Texas A&M University
OP-9: Landscape Management

Besides building foot print and infrastructure, a significant portion of the campus acreage is still dedicated to agriculture and engineering extension and research. SSC is contracted to manage 2810 acres of campus. 1800 acres are formally managed, 400 acres are irrigated, 50,000 sf of annual color beds and 11,000 trees.

SSC Grounds Management uses a 4 tier approach in the Integrated Pest Management Procedures used across the entire campus. These procedures include setting action thresholds, monitoring and identifying pests, prevention, and control.

At Presidential Library, Rose Garden, Campus flower beds and Leach Teaching Gardens we follow the standard organic management practices that has eliminated the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides in favor of ecologically preferable materials.

Our approach to new and replacement plantings is multi-faceted. Before any planting decisions are made we consider the other elements that contribute to both a sustainable and durable solution. Areas of consideration include: sun exposure (duration & time of day), proximity to heat and light reflective surfaces, soil conditions including: taxonomy, physiological, chemical; grade, precipitation and/ or supplemental irrigation issues, desired use, financial considerations, etc. Those decisions affect the form and function of plant selection. Where prudent and warranted, the use of native / native adapted plants are promoted. Invasive Species- The SSC Grounds Management staff is comprised of formally educated and highly credentialed personnel who are able to identify invasive species of all forms- insects, weeds, misc. fungal, bacterial, and virus vectors. We continually stay abreast of current of new threats, causal agents, and possible mitigation activities.

The Texas A&M University Campus has a rich history of cutting edge landscape irrigation technology and management. In 1972, Texas A&M installed a campus-wide state of the art irrigation system. It was arguably the most technologically advanced system of any comparably sized campus in the country. After 40 plus years of utilizing controllers with mechanical technology, SSC Grounds Management, Texas A&M University, Weathermatic, and a private philanthropic organization have cooperatively invested roughly 1 million dollars to upgrade the irrigation system and restore to its former "State of the Art" condition. The project includes installation of state of the art cloud based irrigation controller assemblies complete with weather stations, flow control, and master valves. Our goal is to reduce irrigation water consumption by 100 million gallons annually.

SSC Grounds Department generates approximately 18,000 cubic yards of miscellaneous green waste annually. SSC Grounds Department diverts 100% of green waste to our campus composting operation for use on campus. These composted material include: composts, composted wood mulches, wood chips, compost sand blends for turf top dressing, etc.

TAMU is utilizing native adapted & water resourceful plant material, employing drip irrigation technology in planting beds in lieu of conventional spray irrigation, phasing in water efficient “Smart” irrigation controllers, and utilizing organic fertilizers when possible. Additionally, the university utilizes proper drainage design to mitigate nonpoint source pollution.

Our climate is not conducive to significant ice and snow events. In the case of a minor event, SSC Grounds utilizes Magnesium Chloride Ice melt as a spot treatment on affected pedestrian areas. This blend is significantly less corrosive and does not adversely affect the turf and or landscape plantings. For key campus intersections and other vehicular thoroughfares, Sand is utilized for traction. At the conclusion of the event, SSC Grounds Utilizes a sweeper truck to remove the sand.

Information for this section was supplied by SSC Service Solutions, a third-party contractor for Texas A&M Grounds Maintenance. SSC currently has extra credit for the PGMS Certification and the Tree Campus USA. Both are current. Also for extra credit, under associates with certifications, we have 100% of our managers(7) with one or more certifications to include Turf, Pest Control, a licensed landscape architect. Phillip actually has his Leed Green Associate Certification. SSC Administrative offices purchased $8,480.27 in recycled products not listed elsewhere. We gave a $1500. scholarship to 9 SSC families having students that attend Texas A&M University along with choosing 2 TAMU students to receive a $2200. scholarship and travel to Guatemala on a Living Water trip to help build a fresh water well and teach hygiene classes to a community housing 800 families. SSC Grounds purchased a solar powered mower in 2019. We are currently testing this product for pros and cons. So far, it has been a great success. We also purchased 30 100% Recycled Eko Mats for use on campus in 2019. It is my understanding there is a credit available through STARS for the use of these.