Grounds

748 resources

The Ripple Effect: Community Cultivated, Regionally Replicated

  • University of Louisiana at Lafayette (LA)

Last fall, the U.S. Global Change Research Program released “Volume II: Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States” from the Fourth National Climate Assessment (NCA4). It emphasizes that ...


Learning Garden construction at Portland Community College's Cascade Campus

  • Portland Community College (OR)

Portland Community College Staff and students teamed up to plant a new learning garden on Portland Community College's Cascade campus. Learning gardens already exist at three of PCC's ...


Ryerson University Road Salt Reduction Demonstration Project

  • Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) (ON)
  • World Wildlife Fund (DC)

In the City of Toronto, more than 120,000 tonnes of road salt is applied each year. When snow and ice on our streets, sidewalks and parking lots melt, the ...


Mainstreaming Biodiversity on Campus - Niagara College's BioBlitz Program

  • Niagara College Canada (ON)

The Niagara College BioBlitz program is part of a continuous focus at Niagara College on experiential learning and providing the opportunity to students and the community to use the campus ...


BCIT’s Sustainable Infrastructure Project wins Envision Gold

  • British Columbia Institute of Technology (BC)

The North Campus Infrastructure Project (NCIP) at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in Burnaby, British Columbia, is an ambitious and forward-thinking initiative that leverages the opportunity of infrastructure ...


University of Houston Tree Inventory

  • University of Houston (TX)

There is an old saying that to plant a tree is the most optimistic act a person can do. This is because it takes so long for trees to grow ...


Recycled Water Innovation at San Jose State University

  • San Jose State University (CA)

San Jose State University has a central plant that provides utilities (electricity, steam, and chilled water) to its main campus. It has been a customer of South Bay Water Recyclers ...


CSUN Celebrates Earth Month!

  • California State University, Northridge (CA)

To celebrate Earth Day, many campus departments partnered to provide hands-on and immersive events and workshops to students, creating long-lasting impressions about the effects of climate change. Campus-wide initiatives to ...


Reviewing University Community Gardens for Sustainability: taking stock, comparisons with urban community gardens and mapping research opportunities

  • Keele University

Community gardens (CGs) in university settings are faced with challenges associated with a transient and inexperienced population of student gardeners, but they also have the potential to have a lasting ...


College Campus as a Living Laboratory: Scrubbing Scales, Saving Trees, Engaging Students

  • University of Kentucky (KY)

Opportunities for meaningful engagement of college students in their campus communities rarely focus on tree health, and even less frequently address insect pests. Tree Campus USA certification typically involves service-learning ...


DIY Succulent Planters

  • California State University, East Bay (CA)

Students plant their own water friendly succulent to take home and watch grow. Encouraging sustainable landscaping and awareness about water conservation efforts.


Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) South Campus Earth Day Celebration

  • Community College of Allegheny County (PA)

Students at CCAC's South Campus took an active part in Earth Day celebrations.


Tropical Forest Landscape Conservation, Restoration, & Sustainable Use Certificate

  • Yale University (CT)

Tropical Forest Landscape Conservation, Restoration, & Sustainable Use offers an opportunity to address pressing environmental and social challenges. Effective conservation and restoration initiatives support multiple objectives, including ecosystem functioning, climate ...

  • Posted May 5, 2019
  • Academic Programs
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Earth Day UTea Crush

  • University of Texas at Austin (TX)

Justin Hays of The University of Texas at Austin’s Landscape Services provides information about U-Tea (pun intended)— compost tea made on campus and bottled in repurposed plastic containers—during ...

  • Posted April 29, 2019
  • Photographs
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Greening to campus Landscape

  • Pennsylvania State University (PA)

Convert the campus landscape maintenance equipment from gas electric

  • Posted March 6, 2019
  • Case Studies
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A - B Tech's Apiary Overview

  • Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (NC)

A look at A-B Tech's very own Apiary. Created by Erik Moellering (English), Josh Littlejohn (former instructor Sustainability Technologies), and Russ Palmeri (Biology). The Apiary was constructed by A ...

  • Posted Jan. 30, 2019
  • Videos & Webinars
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Making the World Safe for Pollinators, One Campus at a Time

  • Abilene Christian University (TX)

Bee City USA is an organization that is dedicated to protecting declining pollinator populations. These organisms are keystone species in the environment and one third of human food production depends ...

  • Posted Dec. 21, 2018
  • Conference Presentations
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Landscape Architecture (BS)

  • University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA)

The Bachelor of Science Program in Landscape Architecture at the University of Massachusetts is strongly influenced by its unique New England setting. Massachusetts is now the fifth fastest growing state ...

  • Posted Dec. 21, 2018
  • Academic Programs
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Environmental Horticulture (BA/BS)

  • University of Wisconsin-Platteville (WI)

Environmental horticulture is the art and science of cultivating plants for human health and beautification of our environment. Our environmental horticulture curriculum concentrates on the practical application of theoretical concepts ...

  • Posted Nov. 20, 2018
  • Academic Programs
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Master Plan to Robus Practice: The Evolution of Sustainable Landscape Practices at Georgia Institute of Technology

  • Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)

Universities across the globe are recognizing the need to implement sustainable landscaping practices in order to support wildlife, improve water quality and positively impact human health and wellbeing. Georgia Institute ...

  • Posted Nov. 13, 2018
  • Publications
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From Root to STEM: Growing Water Use Awareness Through Visualization

  • California State University, Northridge (CA)

The STEM N' Sustainability program offered by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is designed to give women knowledge, resources and opportunities to pursue STEM-related careers in fields ...

  • Posted Nov. 5, 2018
  • Conference Presentations
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Harvesting Hope for the Future Through Green Infrastructure

  • University of Arizona (AZ)

Tucson is situated in one of the most arid regions of the world. Consequently, conserving water for the use of both people and the environment is of utmost importance. Doing ...

  • Posted Nov. 5, 2018
  • Conference Presentations
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Bin There, Done That: Mapping CSUN's Outdoor Waste Infrastructure

  • California State University, Northridge (CA)

To prepare for the implementation of CSUN's Zero Waste Plan, and to comply with new stormwater pollution mandates, the Facilities Planning department at CSU Northridge created an internship for ...

  • Posted Nov. 5, 2018
  • Conference Presentations
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From Cars to Bikes - A Campus Transformation

  • Purdue University (IN)
  • Rundell Ernstberger Associates (REA) (IN)

The transformation of physical environments on college campuses typically comes in the form of a formal master planning effort with great vision and fanfare. BUT there are other, more granular ...

  • Posted Nov. 5, 2018
  • Conference Presentations
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Microbial assessment of rainwater tanks and runoff retention basins: A pilot study

  • West Chester University of Pennsylvania (PA)

Exploring the reuse potential of stormwater runoff and the roof-top rainwater, to meet water supply needs on the University campus is the core focus of this research. Although rainwater is ...

  • Posted Nov. 5, 2018
  • Conference Presentations
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Solar and Sheep Grazing - Is it for Ewe?

  • Furman University (SC)

Does your institution have solar panels or are you thinking about installing them? Does your institution have sheep or know someone who does? If you answered 'yes' to either of ...

  • Posted Nov. 5, 2018
  • Conference Presentations
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Repairing our Foodshed

  • Wells College (NY)

Wells College has acted to address gaps within its local foodshed. Responding to area 'food desert' conditions, the college initiated the Aurora Farmers Market to provide community residents access to ...

  • Posted Nov. 5, 2018
  • Conference Presentations
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Pollinator Friendly Campuses: Strategies to Help You Get Your Buzz on!

  • Central Community College (NE)
  • Colgate University (NY)
  • Northern Arizona University (AZ)
  • Portland Community College, Rock Creek Campus (OR)

This engaging and interactive panel will provide strategies from geographically diverse locations in North America to initiate or continue bee keeping and support pollinator health on your campus. Colgate University ...

  • Posted Nov. 5, 2018
  • Conference Presentations
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Native Food Garden in the Sonoran Desert

  • University of Arizona (AZ)

Since July 2017, I began volunteering at The Desert Research Learning Center (DLRC). The DRLC is owned by the National Park Service and is located adjacent to the east district ...

  • Posted Nov. 5, 2018
  • Conference Presentations
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Great Gardening Goals: Aligning WMU's Gibbs Permaculture Site With the UN's SDGs

  • Western Michigan University (MI)

At the Western Michigan University Gibbs Site, the Office for Sustainability demonstrates permaculture techniques, and researches the validity of those techniques, while repairing damaged land, building soil carbon, increasing biodiversity ...

  • Posted Nov. 5, 2018
  • Conference Presentations
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Rising to the Global Biodiversity Challenge: A New Model at the University of British Columbia (UBC)

  • University of British Columbia (BC)

With the world's 6th mass extinction underway, we are in the midst of a critical historical juncture. In a time characterized by rampant urbanization, climate change and disconnection between ...

  • Posted Nov. 5, 2018
  • Conference Presentations
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Pollinator Protection: Save the Monarch Butterfly!

  • Central Community College (NE)

This poster will describe the process Central Community College uses to engage students in the support of pollinators, particularly the Monarch butterfly. Furthermore, basic information regarding Monarch butterfly behavior and ...

  • Posted Nov. 5, 2018
  • Conference Presentations
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Supporting Sustainability Education and Biodiversity Through Grounds Management

  • State University of New York at Cortland (NY)

For the last 3 years, AASHE Sustainable Campus Index has recognized SUNY Cortland as top performing in the grounds category. This poster will highlight the variety of methods we use ...

  • Posted Nov. 5, 2018
  • Conference Presentations
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Overcoming Obstacles When Establishing Intentional, Productive Urban Campus Green Spaces: Natural and Man-made Challenges

  • Virginia Commonwealth University (VA)

In April 2016, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), an urban research university in downtown Richmond, VA, created an on-campus Learning Garden. Urban campus gardens can face a unique set of challenges ...

  • Posted Nov. 5, 2018
  • Conference Presentations
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Leadership in Sustainable Grounds Management: The Audubon International Experience

  • American University (DC)
  • University of Florida (FL)
  • Niagara College Canada (ON)
  • Audubon International (NY)

This presentation will provide an open dialogue and best practice sharing on the process of achieving Audubon International's (AI) Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP) certification at both public and ...

  • Posted Nov. 5, 2018
  • Conference Presentations
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Grounds for Change: Electrifying CSUN's Landscaping Equipment

  • California State University, Northridge (CA)

Driven by CSUN's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality, Facilities Planning staff worked with The University's Grounds Shop to test and purchase electric string trimmers, leaf blowers and a ...

  • Posted Nov. 5, 2018
  • Conference Presentations
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Thompson Rivers University - The Solar Compass: A Case Study on Ground Mounted Solar Modules

  • Thompson Rivers University (BC)

In the summer of 2017, a collective of faculty, students, industry professionals and an innovative photo voltaic manufacturer installed North America's first ground mounted solar array. The installation is ...

  • Posted Nov. 5, 2018
  • Conference Presentations
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Student Oriented Sustainability Projects on a Small Educational Campus

  • State University of New York at Canton (NY)

In learning about sustainability practices, students acquire more knowledge through an active process of engagement, by constructing new ideas and working on projects, rather than traditional teaching practices such as ...

  • Posted Nov. 5, 2018
  • Conference Presentations
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Sustainable Landscapes Graduate Certificate

  • George Washington University (DC)

The field of landscape design is growing as people call for beauty that can both point to the future and call us back to our natural element. As the demand ...

  • Posted Oct. 15, 2018
  • Academic Programs
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In planting campus gardens, university students root themselves in the larger world

  • George Washington University (DC)
  • Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (IL)
  • AASHE (PA)
  • The Washington Post (DC)

Campus gardens allow students an opportunity to tackle food deserts and take action on climate concerns they may have.

  • Posted Sept. 7, 2018
  • Publications
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UIC Campus Bike Rack Inventory

  • University of Illinois Chicago (IL)

In the summer of 2018, this project was undertaken to inventory all bike racks at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Knowing for certain the capacities and locations of the ...

  • Posted Aug. 10, 2018
  • Case Studies
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Free Food Planters at University of New Brunswick

  • University of New Brunswick, Fredericton (NB)

To engage its campus community in personal and social change through sustainable urban agriculture, the University of New Brunswick Sustainability Office has established sustainable, self-watering, free food planters around the ...


Dickinson College Solar Array

  • Dickinson College (PA)

Dickinson’s new (2018), 12-acre solar array project—designed and built by Tesla—is projected to generate approximately 5,200,000 kwh per year, representing more than 25 percent of ...


Dickinson Farm

  • Dickinson College (PA)

Located just a few miles from campus, the Dickinson College Farm is a 50-acre, USDA-certified organic farm and living laboratory where students can gain distinctive, hands-on learning experiences. With 12 ...


Campus Engagement: Sustainability @ Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA

  • Dickinson College (PA)

The Hive, Dickinson's beekeeping cooperative, is our newest living laboratory. The Hive engages students, staff, and faculty in learning about sustainability problems and solutions through the direct experience of ...


Emory University adopted a Pollinator Protection Policy in 2014

  • Emory University (GA)

Emory University adopted a comprehensive Pollinator Protection Policy in 2014, a first of its kind policy at U.S. colleges and universities that bans neonicotinoid application, plants pre-treated with neonicotinoids ...


Nord Family Greenway

  • Case Western Reserve University (OH)

The Case Western Reserve University Nord Family Greenway is a 300-foot-wide parkland in the heart of the CWRU's campus that was recently renovated to enhance pedestrian and bike access ...


Arboretum at the University of Pennsylvania

  • University of Pennsylvania (PA)

Penn's main, academic campus was accredited as a Level I ArbNet-certified Arboretum as of April 2017, and Level II in November 20107. The Arboretum at the University of Pennsylvania ...


Edible Campus UNC Student Volunteers

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (NC)

Edible Campus UNC at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a program of the North Carolina Botanical Garden that incorporates edible, medicinal, and pollinator-friendly plants into existing landscapes ...


Edible Campus UNC Student Volunteers

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (NC)

Edible Campus UNC at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a program of the North Carolina Botanical Garden that incorporates edible, medicinal, and pollinator-friendly plants into existing landscapes ...

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

OP 10: Biodiversity

Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.

Grounds Partners