Grounds Department Sustainability Programs:
The Grounds Department is maintaining and developing several programs that contribute to an ethic of environmental stewardship and campus sustainability at The University of Georgia. Currently, these programs include:
• Using native plants that require less irrigation and chemical application where appropriate.
• Conducting an inventory of the campus arboretum using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in order to manage UGA’s tree canopy utilizing a whole system approach.
• Minimizing pesticide and fertilizer dependence through targeted applications and integrated pest management practices.
• Utilizing drip irrigation systems in campus landscape beds to reduce water consumption and voluntarily restrict water use during times of drought.
• Implementing and seeking opportunities to use stormwater best management practices by designing, constructing, and maintaining bioretention cells, pervious surface treatments and greenroof applications.
• Collaborating with the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering to operate the Bioconversion Facility to recycle plant wastes, animal bedding and other agricultural by-products.
• Reusing compost generated at the Bioconversion Facility to amend soils and mulch beds in campus landscape projects.
• Setting goals for long-term planning and future program development to integrate the principles of sustainable stewardship in our activities and services.