Sustainability Action Plan

LANDSCAPE STRATEGIES

MANAGEMENT

Create a goal to work on at least one project each year with students Develop academic partnerships to regularly work with faculty and students on course projects

PLANNING, DESIGN, AND DEVELOPMENT

Native perennials and other sustainable plant selections Xeriscaping – drought resistant plants that limit water usage Develop a process/checklist of guiding principles used when making landscaping decisions including:

Reduce mowing frequency Save seed and propagate plantings from existing gardens Continue to work toward the CEDC’s philosophy for natural landscaping Provide annual updates regarding Landscaping Plan progress Minimize or eliminate the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides Incorporate xeriscaping techniques to reduce water consumption Examine where the products that we use for landscaping come from and ensure that they are from companies that emphasize sustainability Work with the City of Menomonie to develop a local composting program for yard waste, food waste, and other compostable items

Determine the status of the Landscape Development Plan (currently cited in the Campus Master Plan) and where the responsibility for this landscaping plan rests Implement test plots with signage for new sustainable landscaping pilot projects (e.g., No Mow grass, natural lawn program, etc.) Offer edible landscapes like fruit trees for campus to utilize Plant native perennials in place of or in addition to annual plants Increase diversity of tree species, preferably native trees Continue to garner campus input for landscaping projects Increase the use of permeable surfaces across campus Determine the status of the Storm Water Management Plan (currently listed as a “Draft”) and ensure that our landscapes are proactively working toward the goals of this plan

How landscapes interact with tours for prospective students Conduct a comprehensive landscaping audit

Rain gardens

Gather feedback on landscaping practices

Organic fertilizers

Informational plaques at native planting areas, gardens, and outdoor spaces Increase use and awareness of the outdoor classroom Increase use and awareness of the UW-Sprout Campus Garden Invest in training and certifications for grounds crew that support sustainable landscape management such as native plant types, pruning, biodiversity, alternative fertilizing methods, burning, grazing, etc. Make the outdoor classroom a draw for our campus by revitalizing the space EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Potential for a classroom project

Create a tree tour program with signage on trees and info about each tree, similar to the UNC Tree Tour Develop a small-scale giving program for alumni to donate funds for trees and plants Develop a program to recognize long-term employees with plant purchases on campus, rather than through buying pins or other products Offer an “Adopt a Plot” program for campus departments to tend to specific outdoor areas

Incorporate landscapes that encourage biodiversity

Assess snow management processes to reduce salt and chemical usage

In 2018, UW-Stout retrofitted 10 campus buildings, parking lots, and sidewalks with LED lights, estimated to save us $89,000 per year in energy costs.

Perennial garden in front of Robert S. Swanson Library and Learning Center. Perennials improve soil structure and use less water.

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