Grounds

We have switched to using a non-corrosive ice melt on the sidewalks during the winter months. The goal is to reduce the need for sodium chloride on sidewalk surfaces in the winter.

Grounds also utilizes integrated pest management to limit the use of insecticides and herbicides. By using integrated pest management we can reduce the use of herbicides and insecticides by monitoring the condition of turf grass and other plants, only applying pesticides in areas when the pests have reached a predetermined threshold. Application of pesticides would be in specific areas rather than a blanket application.

We also started incorporating native plants in some areas of campus landscapes. There will be native grasses used in connection with the remodeled Grant Center landscape. Areas around the science building are using native plants in the landscape and also at the stadium in various locations.

In an effort to reduce the sediment that enters the drainage system in the winter, we installed a snowmelt filtration catch basin at the snow storage area in the east stadium lot. The drainage system is designed to filter the sand and other material from the melt water before it enters the storm sewer system.

The Grounds team is planning to perform an audit of the existing irrigation systems on campus. We will evaluate the existing irrigation systems on campus spring of 2013 to determine what improvements can be made to increase productivity. The goal is 20% reduction in water usage for irrigation while maintaining aesthetically pleasing lawn conditions. The systems will have irrigation heads replaced as needed along with controllers that monitor the water usage of the grass plants and only replace the water that is used by the plants.

Grounds plays an active role in composting the green waste of the department by taking it to the Moorhead city compost site. In a year's time approximately 90,000 pounds of green waste consisting of leaves, grass clippings and other plant waste is taken to the compost site.

We are testing several different types of low maintenance turf types on a trial basis. These require less water and fertilizer than normally used turf. Additionally, we are using time-release turf fertilizers without phosphorus. These new fertilizers release their nutrients as the turf uses them preventing the leaching of nutrients into water runoff.


For more information, contact:

Dr. Stewart Herman
Buildings and Energy Working Group Chair

Information For:

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