Green Spaces

In 2008, the use of pesticides and herbicides was discontinued on campus. Green spaces are carefully maintained and plant species are chosen (including native plants) for resiliency, suitability to conditions and consideration of wildlife benefits. Composted manure and woodchips are primarily used for mulch. Chemical fertilizer use is limited to high-visibility areas and sports fields.

The Landscape Advisory Committee strives to preserve and increase trees and natural areas on campus. The Grounds Department replaces every tree lost to campus development or other causes with three new plantings. Landscape Architecture students are involved in campus landscape greening projects.

The U of G Arboretum preserves important wildlife habitat and corridors to other local green-spaces, such as the wilderness and marsh areas. The emphasis is on native and local species: the Arboretum conducts the Elm Recovery Project and has a gene bank to preserve the genetic history of southern Ontario plants. It is also home to Guelph’s new organic farming project.

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For more information about this report or sustainability initiatives at the University of Guelph, please contact:

Gillian Maurice
Sustainability Co-ordinator
sustain@pr.uoguelph.ca