Grounds

Maintaining our campus to the highest standards gives us a nurturing and healthy environment in which we live and work. It also helps to recruit the most talented new students and faculty, ensuring the longevity of the University.

To keep our campus healthy and beautiful, the grounds team employs a range of sustainable techniques.

• All organic debris removed from the grounds is mulched and used in landscaping, returning important nutrients to the earth and avoiding the landfill.
• Pesticide use is kept to a minimum, and almost all pest-control is done with natural substances.
• Campus plantings use native species wherever possible, creating dynamic habitat for beneficial animals and insects in equilibrium with local climate and minimizing the need for fertilizers (which are mostly petroleum based!).
• Rain gardens have been installed at several key locations around campus. These lush gardens absorb and purify storm runoff.
• Pervious pavers have been installed on campus to aid groundwater recharge after rain and to improve safety in areas prone to muddy conditions.
• A native species tree was planted to commemorate Arbor Day 2009.
• UD is applying to the prestigious ‘Tree Campus USA’ program, created by the Arbor Day Foundation, which recognizes campuses dedicated to the beauty, sustainability and educational value of their grounds.

Future projects

In the future, look for big changes in the center of campus. Enhanced green space is planned for the KU Field and site of the former ME Building. Facilities is also investigating ways to reduce water used for irrigation, with an advanced campus irrigation control system and innovative reuse of water pumped from the naturally high water table around the Recplex.