Native Plantings
Under the direction of biology assistant professor Dr. Greg Hoch, some 45 species of plants native to this region were planted this summer, and a couple dozen more are on the way. These require no fertilizer, herbicides or pesticides and not much water to remain healthy.
“Natural plantings are very cost effective,” says Dr. Hoch. “The first year requires the most work in germinating the seeds and doing the planting, but after that, its very low maintenance. Even in dry spells, natural grasses stay green and crowd out weeds.”
The plantings were done on the west side of Ivers Science Building, but Hoch hopes other faculty will see the benefits of natural species and ask for plantings near their offices and classrooms.
In recent years, varieties of native trees have been added to campus as well, including Bur oak and Black Hills spruce.
Sustainability
