University of Tennessee at Knoxville
OP-10: Landscape Management

Pests shall be controlled through the use of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. A thorough review of the issue and of alternate methods of treatment shall be undertaken prior to the use of chemicals to control weeds and pests.

Augment the integrity and performance of the campus landscape by employing sustainable practices. Authentic participation in higher education programs to advance environmental responsibility must guide all campus development. As a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville has initiated the Make Orange Green campaign that includes a Climate Action Plan, energy conservation, numerous recycling efforts, and Green Dining. In recent years, UTK has made significant investments in a sustainable future with the creation of new departments and implementation of plans and policies. The mission statement of the University of Tennessee System makes specific mention that “The UT System’s delivery of education, discovery, outreach and public service contributes to the economic, social and environmental well-being of all Tennesseans.” This commitment to sustainable practices – those that are environmentally sensitive, economically feasible and supportive of social equity – is reflective of the University’s founding mission as a land grant institution and appropriate to an aspiring Top 25 Public Research University. To meet this goal, further sustainable practices should be incorporated into the life of the University that are reflective of an institution that is engaged in cutting-edge technology and research.

Native plant species shall be considered for all planting applications on campus for the environmental benefi ts that they provide. The “Invasive Plants of Tennessee” document from Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council shall be consulted to ensure that all new plant species are not listed. Prioritize the removal of documented invasive plant species to prevent them from overwhelming the native plant communities and threatening local insect and bird populations that depend on the native species. Consult the following resources on Tennessee’s invasive plants: The Oak Ridge National Education Research Park website - http://www.esd.ornl.gov/facilities/nerp/invasive_species.html, and the Tennessee Exotic Pest Council website - http://www.tneppc.org.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville has an on-site composting facility, and much of the green waste from Landscaping Services goes to this facility to be added to the compost.

There is a 14 acre certified organic farm owned by the university. The use of this farm is primarily research and experiential learning focused. So the farm is used for vegetable based field and variety research trials, organic management techniques, organic and sustainable forage research, no-till corn and soybeans, management practices for production of corn and soybeans, with emphasis on fertility and weed control, bee and wildflower management, student market garden, tomato variety testing, vegetable production on biodegradable mulches, and extensive use of cover crops for prevention of erosion, improving organic matter content of the soil, and for overall sustainability.

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The University of Tennessee employs best management practices for stormwater management, promoting the campus as a leader in environmental stewardship, as befits a land grant institution. The institution uses sustainable strategies, such as bioswales and rain gardens, to increase the quality and decrease the quantity of runoff. The university considers these strategies to filter pollutants that accumulate between rainfalls and encourage on-site infiltration, while also providing carbon sinks with the vegetation, improving air quality and providing biodiversity on the campus. It also utilizes permeable pavements where possible to minimize non-point source pollution of local waterways, while also increasing groundwater recharge and reducing stress on stormwater infrastructure. There are permeable pavers and structural cells at Neyland Stadium’s Gate 21 to permit infiltration and improve growing conditions for the trees in the plaza. Additionally, several cisterns have been or will be installed on campus to collect rainwater for use for irrigation.

The University of Tennessee has 14 acres of certified organic farm land in production that is readily used for research. Some of the projects at the farm include conservation tillage techniques, high-tunnel production, variety trials, optimizing fertility, and assessment of native bees.