size of tree circles to minimize weed sprouting opportunities
b. Increase hand weeding
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c. Purchase improved equipment for mechanical removal of invasive trees and woody plants
d. Eliminate open mulch areas with inter-planting of ground-covering natives
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Invasive Species Eradication
Riverbank (above center)
Extractagators for Honeysuckle Shrubs (left)
Paver Inserts for Weed Prevention (below)
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Goal No. 1: Develop a removal strategy plan for all invasive species that sets goals for eliminating these species from specific areas of campus and creating healthy habitat structures. Current Practices:
a. Removed the final Large Ailanthus altissima (Stink Tree) from campus proper in June of 2012)
b. Removing large grove of Stink Trees from overpass slope mechanically by chaining and pulling out
of the ground, reserving herbicide treatment only for the final few we can’t remove mechanically.
c. Inventoried tree species on each of over 300 properties acquired north and east of campus to
determine which trees to protect, and which to remove based on invasive species
recommendations over the past 10 plus years.
d. Removed most of Barberry from campus during the summer of 2012
e. Minimize use of exotic plants by selecting Indiana native species for new or recently restored areas.
f. Riverbank clearing currently ongoing, primarily to remove invasive bush honeysuckle present in
huge concentrations. This is phase one of a comprehensive program to prevent their return.
g. Continue to remove invasive trees from off campus lots as they are acquired and demolished.
h. Continue to work with and support community volunteers who do invasive removal.
Future Goals:
a. Planning replacement of Burning Bush hedges on campus since 80% died during the drought of
2012. To be replaced with mixed wildlife hedges as per specification.
b. Remove wintercreeper as areas that currently contain it are re-landscaped according to our
landscape restoration schedule.
Goal No. 2: Minimize use of exotic plants by selecting Indiana native species for new or recently restored areas. Current Practices:
a. All projects installed in the past 7 years have included a palette containing 90% or more native
plant species. We have planted an occasional non-native tree because of their great adaptability
to urban conditions, but none that have displayed invasive qualities. And some of the shrubs are
not necessarily native to Indiana, but to the North American Eastern hardwood forest.
b. We are experimenting with plant combinations that are easy to maintain, long-lasting, and
maintain a thick ground cover over time. This reduces the need to weed, the need to mulch, and
the need to re-landscape, since certain combinations will revitalize themselves over the years if
they are a mixture of shrubs and herbaceous plants. Plus, they will provide a more varied and
consistent food source for wildlife.
c. We are using primarily plugs for native plant installations and they are cheaper than one gallon
pots, but much more successful than seeds.
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Future Goals: a. Continue improving plant combination knowledge and document a set of standard mixtures that
work well at ISU for inclusion in the master design specification that will guide outside architects
when working on ISU projects.
b. Include a master list of allowable plants with the master design specs. (See Appendix A)
Goal No. 3: Preserve natural areas owned by the university, such as prairie or wetlands, through restoration efforts, and keep them free of non-indigenous plant species.* Current Practices:
a. ISU currently owns and maintains 5 outlying natural properties and assists in the maintenance of the Wabashiki Preserve.
a. Brazil Field Campus b. Kiewig Property c. Little Bluestem Prairie d. Landsbaum Woods e. Pseudacris Pond
b. We are exploring the Classification of Landsbaum Woods with the State of Indiana, or alternative ways to protect this property from future development. This will eventually apply to any property we own that represents a well-preserved native habitat, useful for student research and inclusion in classroom curriculum. This will hopefully maintain or enhance the original intent of the property donor.
c. We are in the design phase of a bicycle trail that will connect campus under the overpass with the riverfront behind the new track stadium by fall of 2015. It will also connect existing bike trails throughout the city.
1. The initial bank clearing efforts occurred in December of 2014 to clear the river bank of dangerous limbs and invasives
2. Spring of 2015 will see implementation of native seeds and plugs on the riverbank to establish desirable plants and prevent the return of invasives.
d. ISU Grounds works with TREES Inc. to help clear city parks of invasive honeysuckle. We provide certified applicator assistance, as well as equipment help as needed.
Future Goals:
a. Classify any forest land the university plans to keep with the INDNR. b. Increase the usage of outlying properties with more opportunities for student use, such as
weekend bus trips, etc. c. Increase classroom usage of outlying properties by creating a flyer sharing the available options
with new faculty. d.
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Goal No. 4: Plan and host community stewardship days to help remove invasive species and teach community members and students about the importance of restoring habitats back to natural conditions. Current Practices:
a. Grounds Manager participates on executive board of ISU’s Institute for Community Sustainability and the
local tree board, TREES Inc. to increase partnerships and awareness of sustainable landscaping needs and
opportunities for collaboration.
b. Grounds Manager speaks at Master Gardener events, Extension events and local non-profit events about
habitat stewardship issues and healthy landscape maintenance options.
Future Goals: a. Increasing Grounds participation in Donaghy Day, held twice yearly to encourage student volunteer efforts.
This is a great way to gain student awareness and cooperation on important landscape and wildlife issues.
b. Community Garden as outreach program between ISU and local growers. Educate residential and small
property owners about alternatives to invasive plant species.
Goal No. 5: Incorporate studies of invasive species into biology, botany, and ecology classes and fieldwork. When possible, offer these classes to students in various departments, such as landscape architecture or design. Current Practices:
a. Grounds staff, including the Gardeners, speak and share information at booths during Earth Day and at
planting events during volunteer efforts.
b. Grounds Manager speaks regularly in various classrooms about sustainable landscape management related
issues.
c. ICS is very active in adding sustainability issues to various course curriculums, especially through the
addition of the sustainability minor.
Future Goals: a. Create graphics and publish on the Grounds web site showing undesirable invasives and giving tips for
removal.
UV Index is generally much higher, affecting which plants thrive
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Native Plant Species Selection
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Goal No. 1: Landscape areas disrupted by construction or renovation projects with only native tree, flower, and shrub species. Natives are better adapted to Indiana’s climate and important for wildlife. Current Practices:
a. All capital projects during the past 5 years of have replaced traditional landscaping with native plantings, to
include the Bayh College of Education, the Satellite Chiller Plant, Pickerl Hall, Erickson Hall, the Chestnut
Street Pedestrian Corridor, the John W. Moore Welcome Center, and the Dede Plaza renovation. (Phase 2 of
the Dede improvements will occur this summer.)
b. Planted ten additional tree farms bringing total to 15 on ISU surplus properties to ease maintenance costs of
properties and provide tree bank for future campus needs. Our tree farms currently hold approximately
1000 trees in various sizes.
c. Purchased our own Optimal 1100 tree spade to increase the success rate of transplanting over purchasing
B&B trees from nurseries. Also saves dollars and allows us to transplant at the right time and select our
own species.
d. Using tree spades to transplant all trees possible from campus construction sites with an over 85% success
rate. (up to 10” caliper and 25’ spread is possible to transplant in most cases)
e. Developed relationship with local native tree nursery to provide quantities of the specific native varieties we
prefer for campus use
Future Goals: a. Working on a standard specification for native plant groupings to include in all project requirements.
(master specifications)
b. Increase tree farm plantings to include native shrubs and small trees for wildlife feeding and cover
Goal No. 2: In flower beds or gardens, gradually replace annuals with native perennials
Current Practices:
a. The John W. Moore Welcome Center was specifically designed using native plantings to help orient new
students and visitors on their first visit to a style of landscaping they can expect to see on campus.
b. Rankin Patio was re-planted with a high percentage of natives after the original landscaping was removed
for leak repair. This is our highest profile show bed area on campus, and we are experimenting with an
entirely perennial display that has continuous color using both herbaceous plants and bulbs.
Future Goals:
a. Continue to interplant perennials, especially natives, in existing shrub and herbaceous borders in order to
create more permanent, stable plantings.
b. Provide signage and give tours at every opportunity to educate folks about the ‘garden’ landscape
c. Create a Native Gardening club for students, staff and community members, possible by partnering with the
master gardeners or Purdue extension.
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d. Come up with ISU specific native meadow seed blend to use throughout campus in all no mow areas
e. Create Native fruit Orchard at Community Garden to educate about other options than the standard high
maintenance fruit trees and shrubs
f. Continue to reduce the amount of turf on campus to highlight the most important green lawn areas, and
change the others to native mixed beds.
g. Continue to plant for Wildlife with heavy food producing natives.
Clockwise from upper left corner, Bottlebrush Buckeye, Indian Magic Chokeberry, Hawthorne, Echinacea
Goal No. 3: Plant native species along roadways and parking lots as filter strips to reduce toxic runoff from
paved areas. Include native trees in your design to improve air quality and offer shade.
Current Practices:
a. Planted native shrubs in islands in parking lots 20, A and G
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b. Planted all six Indiana salt tolerant natives in Parking Lot M islands, numbering 40. These have been
traditionally difficult environments for plants since we pile huge volumes of snow in this parking lot.
Natives have been successful for 3 years and survived a major drought.
c. Modified the design of the Bob Warn Field parking lot to include curb-less, oversized islands to support trees
and planted native flowers between the stadium and sidewalk for drought tolerant color
Future Goals:
a. Improve future parking lots designs to incorporate bio-swales. Design for Lot K near the new track stadium
will be our first prototype, under construction this spring.
b. Develop a standard design to cut into curbs on existing parking lots in order to support rainwater irrigation
and infiltration, and future additions of native plantings.
c. Continue to plant tree farms on empty properties
Goal No. 6: Connect habitat areas when selecting new sites for native plant installations to provide safe corridors for wildlife to travel and migrate. Large blocks of native habitats placed close together best facilitate animals’ movement in search of food, water, and space. Current Practices:
a. Planting food shrubs for the birds at every opportunity, to include chokeberries, spicebush, northern
bayberry, Beautyberry and various viburnums
b. Since many campus offices already feed birds, organize this program and seek source for quality affordable
seed, and help choose locations for feeding and/or provide a standard feeding station design.
Future Goals:
a. Install native wildlife feeding islands on RR adjacent properties to ease mowing, and partially screen views.
b. Planting Wildlife mix seedling packets from the State Nursery.
c. Work with the local Audubon Chapter to create a birdlife garden on campus.
d. Create a Maintenance specification specifically for the River bank and River Campus area. Use it to begin
re-planting of invasive cleared areas along the bank.
e. Connect the river bank to campus with safe wildlife corridors using the bikeway that travels under the
overpass and will be constructed this year.
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Water Conservation, Retention and Recycling
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Goal No. 1: Water turfgrass and plants only when necessary, preferably in the morning. Use in-ground moisture valves to determine when your landscape requires water. Watering in the afternoon can lead to evaporation, whereas watering at night encourages fungus growth in lawns and beds. Current Practices:
a. Shut off all irrigation during wet periods with proper amounts of rainfall for the season. b. Use drip systems for establishment only, then plan to retire them unless extreme drought occurs. c. Always use drought tolerant plants and turf that is tolerant of our alkaline sandy soil.
Future Goals:
a. Continue to upgrade equipment so all irrigation is highly efficient and durable
b. Develop an accurate testing and adjustment process so all areas are receiving the ideal amount of moisture
for optimum health
Goal No. 2: Install timers or quick shut off valves on sprinkler systems to conserve water
Current Practices:
a. Upgrading out of date irrigation systems with conversion controllers (RKS) to allow computer control of
watering schedules
b. All new construction is receiving top of the line TUCOR and RKD controllers to allow synchronization with
newly installed weather station
c. Installed eight (8) deep well pumps on campus to provide for irrigation
d. Working to feed all irrigation off wells (currently about 80% on well and 20% on city water)
e. Using drip systems in shrub beds for establishment period, then shutting them off
Future Goals:
a. Come up with a comprehensive irrigation master plan to convert remaining areas to well water, and add
irrigation to remaining pockets of dry areas in high profile areas.
b. Increase measurements and field calibration of irrigation heads to make sure we aren’t wasting water
Goal No. 4: Build rain gardens and vegetated bioswales to slow stormwater runoff, filter chemicals, and control erosion. Redesigning areas of turfgrass and impervious surface can help keep water on the property longer, recharge groundwater resources, and decrease the frequency or severity of sewer overflow events. Current Practices:
a. Began design stage for linking 3 drainage swales into one comprehensive vegetated swale through the
northwest end of the quad
b. Added dry wells and perforated drain tile to distribute roof drainage at every opportunity and avoid
dumping into storm system. (AACC, Root Hall, so far…)
c. Installed large capacity rain garden adjacent to Science building for roof runoff from 35% of Science
Roof.
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d. Installed pedestrian plaza between Bayh College of Education and the College of Nursing with 3 rain
garden areas filled with native plants to reduce storm water runoff and irrigate the plantings without
supplemental watering.
e. Built a new residential complex that is zero storm water using a system of extremely large dry wells.
Library roof drainage was also accommodated during this project by the addition of a new dry well.
f. Planting highly water absorbent species in known slow drainage areas such as Bald Cypress, native
Dogwood shrubs, River Birch, etc.
g. Change of products for Ice Melt ( Blended products with less salt) Using only pure liquid Calcium
Chloride which is not as corrosive when not blended with salt. Also using liquid pre-treatment regularly
to reduce overall product usage.
Future Goals:
a. Revising Parking lot islands to allow storm water to enter islands and infiltrate the soil.
b. As each roof maintenance project occurs on campus buildings, explore the feasibility of
converting any existing storm drainage connections to site drainage as part of the roof work.
Goal No. 5: Use pervious surfaces (paving stones, pervious concrete, porous asphalt) to mitigate the increase of warm runoff filled with nutrients and toxins, alleviating stress on aquatic life. Current Practices:
a. Installed pervious asphalt in baseball parking lot to decrease runoff
b. Over 80% of parking lot drains are dry wells, keeping runoff out of storm water system, but they need to
be regularly cleaned of silt, creating additional maintenance load.
c. Installed a pervious paver circle drive in 2010 at the Bayh College of Education one year after the
building’s renovation. (See photo below of rain garden during winter)
Future Goals:
a. Working on a comprehensive plan to install various types of pervious pavements throughout
parking areas to help with storm water issues. (Currently dry wells draining too slow for regular
gully washers that have been prevalent lately.)
b. Use pervious pavements when possible.
c. Develop standard planting/paving designs for tree rows to improve tree health and reduce trim mowing
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PRIORITY PROJECTS
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Within Next Two Years: a. NW Quad Drainage Project that will repair damage from Dede Restoration project access point and add rain
gardens to assist in poor drainage area.
b. Sesquicentennial Tree Planting project that will begin initially with the planting of a new tree farm containing
150 London Plane Trees (Sycamores) that will be transplanted throughout the city over the next five years.
c. Erickson Hall Courtyard has multiple drainage insufficiencies that will be explored and improved upon using
sustainable designs in spring, 2015.
Within Next Decade: a. Complete the Irrigation master plan and convert remaining older systems to the modern computer automated
system
b. Develop Conservation Plans for the five outlying properties that have ecological significance
c. Incorporate a green roof using succulents somewhere highly visible on the campus
d. Develop the Sustainability Campus idea so it becomes a more permanent feature and asset for the overall
student/faculty experience.
Ongoing Revisions to Daily Operations: a. Continue to convert to natives
b. Continue to reduce the usage of chemical herbicides and pesticides
c. Improve organic fertilization schedule and expand throughout campus
d. Continue to add food bearing plant material at every opportunity
e. Improve the functionality of the compost system and continue to certify it with IDEM
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Strategy Synopsis
Grounds Maintenance at Indiana State University operated using fairly common, traditional methods to keep
the outdoor spaces tidy and well-groomed in appearance. The one thing that was missing was health and
vitality. Many of the trees were showing extreme stress in the form of stunted growth, cracking bark, and
decay. Shrubs were tightly pruned and lacked grace. Perennials simply didn’t survive, thereby leaving large
mulch areas empty and without plantings. Turf was dull and lifeless, even though it was ‘weed free.’
All of the goals and objectives within this document will help wildlife, but they will also create a healthy
botanical system that will; provide ISU with an image marker, be more resilient in the face of climatic stresses,
draw students, staff and visitors into the outdoor spaces, reduce our negative footprint on the surrounding
environment, and enrich the overall experience of all the people and wildlife who spend time here.
The above recommended methods and guidelines are a change from the usual maintenance methods
employed in the past, but they are not hard to learn. In seven years we have made great progress, and in
seven more, the old ways will be long forgotten.
Stephanie Krull
Landscape & Grounds Manager
Loren Kerr
Lead Gardener
James Thompson
Lead Equipment Operator
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APPENDIX A – Master Plants List
TREES – SHADE & ORNAMENTAL
VARIETY QUANTITY
1. Amur and Hedge Maple
2. Red or White Oak
3. Sweet Gum
4. Yellowwood
5. Zelkova
6. Elm Cultivars
7. Hackberry
8. Kentucky Coffeetree
9. Bald Cypress
10. Sweet Bay Magnolia
11. River or Paperbark Birch
12. American Basswood
13. London Plane Tree
14. Horsechestnut
15. Persimmon
1. Serviceberry
2. Magnolia
3. Dogwood
4. Red Bud
5. Flowering Crabapple and Cherry
6. Hawthorne (thornless)
7. Carolina Silverberry
8. Musclewood
EVERGREEN TREES
VARIETY QUANTITY
1. Pine, various
2. Norway or Serbian Spruce
3. White Fir
4. American Holly
5. Red Cedar
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS
VARIETY QUANTITY
1. Northern Bayberry
2. Forsythia
3. Black or Red Chokeberry
4. Tardiva or Oakleaf Hydrangea
5. Hardy Crape Myrtle
6. Carolina Sweetshrub
7. Viburnum varieties
8. Elderberry
9. Ninebark
10. Dwarf Korean Lilac
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11. Cotoneaster
12. Winterberry Holly
13. Groundcover Sumac
14. Dogwood, various
15. Fernleaf Buckthorn
16. St. John’s Wort
17. Witchhazel
18. Snowberry
19. New Jersey Tea
20. Spirea
21. Clove Currant
22. Flowering Quince
23. Five Leaf Aralia
EVERGREEN SHRUBS
VARIETY QUANTITY
1. Juniper
2. Yew
3. Chinese Holly
4. Boxwood
5. Inkberry
6. Pyracantha
7. False Cypress
8. Arborvitae
PERENNIALS
VARIETY QUANTITY
1. Aster
2. Eastern Blue Star (Amsonia)
3. Heliopsis (False Sunflower)
4. Anemone
5. Echinacea - Coneflower
6. Daylily
7. Gaillardia
8. Salvia
9. Veronica (non-invasive varieties)
10. Coreopsis
11. Coral Bells
12. Iris (non-invasive varieties)
13. Liatris
14. Peony
15. Russian Sage
16. Chrysanthemum
17. Penstemon
18. Joe Pye Weed
19. Stonecrop
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GROUNDCOVERS
VARIETY QUANTITY
1. Sedum
2. Native Sedge Grasses
3. Pachysandra
4. Prairie Dropseed
5. Catmint
6. Hosta
7. Rudbeckia – Black-eyed Susan
8. Liriope
9. Carpet Junipers
10. Epimedium ________________________________________
11. Oregano
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APPENDIX B: Sustainability Minor
(16 credits)
Entry Course (4 credits) ENVI 110 Intro to Environmental Science (3 credits) ENVI 110L Intro to Environmental Science Lab (1 credit)
Capstone Course (3 credits) ENVI 460 Conservation & Sustainability of Natural Resources (3 credits)
Electives (Choose 3) AHS 210 Principles of Environmental Health (3 credits) AHS 220 Public Health Concepts (3 credits) AHS 352 Environmental Laws & Administration (3 credits) AHS 356 Water & Environment (3 credits) AHS 360 Epidemiology (3 credits) AHS 377 Environmental Field Sampling (3 credits) AND AHS 377L Environmental Field Sampling/ Lab (1 credit) AHS 415 Toxicology (3 credits) AHS 437 Pollution Prevention & Control Technology (3 credits) AHS 453 Air Quality (3 credits) AHS 457 Food Production (3 credits) BIO 426 Ornithology (3 credits) BIO 427 Plant Taxonomy (3 credits) AND* BIO 427L Plant Taxonomy Lab (1 credit)* BIO 428 Mammalogy (3 credits) AND BIO 428L Mammalogy Lab (1 credit) BIO 450 Advanced Ecology (3 credits) BIO 455 Humans and the World Environment (3 credits) BIO 491 Freshwater Biology (3 credits) BIO 491L Freshwater Biology Lab (1 credit) CNST 213 Environmental & Mechanical Systems for Buildings (3 credits) ECON 303 Environmental Economics (3 credits) ENVI 130 World Cultures and Environments (3 credits) ENVI 356 Water & Environmental Health (3 credits) ENVI 419 Global Geography (3 credits) ENVI 420 Urban Geography (3 credits) ENVI 440 Human Ecology (3 credits) ENVI 456 Lakes and Wetlands (3 credits) ENVI 462 Ethics and the Environment (3 credits) ENVI 471 Quarternary Paleoecology (3 credits) PSY 350 Environmental Psychology (3 credits) RCSM 345 Advanced Topics in Public Relations & Park Administration (3 credits) RCSM 361 Introduction to Outdoor Education (3 credits) SOC 324 Population Problems
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Other Sustainability Courses
The following courses are not counted as part of a minor, but have strong sustainability learning outcomes and may become a part of a future major in sustainability: ECON 103 Economic Perspectives on Environmental Problems (3 credits) HRD 335 Technology and International Development (3 credits) IAD 360 Sustainable Practices (3 credits)* PHIL 253 Environmental Ethics (3 credits) PKG 381 Environmental Issues in Packaging (Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent from the instructor) (3 credits) PSY 270 Social Psychology (3 credits) PSY 485 Psychology & Society (Prerequisites: PSY 101, 201) (3 credits)*