Grounds
Introduction
Beautiful and welcoming campus grounds can be planned, planted, and maintained in any region while minimizing the use of toxic chemicals, protecting wildlife habitat, and conserving resources.
Featured Resources
Latest News from AASHE Bulletin
New Resources
Aligning with Place: A case study in xeriscaping at Gonzaga University's Office of Sustainability.
- Gonzaga University (WA)
This project's goal was to xeriscape the front lawn of the Office of Sustainability, transforming it from a grass lawn into a lawn with mulch and drought-tolerant plants. The xeriscape …
- Posted July 17, 2023
- Case Studies
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Sustainability Tour of the Yale Farm
- Yale University (CT)
As part of Celebrate Sustainability Week at Yale in October 2022, the Yale Office of Sustainability, in partnership with the Office of International Students & Scholars, organized a “Lunch and …
- Posted June 27, 2023
- Photographs
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Benefit-cost analysis of becoming certified pollinator friendly
- Louisiana State University (LA)
- The Ohio State University (OH)
Despite significant drop in pollinator abundance, no studies exist on the benefits and costs of pollinator conservation in the public domain. An in-person survey was conducted at three large, public …
- Posted June 15, 2023
- Publications
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Co-producing an ecosystem services-based plan for sustainable university campuses
- Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (Madrid)
- Université Grenoble Alpes
In the context of global change, social-ecological perspectives for organisations and territorial planning schemes are key to facilitate a transition towards sustainability. Consequently, Ecosystem Services (ES) assessment and mapping are …
- Posted June 15, 2023
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Is the grass always greener? Access to campus green spaces can boost students’ sense of belonging
- University of Leeds (West Yorkshire)
Purpose: An important facet of student’s sense of belonging is students’ relationships with, and time spent in, the university campus. The purpose of this paper is to explore the notion …
- Posted June 15, 2023
- Publications
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Moving Towards Increased Biological Diversity on Campus Through Environmental Stewardship
- Radboud Universiteit
Moving towards higher sustainability on campuses is the priority in the majority of university agendas. However, when it comes to biodiversity loss, many people tend not to recognize the urgency …
- Posted June 15, 2023
- Publications
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Green Stormwater Infrastructure Planning in Midwestern Higher Education Institutions
- The Ohio State University (OH)
Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) is an innovative approach to stormwater management that has the potential to provide a variety of operational, environmental, and human benefits beyond those offered by more …
- Posted June 15, 2023
- Publications
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CSUCI Sustainability Staff Tabling for Clean Air Day Tree Planting
- California State University, Channel Islands (CA)
CSU Channel Islands sustainability staff welcome guests to the tree planting event at the university's Clean Air Day celebration. Featuring Roxane Beigel-Coryell, sustainability & energy director, and Rhianna Torres, sustainability …
- Posted June 7, 2023
- Photographs
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Cities Need Trees
- Boston University (MA)
Over the past year, I have dedicated myself to promoting sustainability in Boston, Massachusetts by advocating for an increased urban forest to combat climate change and rising summer temperatures. The …
- Posted May 31, 2023
- Case Studies
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Student-Led Organic Pilot Project at Emory University
- Emory University (GA)
- Re:wild Your Campus (TX)
Emory University, in partnership with Re:wild Your Campus, launched an organic pilot program to transition the campus away from synthetic weed-killers and towards organic land management. The Emory student leaders …
- Posted May 31, 2023
- Case Studies
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Demonstration Gardens as Informal Education Strategies in Rehabilitation Efforts
- Missouri Southern State University (MO)
Use of demonstration plots showcasing native forbs and grasses in public green spaces or along well-traveled paths can be helpful in increasing awareness of beneficial plant species. Signage can be …
- Posted May 17, 2023
- Conference Presentations
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Pollinating Hearts & Minds on Native Wildflowers
- University of Southern Maine (ME)
This presentation will explain the critical importance of why Universities, more so than any other type of institution, should be installing Native wildflower areas on their campuses. It will also …
- Posted May 17, 2023
- Conference Presentations
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Creation of a Pollinator Garden at Farmingdale State College
- State University of New York at Farmingdale (NY)
In the Spring of 2023 Farmingdale State College's Office for Sustainability partnered with the college's Horticulture department to design an on-campus pollinator garden. The site is currently a 100 square …
- Posted May 8, 2023
- Case Studies
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CSU Channel Islands Teaches About Sustainable Land Management During Earth Month
- California State University, Channel Islands (CA)
CSU Channel Islands kicked off Earth Month celebrations with an event focused on targeted grazing and its use as a sustainable land management strategy. The event included a presentation from …
- Posted May 8, 2023
- Photographs
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Arbor Day & Earth Month Tree Planting at CSU Channel Islands
- California State University, Channel Islands (CA)
Students, staff, faculty, and community members came together to plant 20 trees on the CSU Channel Islands campus to celebrate Arbor Day and Earth Month 2023.
- Posted May 8, 2023
- Photographs
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Rider University Earth Day Event
- Rider University (NJ)
Eco-Reps that work for the Office of Sustainability that also conduct plant research in our campus greenhouse grew pollinator friendly plants to sell at our Earth Day event. With a …
- Posted May 3, 2023
- Photographs
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Campus RainWorks Challenge
- University of Texas at Arlington (TX)
The Campus RainWorks Challenge is a green infrastructure design competition for American colleges and universities that seeks to engage with the next generation of environmental professionals, foster a dialogue about …
- Posted May 3, 2023
- Case Studies
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Northwestern Bird Watching Walk
- Northwestern University (IL)
The campus community was invited to join in experiencing the birds that call our campus home as well as those migrating through. An introduction to bird watching and some tips …
- Posted May 2, 2023
- Photographs
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Stan State Eco Challenge 2023
- California State University, Stanislaus (CA)
During Earth Month, Stan State University's Capital Projects & Facilities Management (CPFM) part-takes annually in Eco Challenge! Here is our stat during Earth Day! As a team we practice mindful …
- Posted April 24, 2023
- Photographs
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Adopt-a-Plant sponsored by ArtCenter College of Design Community Food Garden
- ArtCenter College of Design (CA)
The ArtCenter College of Design Community Garden remained active throughout the Pandemic through the tremendous care of two Photography Department staff. With students, staff, and faculty back on campus, we …
- Posted April 18, 2023
- Photographs
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Fullerton Arboretum Achieves Reaccreditation at Highest Level
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
In October 2017, Fullerton Arboretum received its first accreditation as a Level IV arboretum. This is the highest level awarded by ArbNet, an organization that recognizes arboreta from around the …
- Posted Jan. 24, 2023
- Photographs
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Webinar: Pollinators, Pesticides & People: Landscaping Certifications Explained
- AASHE (MA)
- The Xerces Society (OR)
- Re:wild Your Campus (TX)
Interested in sustainability certifications for your campus landscape? We’re here to help! Join Bee Campus USA, an initiative of the Xerces Society, and Rewild Your Campus (formerly Herbicide Free Campus) …
- Posted Nov. 10, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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Food Justice Fellowships - Rooted in Community
- Saint Mary's College of California (CA)
Food insecurity is defined as the state of being without reliable access to sufficient affordable and nutritious food. Food insecurity in the San Francisco Bay Area (and our state, country …
- Posted Sept. 20, 2022
- Case Studies
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TRU Campus Tree Program: What We Learned From Year One
- Thompson Rivers University (BC)
The TRU Sustainability Office started the new TRU Campus Tree Program in September 2021 as a one year pilot. The program was designed to allow members of the TRU community …
- Posted Sept. 1, 2022
- Case Studies
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Fullerton Arboretum
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
Mission: The mission of Fullerton Arboretum is to support the academic mission of CSUF with a world class living and historical collection and to provide learning opportunities for every stage …
- Posted Aug. 4, 2022
- Photographs
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UMass Lowell Rooftop Urban Agriculture
- University of Massachusetts Lowell (MA)
Rooftop Urban Agriculture - The Office of Sustainability at University of Massachusetts Lowell has developed an innovative urban agriculture program in partnership with Mill City Grows, a local food justice …
- Posted Aug. 3, 2022
- Photographs
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USC becomes the first campus to be certified as a 'Green Zone' by the American Green Zone Alliance
- University of Southern California (CA)
American Green Zone Alliance “Green Zone” Certification - In 2021, University of Southern California became the first campus to be certified as a green zone by the American Green Zone …
- Posted Aug. 2, 2022
- Photographs
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Environmental Sustainability at University of Washington Bothell
- University of Washington, Bothell (WA)
Campus design considerations have always focused on impacts on biodiversity and the environment, and sustainable grounds practices are key to UW Bothell’s operations. The grounds team is a core pillar …
- Posted Aug. 2, 2022
- Photographs
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Stormwater Biofiltration System at UNC Greensboro
- University of North Carolina, Greensboro (NC)
Located outside the Kaplan Center for Wellness at UNC Greensboro, this is one of several biofiltration systems on campus which reduce flooding and filter stormwater to remove pollutants before they …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
- Photographs
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Agnes Scott College - Retention Pond / 'Lake Agnes'
- Agnes Scott College (GA)
Agnes Scott is committed to using no potable water for campus landscaping, capturing stormwater from the entire campus in a retention pond ('Lake Agnes') that is used for landscape watering, …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
- Photographs
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Mohawk College Native Seed Orchard
- Mohawk College (ON)
This summer WWF-Canada, the World Wildlife Fund for Nature, provided grant funding for Mohawk College to implement a Seed Orchard project to increase biodiversity on campus! By sharing the seeds …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
- Photographs
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Cascadia Cornucopia Food Forest
- Cascadia College (WA)
The main sign and welcome space for the campus food forest. The Cascadia Cornucopia Food Forest is an open foraging and growing spot for the campus community to learn about …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
- Photographs
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View of Cascadia/UW Bothell Campus Farm
- Cascadia College (WA)
- University of Washington, Bothell (WA)
A few of our small campus farm. The farm is open to foraging for the campus community, and features growing beds for students, classes, or staff/faculty to check out and …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
- Photographs
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Cascadia Student Foraging in Cornucopia Food Forest
- Cascadia College (WA)
Cascadia student foraging in the campus Cornucopia Food Forest. The Food forest is open to the public for foraging and is used by classes and offices for education and engagement!
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
- Photographs
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Cascadia College stormwater berm work
- Cascadia College (WA)
Students working on a stormwater berm to catch and slow water entering our campus 58-acre restored wetland! The project is funded by King County Water Treatment Division. Students learn about …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
- Photographs
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Arbor Day and Tree Campus USA Tree Planting at Furman
- Furman University (SC)
Arbor Day / Tree Campus USA Tree Planting at Furman
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
- Photographs
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Minor in Ecological Restoration
- University of Washington, Bothell (WA)
The modern field of ecological restoration (ER) showcases the necessity and merits of interdisciplinary approaches to real-world problems. Effective restoration of complex ecosystems and their human interplay requires a fusion …
- Posted June 13, 2022
- Academic Programs
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BS Conservation & Restoration Science
- University of Washington, Bothell (WA)
The Bachelor of Science in Conservation & Restoration Science (CRS) prepares students to address real world issues. Conservation & Restoration Science students develop the depth of scientific understanding, interdisciplinary perspectives, …
- Posted June 13, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Master in Tropical Ecology and Conservation
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito - USFQ (Pichincha)
The objective of this master's degree is to train professionals who contribute to the understanding of the ecological processes that regulate tropical populations, communities and ecosystems in an evolutionary context. …
- Posted June 13, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Ecological Restoration Minor
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
The minor in Ecological Restoration (ECORES) seeks to prepare students to address the complex relationships of human communities and ecological sustainability. The minor is a tri-campus initiative between UW Bothell, …
- Posted June 13, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Biodiversity BS
- University of Guelph (ON)
Discover the exciting field of biodiversity science through U of G's Biodiversity Institute of Ontario (BIO). BIO is leading global efforts to understand the unity and diversity of all life …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Ecology and Conservation
- University of Queensland (QLD)
The Ecology and Conservation major focuses on the relationships between plant and animal species in their natural environments. It considers how environmental change and human activities affect their populations, and …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Master of Conservation Biology
- University of Queensland (QLD)
This program provides a comprehensive education in the ecosystems and evolutionary potential of the world's flora and fauna. High-level coursework covers all aspects of biodiversity and conservation, environmental philosophy, national …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Earth and Water Resources Concentration
- Indiana University Indianapolis (IN)
Understanding interactions between land, soil, and water is critical to ensuring environmental quality. The Earth and Water Resources concentration provides students with a quantitative background in soils, hydrogeology, and biogeochemistry …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Environmental Management Concentration
- Indiana University Indianapolis (IN)
Understanding interactions between land, soil, and water is critical to ensuring environmental quality. The Environmental Management concentration prepares students who wish to focus on the management of pollution in the …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Landscape Horticulture Technical Diploma
- Western Technical College (WI)
Students learn to evaluate landscape construction systems, determine suitability of plants for placement, understand turf management, identify common landscape pests, and be able to identify soils and correct soil deficiencies, …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Environmental and Sustainability Management Graduate Certificate
- George Mason University (VA)
As biodiversity is the life support system of our planet, it is important to prepare students for careers that require knowledge of both ecology and public policy. This certificate focuses …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Conservation Biology Minor
- Clark University (MA)
Environmental biologists explore the ways in which organisms evolve and interact with one another and their environments. Levels of exploration can range from molecular evolution and genomics to ecosystem level …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Landscape Architecture
- Virginia Tech (VA)
Landscape Architecture, a dynamic and complex field, is one of the most consequential design arts today. Landscape architecture has become one of today’s premier occupations, ranking among the best professions …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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This tab provides access to data collected through AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS). STARS is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. STARS enables meaningful comparisons over time and across institutions using a common set of measurements developed with broad participation from the campus sustainability community.
All responses reference content from reports under the latest version of STARS, version 2.2. AASHE membership and log-in is required.
OP 9: Landscape Management
- Percent of grounds managed organically
- Description of the organic landscape management program
- Percent of grounds managed in accordance with an IPM program
- Description of the IPM program
- Website URL - Sustainable landscaping
OP 10: Biodiversity
- Description of legally protected areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and regions of conservation importance
- List of endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution
- Description of areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution
- Website URL - Biodiversity initiatives
Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.