California State University, Chico
OP-T2-19: Native Plants

One of the most appreciated aspects of California State University, Chico is its beautiful campus. Big Chico Creek, with seasonal populations of wild Chinook salmon, runs through the center of campus. As stewards of the land, the campus community understands the fragility of this ecosystem and recognizes the university's role in supporting its integrity. The University takes action to manage its landscaping and grounds to ensure that this extraordinary space and its unique natural resources are managed for the enjoyment of future generations. The grounds at Chico State are primarily maintained by Facilities Management and Services' (FMS) Grounds and Landscape Services Department and University Housing. Since April 1997, Facilities Management and Services' (FMS) Grounds and Landscape Services Department has switched to almost 90 percent organic landscaping using many native plant species, trading in chemicals for organic compounds, using different management techniques like integrated pest management, and mechanical pest control. University Housing also cares for its grounds using integrated pest management, organically based flower fertilizers, and non-systemic herbicides. Creekside Nature Walk is a self-guided walk along Big Chico Creek to view native plant species demarcated with numbered posts referenced in an educational brochure. (The brochure is available at the Bidwell Mansion, CSU, Chico Alumni Association, and the Office for the Department of Biological Sciences.) University Center Landscape Project - Native Garden: http://www.csuchico.edu/pdc/projects/uclandscape.shtml