Denison University
OP-10: Landscape Management

Denison strives to reduce the environmental impact of its landscaping in a number of ways. For all campus plantings, native species are given priority both for their natural adaptation to the local climate as well as their general hardiness. Invasive species are never planted and the college is committed to removing any species deemed to be exotic, invasive, or nuisance. The college has implemented a number of no-mow areas across campus to increase habitat and decrease time and resources spent mowing. Plantings and natural areas are designed to limit and/or eliminate the need for irrigation and fertilizer application. The college does mulch many of its landscaped beds annually, but is moving towards more beds with stone and gravel substrate which reduces maintenance time and weed growth.

Denison’s campus grounds are often used as a teaching lab, thus the diversity of native species is important. A desired native species list does exist and is used for most plantings. When necessary to satisfy needs based on site orientation, drainage, soil condition, serviceability and use - non-native and cultivars may be planted instead of native species. Known "undesirable" and/or invasive species are not considered in planting plans.

Denison composts and mulches 100% of its waste generated from grounds keeping activities. Grass clippings are typically mulched as part of the mowing process or are left on mowed areas.

Denison has an integrated pest management plan that limits the use of herbicides and pesticides. As a standard, we do not apply these items over broad areas. When we identify problem areas that can't be solved by organic means we do spot spray. The college is also testing the use of organic herbicides (vinegar based) in some locations and the results to date have been positive. Denison composts its food waste and this compost is used on campus for our community garden and some of our landscaped beds.

Denison sources its mulch from a local company that grinds up old wood pallets and brush/branches from local curbside removal programs. Gravel and stone used in beds come from a local quarry five miles from campus. The college utilizes compost generated from campus dining operations in a number of locations across campus. Facilities stores old pavers, bricks, blocks, and stones in a storage area called "the boneyard" and these are often redeployed in other areas across campus as part of new landscaping projects.

The majority of campus is located on top of a hill as such, Denison maintains a number of bioswales and storm water retention areas across campus that help to reduce erosion and sedimentation in local streams and rivers. Nearly all hillsides are either forested or designated as no-mow areas to further protect the natural hydrology and permit more water to recharge groundwater aquifers. Building projects, roads, and sidewalks are intentionally designed to limit disturbances to natural drainage areas and natural water features (springs, streams, etc.).

Denison uses mechanical means of snow removal whenever possible and limits its use of chemicals. When chemicals are used, Denison uses a product called Safe Step which is recognized as an industry leader in eco-friendly snow & ice removal.

Denison's main campus including buildings and sports fields/courts is 240 acres. Denison has a 365 acre biological reserve Denison has 150 acres of agricultural land Denison now owns a 148 acre golf course that is not adjacent to campus and has not been included in any of the calculations above. Denison has 26 acres of rentals and other commercial property that also have not been included in any of the calculations above. Denison maintains an internal password protected website where most of this information resides. Public access web pages have limited information on this topic.