Campus
Landscaping
Improvements
STARS Analysis
University of Wisconsin-Stout
SUST 425
Spring 2013
Callie Bernier & Megen Hines
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROJECT OVERVIEW
CURRENT CONDITIONS
2
3
STARS PROGRAM
3
DESCRIPTION
3
Integrated Pest Management
Native Plants
Wildlife Habitat
Landscape Waste Composting
Stormwater Management
Xeriscaping
OPERATIONAL DETAILS
3
3
4
4
4
4
6
CAMPUS MAP
SOIL MAP
VEGETATION
RESOURCES USED
6
8
10
11
TECHNICAL FACTORS
13
OVERVIEW OF LIFE CYCLE
PROS & CONS
LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS
PROPOSALS
13
15
16
19
CASE STUDIES
19
NORTH LAKE COLLEGE, TEXAS
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-STEVENS POINT, WISCONSIN
UW-STOUT CAMPUS LANDSCAPING PROPOSAL
PLANT RECOMMENDATIONS
NATIVE PERENNIALS
19
19
20
25
25
Full Sun
Part Sun
Shade
TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE & IMPACTS
25
26
28
29
ECONOMIC
ENVIRONMENT
SOCIAL
29
30
30
STARS PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS
31
DESCRIPTION
31
Integrated Pest Management
Native Plants
Wildlife Habitat
Landscape Waste Composting
Stormwater Management
Xeriscaping
31
31
31
31
32
32
SUMMARY
REFERENCES
APPENDICES
33
34
36
1. TIMELINE
2. TEAM MEETINGS AND COMMUNICATIONS
3. VEGETATION TABLE
1
36
37
48
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The UW-Stout Sustainability Office is
working on evaluating sustainability
throughout the university using a tool
known as the STARS program, which rates
universities on their sustainable practices.
One area of evaluation within the program
is the sustainability of the grounds areas on
campus. Our project consisted of analyzing
current campus landscaping practices and
determining how the university can
improve these practices through planting
native plant species of Wisconsin in order
to become more sustainable.
Our project expands upon previously
collected evaluations of the sustainability
of campus landscaping performed by the
UW-Stout Sustainability Office headed by
Sarah Rykal.
Mike Smith, Facilities
Director
at
UW-Stout,
provided
information about campus landscaping
practices and current species planted on
campus. As part of the project, we mapped
all landscaped areas on campus and
determined the environmental conditions of
each. This information was integrated into an ArcGIS map with an attribute table including the
associated environmental conditions, such as if the area receives full sun, part sun, or shade. A
triple bottom line analysis was performed to assess the economic, environmental, and social
impacts of planting native Wisconsin plant species on campus. Additionally, proposed
recommendations for which native species should be planted was included to promote the
sustainability and biodiversity of campus landscaping. Results from our project will be
forwarded to the UW-Stout Sustainability Office to include in their STARS report for the
Facilities Department. We hope to initiate more native planting on campus and improve UWStout’s overall STARS rating.
2
CURRENT CONDITIONS
STARS PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION
The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS) is a tool that rates
universities on their sustainable practices. The STARS program was first researched and
developed in 2006 and is administered by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability
in Higher Education (AASHE). It is voluntary and interested universities provide their own data
for evaluation. Credits can be earned for various university related areas and a score is awarded
for each credit. There are 104 total possible points with rankings of bronze (25 points), silver
(45 points), gold (65 points), and platinum (85 points). Universities in the UW system that have
received scores from STARS include UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Oshkosh, and
UW-Green Bay, while UW-Stout and UW-Milwaukee are currently gathering data to receive a
STARS ranking. The categories that could be improved by incorporating more native plants in
landscaping on the UW-Stout campus include integrated pest management, native plants,
wildlife habitats, stormwater management, and xeriscaping.
Integrated Pest Management
To earn points in the STARS program for integrated pest management, universities need to
follow a four-tiered approach that sets action thresholds, monitors and identifies pests, practices
prevention, and introduces controls.
At UW-Stout, all areas except buildings and parking lots are covered by an integrated pest
management plan. This area totals 75 acres on campus. Plant damage and pest populations must
meet certain thresholds before the grounds crew will apply a treatment. Pests are identified to
determine which chemical treatment to use. There is no formal pest management monitoring
plan, rather grounds crew keep their eyes out for something out of the ordinary. According to
Facilities Director Mike Smith, there is little prevention for insects as the campus infrequently
has pest problems. An example of
preventative treatment on campus is the
management of crab grass.
Other
prevention measures include not planting
species that have previously had pest
problems on campus (Email from Sarah
Rykal).
Native Plants
Universities earn STARS points for
native plants by having a policy,
program, or practice of planting native
species on campus.
3
UW-Stout does not have a policy, program,
or practice of planting native plant species
on campus.
The institution does not
prioritize the use of native plant species in
landscaping on campus (Email from Sarah
Rykal).
Wildlife Habitat
STARS points for wildlife habitat can be
earned by having a policy, program, or
practice of creating wildlife habitat on
campus.
UW-Stout does not currently have a plan in
place to create or protect the wildlife habitat
on campus (Email from Sarah Rykal).
Landscape Waste Composting
Universities earn STARS points for
landscape waste composting by composting
or mulching landscape waste.
The
university can report landscape waste
composted both on and off campus.
UW-Stout utilizes mulching mowers that allow grass trimmings to go back into the ground. This
practice also helps to reduce nutrient applications. Grounds keeping has a pile of yard waste
compost consisting of old wood mulch, pruning branches, and sticks that gets reused by the
department on campus. The largest yard waste, approximately 2-4% of all yard waste, is sent to
the landfill for disposal. (Email from Sarah Rykal).
Stormwater Management
STARS points for stormwater management can be earned by having programs and policies in
place to reduce stormwater runoff and water pollution.
UW-Stout has a stormwater management plan from 2009, but it is still in draft form (Email from
Sarah Rykal).
Xeriscaping
To earn STARS points for xeriscaping, universities need to be utilizing xeriscape landscaping
techniques which reduce or eliminate the need for watering plants.
UW-Stout does not have a program or practice of utilizing xeriscape landscaping techniques
(Email from Sarah Rykal).
4
In this report, we will provide recommendations for native plants that would work well on
campus, as well as a proposal for converting three landscaped beds to all native perennials.
These recommendations will help improve UW-Stout’s STARS rating in the native plants,
wildlife habitat, and xeriscaping categories specifically.
5
OPERATIONAL DETAILS
CAMPUS MAP
There are about 227 landscaped beds on the southern portion of the UW-Stout campus. We tried
to be consistent in our count by excluding single planted trees and natural areas. The
environmental conditions of each bed, including type of plants present (Fig. 1) and sunlight
availability (Fig. 2), were recorded and mapped as well. According to the UW-Stout Campus
Physical Development Plan, south campus comprises about 65.6% (86 acres) of the total campus
acreage, while north campus comprises only 34.4% (45 acres) (2011). Through our mapping
process, we discovered that only about 7% of south campus is landscaped. We used these
percentages to calculate estimates in our life cycle analysis and proposal.
Figure 1: Map displaying the types of plants present in landscaped beds on south
campus (A: annual; P: perennial; S: shrub; T: tree).
6
Figure 2: Map of sunlight availability for landscaped beds on south campus
(F: full; P: part; S: shade).
7
SOIL MAP
511A
511C
511A
433A
Figure 3: The soil survey map of south campus shows that the primary soil types are
Plainfield sand and Forkhorn sandy loam (NRCS 2012).
Plainfield Sand
The majority of south campus features a Plainfield sand soil which according to the NRCS
website consists of 32 inches of sand overlaying stratified gravelly course sand (Fig. 3) (2012).
This soil type forms from the sandy and gravelly outwash of valley trains. Valley trains are
formed when water runoff from glaciers deposits sediment as it flows through a valley
(Wikipedia 2013). It is excessively drained and has a high to very high ability to transmit water
(Fig. 4B). This soil is not hydric due to low available water capacity and no frequency of
flooding (Fig. 4A). With a high infiltration rate and more than 80 inches to the water table, there
is a low runoff potential as well.
8
Forkhorn Sandy Loam
The eastern edge of south campus, especially the athletic fields, consists of Forkhorn sandy loam
(Fig. 3). This never flooded, not hydric soil originates from loamy alluvium over sandy and
gravelly outwash of valley trains (Fig. 4A). Its upper horizons are composed of sandy loam
making its available water capacity low, while the lower horizons are gravelly loamy sand to
stratified gravelly coarse sand. This explains why its drainage class is well drained and it has a
moderately high to high rate of water transmission (Fig. 4B). Similar to the Plainfield sand soil,
it has a depth to the water table of more than 80 inches and low runoff potential.
(A)
(B)
Red = Excessively Drained
Yellow = Well Drained
Blue = Not Hydric
511A
511A
511C
511C
511A
511A
433A
433A
Figure 4: Additional maps of south campus displaying a (A) hydric soil map and (B)
drainage class map (NRCS 2012).
With the two main soil types being well drained with low water capacity, there is a high demand
for water in the landscaped beds. The soil types on campus were taken into consideration when
preparing the recommendations and proposal found later in this report. Plant choice is critical
when planting in a region with low water capacity soil. The Facilities Department adds compost
or organic material to the beds which provides nutrients for plants and has the ability to store
more water than the original soil. Also, the need for watering should decrease if more drought
tolerant native plants were incorporated into the landscaping at UW-Stout. Since they are
adapted to the local environmental conditions and typically have a deeper root system, they are
able to find and store more water than non-native annuals and perennials.
9
VEGETATION
Perennials and annuals are planted in landscaped beds on the UW-Stout campus. Between 2009
and 2012, 5,709 perennial plants were purchased and planted on campus according to Mike
Smith (Table 1). Of these plants, 2,014 were species native to Wisconsin, compromising 35.3%
of all perennials planted on campus from 2009-2012. Additionally, 64.7% of these perennials
(3,695 plants) were species that are not native to Wisconsin. The majority of the native
perennials planted on campus included a variety of fern and black eyed Susan species (Appendix
3). It is obvious that more native species need to be planted however to improve biodiversity
(Table 1).
We were not able to gain any information on the species or quantity of annuals on campus due to
variability of plantings each year. A life cycle analysis was performed comparing a typical
annual found on campus to a typical cultivar perennial found on campus to a native perennial
that we are recommending be incorporated into the campus landscaping.
Total Perennials Purchased 2009-2012
Native
Non-Native
Total Perennial Species Count 2009-2012
Native
Non-Native
5709
2014
3695
35.30%
64.70%
85
14
71
16.47%
83.53%
Table 1: Table of native versus non-native perennial percentages in campus planting.
10
RESOURCES USED
Consistently used resources in campus landscaping include sunlight, soil, water, and nutrients.
Without these, plants would not be able to survive. However, the plants themselves are also
considered materials in this case. In order to better understand the current conditions, we
quantified the used tangible resources.
We figured that there would be four annuals for every one perennial based on plant spacing
recommendations for 1 ft2 (Fig. 5). Based on this 4:1 ratio of annuals to perennials and the
number of purchased perennials from 2009-2012 (5,709) we estimated that there were 22,836
annuals purchased during this time (Table 2). Since the annuals need to be repurchased every
year while the perennials should live for years depending on the type of species and the
environmental conditions, we assume that the actual number of annuals purchased would likely
be higher than we estimated.
To determine the amount of water consumed, we used a landscaping area of 1 ft2 to obtain
estimates on water needs for both annual and perennial beds. We then estimated the amount of
water required by each plant using an online tool from Value Landscaping (2013). For annuals,
1 ft2 needs 96 gallons of water per year, but this number was divided by four to estimate the
water needs of a single annual. 1 ft2 of perennials requires 24 gallons of water per year. After
multiplying these amounts by the number of annuals and perennials on campus, we estimated the
total water used to be 685,080 gallons.
We were told by Mike Smith, the Facilities Director, that UW-Stout spends $600 total per year
on fertilizer. This figure is divided evenly for annuals and perennials. By averaging prices from
multiple websites, we discovered that bulk wholesale fertilizer costs about $300-$400 for one ton
or approximately 2,000 lbs. We then estimated that the grounds crew uses about 4,000 lbs. of
fertilizer per year.
For compost, we were unable to estimate an amount since UW-Stout provides the compost free
of charge.
Lastly, oil is used for transportation, equipment, and even packaging in some cases. However,
we were also unable to determine how much is used on campus.
Annuals
Perennials
22,836*
5,709
# of Plants
685,080* gallons
Total Water
24* gallons
24* gallons
Water/Plant/Year
$300
$300
Cost of Fertilizer
4,000* lbs.
Amount of Fertilizer
Table 2: Resources used for annuals and perennials. * represents estimated numbers
11
Labor is an intangible resource needed for successful plant growth and appearance. From our
interview with Mike Smith, we found out that the grounds crew consists of 22 seasonal workers
who work 40 hours per week. Their tasks include weeding, applying fertilizer, watering,
planting, mulching, dividing, and pruning (Table 3). The majority of their job takes place in the
summer months during the growing season of annuals and perennials. Four workers spend 2.5
weeks planting annuals each year. This results in 400 person hours for an approximate cost of
$3,400 to just plant the annuals on campus each year. Perennials are fertilized three times per
year or once per month for the summer months, while annuals are fertilized weekly or biweekly
depending on their living conditions. All watering takes place during the day. In addition,
money is a financial resource needed throughout the process, especially for purchasing plants,
paying employees, utility costs, etc. Table 3 shows the specific labor tasks for annuals and
perennials.
Labor Tasks
Annuals
Perennials
Plant
Plant
Water
Water
Fertilize Weekly
Fertilize monthly
Weed
Weed
Prune/Dead-Head
Prune
Pull-up
Divide
Dispose
Table 3: Specific labor tasks for annuals and perennials.
Figure 5 below illustrate how we estimated the ratio of annuals to perennials on campus. First,
we are assuming that there is equal square footage of annuals and perennials on campus, which
may or may not be accurate. Next, we used a one square foot area to determine the ratio of
annuals to perennials in landscaped beds on campus. As shown below, we would recommend
planting four annuals in a one square foot area, while we would only plant one perennial in a one
square foot area, giving a 4:1 ratio of annuals to perennials.
Annuals
Perennials
1 ft.
1 ft.
1 ft.
1 ft.
Figure 5: Illustration of our annual to perennial per square foot ratio
(4:1).
12
TECHNICAL FACTORS
OVERVIEW OF LIFE CYCLE
Flower
GROWER/
REPRODUCE
Die
(annuals)
Water
Sun
Soil
Nutrients
Labor
Mature
Plant
Seed
Seedling
Transplant
PLANTER/
REGENERATE
Mature
Plant
Water
Sun
Soil
Nutrients
Labor
Flower
13
Die Back
(perennials)
Die
(annuals)
In the operational diagram, there are many technical factors to consider. For instance, a variety
of equipment is needed throughout the process. This includes, but is not limited to, gloves,
trowels, shovels, hoses, watering cans, sprinklers, pruning shears, wheel barrels, mini diggers,
lawn mowers, weed wackers, etc. Some of the powered equipment requires fuel which is an
additional cost to consider. However, since all of these items are used for both native and nonnative plants, there is no way to quantify how many times each item is used for one specific type
of plant. Even though, it is possible to estimate how many times each item is used for annuals
and perennials based of the 4:1 ratio. There are some differences in the specific labor tasks
between annuals and perennials, notably that fertilizer is applied weekly to annuals and monthly
to perennials. Annuals also need to be pulled up and disposed of each growing season while
perennials may need to be divided depending on how old they are. The amount of labor needed
for each really changes once we get into multiple growing seasons, where annuals need to be
replanted yearly and perennials do not get planted each year.
Additionally, there are many limitations throughout the operational diagram. A knowledgeable
and trained labor force is a large part of this process. If employees are not experienced, they
could potentially kill or harm the plants, costing more time and money.
Lastly, if the plants are purchased from a grower with a greenhouse, extra technical factors exist.
These involve building materials, heating equipment, fans, product packaging, and transportation
costs. Nevertheless, we are not including calculations outside of campus, so this is not relevant.
14
PROS & CONS
Cultivar Annuals:
The perk to planting annuals is that they are engineered to produce continuous, large blooms. In
other words, they are aesthetically pleasing due to their vibrant color. They are typically smaller
than perennials, so more of them can be planted in a smaller space, and they only last for one
growing season. For this reason, annuals can become expensive since you are purchasing more
plants yearly, even if the cost per plant is cheaper. They are also very labor intensive because of
this.
Native Perennials:
Native perennials provide many more biological functions than annuals. First, they provide
wildlife habitat for local species, such as insects. Second, by planting native perennials, the
overall biodiversity of the area increases. This reduces the threat of non-native species invasion.
Third, they improve local air and water qualities. Perennial roots are capable of reaching much
further into the ground than annual roots (Fig. 6). Because of this, they are better at infiltrating
pollutants out of runoff before they enter the water system. Lastly, they use fewer resources than
annuals. Since native perennials are adapted to the local climate and have evolved to survive in
the local soil conditions, they tend to be hardier than conventional landscaping plants. Meaning,
they require less maintenance, water, fertilizer, pesticide, and herbicide. So even though the
upfront plant cost is higher than that of an annual, perennials can last for years saving time and
money in the long run. They also tend to be larger than annuals with smaller blooms which only
occur for part of the growing season.
Figure 6: Root structure of perennial wheatgrass versus annual winter wheat.
Perennial Bed
Annual Bed
15
LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS
This life cycle analysis compares a typical annual planted on campus to a typical cultivar
perennial on campus to a native perennial that we recommend be planted on campus. We chose
a Wave Petunia to represent the annual, as we have seen many petunias planted in landscaped
beds on campus. We chose the species Rudbeckia goldsturm (Black Eyed Susan) for the cultivar
perennial, as it is one of the most numerous perennials planted on campus and because it is a
cultivar of the native Black Eyed Susan we chose as our native perennial. There are several
differences between the species Rudbeckia goldsturm and the native Black Eyed Susan, such as a
larger, bolder color bloom in the cultivar which does not seed out like the native Black Eyed
Susan.
16
Annual: Wave Petunia
• Plant Cost: $0.27
• Labor: $4,946.14
• Fertilizer: $300
• Compost: $0 (Free from UW-Stout)
• Water: $0.02
Cultivar Perennial: Rudbeckia goldsturm (Black Eyed Susan)
• Plant cost: $8.25
• Labor: $1,236.53
• Fertilizer: $300
• Compost: $0 (Free from UW-Stout)
• Water: $0.02
Native Perennial: Black Eyed Susan
• Plant cost: $8.25
• Estimated Labor: $1,000
• Fertilizer: $0 (Native plants should not need fertilizer)
• Compost: $0 (Free from UW-Stout)
• Water: $0.01
This life cycle analysis was calculated using the assumption that the ratio of annuals to
perennials on campus is 4:1. This was determined by considering a 1 ft2 area where we would
plant four annuals or just one perennial. We were unable to determine an exact ratio due to not
being able to obtain exact numbers of perennials and annuals from the Facilities Department.
We primarily focused on factors which differed between annuals and perennials, meaning certain
information may have been left out if it was equal for both. The Facilities Department hires 22
workers to maintain the entire grounds, including landscaped beds, for the summer. To calculate
our labor cost, we assumed that the growing season is from May 1-September 1 (18 weeks), that
the workers work 40 hours/week, and that they make $8.50/hour. This gave us a total growing
season cost of $134,640. Since we only focused on mapping south campus, we took this number
and multiplied by 0.656 since south campus comprises 65.6% of the total area on campus (UWStout 2011). The total estimated labor for south campus is $88,323.84. This number is skewed
high as it includes all maintenance activities on the grounds including mowing, grass upkeep,
and planting of trees and shrubs. Based on an estimate from the map we created, the ratio of
landscaped beds to grass/pavement on south campus is 7:93. This makes the estimated labor for
south campus landscape beds to be $6,182.67. Using our 4:1 ratio of annuals to perennials, this
makes the cost of labor for annuals on south campus to be $4,946.14 and $1,236.53 for
perennials. The labor for native perennials is an estimate.
17
Fertilizer costs were given to us as $600 total per year from the Facilities Department. Mike
Smith, Facilities Director, said that the cost of fertilizer is split evenly between annuals and
perennials. The cost of applying the fertilizer is wrapped up in the labor cost. The labor cost of
applying fertilizer to annuals will be 4 times greater than applying it to perennials, as fertilizer is
applied weekly or biweekly to annuals and monthly to perennials.
Water costs are estimated in this life cycle analysis. The City of Menomonie sewer and water
rates were found to be $0.70/100 cubic feet of water (2010). The amount of water each plant
needs was estimated from this website: http://vle.cuwcd.com/default.aspx. We used a
landscaping area of 1 ft2 to obtain estimates on water needs for both annual and perennial beds.
1 ft2 of annuals needs 96 gallons of water per year, but this number was divided by four to
estimate the water needs of a single annual. 1 ft2 of perennials requires 24 gallons of water per
year. These numbers were converted to cubic feet of water used and multiplied by the city water
rate to determine water cost. The native perennial water cost was estimated by a 50% reduction
of the cost of watering annuals based on the reduction seen by North Lake College (case study
below).
Compost is used to increase the amount of soil and organic matter in the landscaped beds on
campus. The compost used comes from UW-Stout and is free of charge for use by the Facilities
Department.
18
PROPOSALS
CASE STUDIES
NORTH LAKE COLLEGE, TEXAS
North Lake College initiated a landscaping plan in 2003 to incorporate native Texas plants into
their landscaping on campus. The program looked to foster environmental stewardship, aesthetic
beauty, cost savings, and awareness of native plant species. The project has since reduced water
usage for landscaping purposes by 50%. The water that they do use now is harvested rainwater
to further reduce their dependence on city water supply. Other cost savings of planting native
plants included a 70% reduction in labor and eliminating seasonal plant material costs. This
college is an excellent example of how beneficial it is to incorporate native plants in landscaping.
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-STEVENS POINT, WISCONSIN
The University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point (UWSP) created a Campus Tree Care Plan to
improve the health and sustainability of tree populations on their campus (2010). They used the
five standards of the Tree Campus USA program to develop their plan, as well as the Arbor Day
Foundation’s Tree Campus USA program. Through these programs UWSP was able to define
their urban forest mission goals and objectives. Maintaining healthy and sustainable urban
forests provides a great educational tool for students and the public to learn about quality tree
care and sound urban forest management techniques. By investigating UWSP’s Campus Tree
Care Plan, we could create our own tree management plan as a part of the Tree Campus USA
section of the STARS program. Even though this category is not a part of our planting native
species mission, it is an important piece that is worth looking into.
19
UW-STOUT CAMPUS LANDSCAPING PROPOSAL
After mapping south campus landscaped beds, we chose three beds to convert from
predominantly annuals to all native perennials. We chose three as to keep costs down while still
providing enough of a test to show how labor, fertilizer, and water could be reduced by planting
natives. These beds would allow the university to see what the aesthetic reaction to these native
plant landscaped beds would be. If the plots are well received and if there is a potential for cost
savings, the university could choose to expand native plantings to other landscaped beds as well.
These three landscaped beds with native perennials would also help improve the university’s
STARS scores in the areas of native plants, wildlife habitat, stormwater management, and
xeriscaping.
The three beds that we chose are located in front of the library, on the southwest corner of South
Hall near the intersection of Broadway St. and 13th Ave., and between sidewalks on the
northwest corner of Millennium Hall (Fig. 8). These beds were chosen because they are
predominantly planted with annuals and they would be visible, but they are not in the main
walkways of campus where campus tours take place. In addition, they all receive full sun,
meaning their environmental conditions are similar and there is the potential of treating the new
plantings as an experiment. Total costs to plant native perennials in each of these three beds was
calculated, as well as comparing the costs of planting annuals to native perennials in each of the
three beds. The costs of planting annuals versus planting native perennials in each bed was
calculated over four growing seasons to show the potential long term savings by planting native
perennials.
The landscaped bed in front of the library was estimated to be 792 ft2 (Fig. 7A). We believe this
estimate is a decent representation of the bed. The estimated total cost to plant native perennials
in this bed is $6,886.43. We used our previous assumption that we would plant one perennial in
one square foot to determine the number of plants for this bed. Plant cost was calculated using
the number of plants multiplied by $8.25 per perennial. The cost per perennial of $8.25 was
given to us by Mike Smith. Water was calculated to be 19,008 gallons for a cost of $17.79 by
using the square footage and 24 gallons of water needed per year per square foot multiplied by
the city water and sewer rate (Value Landscaping 2013). Fertilizer was calculated by creating a
ratio using the total cost of fertilizer over total landscaped bed square feet equal to the amount of
fertilizer spent on the specific bed over the square footage of that bed. Fertilizer costs for this
bed for the first growing season are estimated to be $1.31 per year. The initial start-up costs for
planting native perennials is higher than annuals, but by the fourth growing season, the cost of
having native perennials in the library bed is less than the total cost to plant annuals (Table 4).
There are several assumptions made when these numbers were calculated. The labor for native
perennials was estimated to be approximately 70% less than the labor for annuals since this is the
reduction in labor costs that North Lake College saw when it planted native perennials. The
water cost for annuals was calculated by taking the square footage of the bed multiplied by 96
gallons as this is the number of gallons per square foot needed for annuals according to the Value
Landscaping calculation tool (2013). Annual plant costs were calculated using the square
footage, multiplying by 4 per our assumption of 4 annuals per square foot, and multiplying by
$0.27.
20
Native Perennials
# of Plants
Plant Cost
Labor
Water (gallons)
Water Cost
Compost
Fertilizer
Yearly Total
Annuals
# of Plants
Plant Cost
Labor
Water (gallons)
Water Cost
Compost
Fertilizer
Total
Library (792 ft2)
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
792
0
0
$6,534.00
0
0
$333.33
$100
$100
19,008
19,008
19,008
$17.79
$17.79
$17.79
Free
Free
Free
$1.31
$1.31
$1.31
$6,886.43 $119.10
$119.10
3,168
$855.36
$1,111.10
76,032
$71.15
Free
$1.31
$2,038.92
3,168
$855.36
$1,111.10
76,032
$71.15
Free
$1.31
$2,038.92
3,168
$855.36
$1,111.10
76,032
$71.15
Free
$1.31
$2,038.92
Year 4
0
0
$100
19,008
$17.79
Free
$1.31
$119.10
4 Year Total
792
$6,534.00
$633.33
76,032
$71.16
Free
$5.24
$7,243.73
3,168
$855.36
$1,111.10
76,032
$71.15
Free
$1.31
$2,038.92
25,344
$3,421.44
$4,444.40
304,128
$284.60
Free
$5.24
$8,155.68
Table 4: Summary of costs associated with planting annuals vs. native perennials in the library bed over four years.
The landscaped bed on the southwest corner of South Hall near the intersection of Broadway St.
and 13th Ave. was calculated to be approximately 539 ft2 (Fig. 7B). This is an estimate as there
are two large trees in this bed. We did the best we could to avoid them in our calculation of the
square footage to provide the most accurate number possible. The cost of the perennials for this
bed would be $4,446.75, assuming we would actually plant 539 plants. Water needed for the
first growing season was calculated to be 12,936 gallons for a cost of $12.10 per year using the
Value Landscaping tool online (2013). Fertilizer was calculated to cost $1.17 for one growing
season using the same calculation method as described above. The total cost of planting native
perennials in this bed is estimated to be $4686.87 for the first growing season.
The plant cost for planting annuals is estimated to be $582.12 for each growing season and was
calculated in the same way as above. The labor for annuals is 70% more than the labor for native
perennials. The amount of water needed each year for annuals in this bed is 51,744 gallons at a
cost of $48.42 per year. Cost savings are realized after the fourth growing season by planting
native perennials in this bed rather than annuals (Table 5).
21
Native Perennials
# of Plants
Plant Cost
Labor
Water (gallons)
Water Cost
Compost
Fertilizer
Yearly Total
Annuals
# of Plants
Plant Cost
Labor
Water (gallons)
Water Cost
Compost
Fertilizer
Total
South Hall (539 ft2)
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
539
0
0
$4,446.75
0
0
$226.85
$100
$100
12,936
12,936
12,936
$12.10
$12.10
$12.10
Free
Free
Free
$1.17
$1.17
$1.17
$4,686.87 $113.27
$113.27
2,156
$582.12
$756.17
51,744
$48.42
Free
$1.17
$1,387.88
2,156
$582.12
$756.17
51,744
$48.42
Free
$1.17
$1,387.88
2,156
$582.12
$756.17
51,744
$48.42
Free
$1.17
$1,387.88
Year 4
0
0
$100
12,936
$12.10
Free
$1.17
$113.27
4 Year Total
539
$4,446.75
$526.85
51,744
$48.40
Free
$4.68
$5,026.68
2,156
$582.12
$756.17
51,744
$48.42
Free
$1.17
$1,387.88
8,624
$2,328.48
$3,024.68
206,976
$193.68
Free
$5.24
$5,552.08
Table 5: Summary of costs associated with planting annuals vs. native perennials in the South Hall bed over four years.
The landscaped bed on the northwest corner of Millennium Hall was calculated to be 128 ft2
(Fig. 7C). The cost of perennials for this bed is $1056.00 for 128 native perennials. 3,072
gallons of water are estimated to be needed for this bed for one growing season with a cost of
$2.87. The cost of fertilizer is $0.28 per year. The initial cost for the first growing season of
planting native perennials in this bed is $1,113.02. All calculations for this bed are the same as
described above for the other beds.
We calculated that 512 annuals would be planted in this bed at a cost of $138.24 per year. This
was calculated in the same way as described above. Labor for annuals was estimated to cost
$179.57 per year. Water is estimated to cost $11.50 for 12,288 gallons per year. The overall
cost to plant annuals each year in this bed is estimated to be $329.59. After four growing
seasons, the cost savings of planting native perennials in this bed begins (Table 6).
22
Native Perennials
# of Plants
Plant Cost
Labor
Water (gallons)
Water Cost
Compost
Fertilizer
Yearly Total
Annuals
# of Plants
Plant Cost
Labor
Water (gallons)
Water Cost
Compost
Fertilizer
Total
Millennium Hall (128 ft2)
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
128
0
0
$1,056.00
0
0
$53.87
$53.87
$53.87
3,072
3,072
3,072
$2.87
$2.87
$2.87
Free
Free
Free
$0.28
$0.28
$0.28
$1,113.02
$57.02
$57.02
512
$138.24
$179.57
12,288
$11.50
Free
$0.28
$329.59
512
$138.24
$179.57
12,288
$11.50
Free
$0.28
$329.59
512
$138.24
$179.57
12,288
$11.50
Free
$0.28
$329.59
Year 4
0
0
$53.87
3,072
$2.87
Free
$0.28
$57.02
4 Year Total
128
$1,056.00
$215.48
12,288
$11.48
Free
$1.12
$1,284.08
512
$138.24
$179.57
12,288
$11.50
Free
$0.28
$329.59
2,048
$552.96
$718.28
49,152
$46.00
Free
$1.12
$1,318.36
Table 6: Summary of costs associated with planting annuals vs. native perennials in the Millennium Hall bed over four
years.
A)
B)
C)
Figure 7: Aerial photos showing the three proposed landscaped beds where perennial planting would take place (A:
Library; B: South Hall; C: Millenium Hall).
23
All three of these landscaped beds are full sun with well drained, sandy type soil. We
recommend that a combination of full sun, native perennials such as Heath Aster, Aromatic
Aster, Flat-topped Aster, Rattlesnake Master, Prairie Smoke, Wild Bergamot, Hairy Wild
Petunia, and Big/Little Bluestem be planted in these beds. The total amount for planting these
three beds with native perennials would be around $12,686.32 for the first year including all
resources used (Table 7).
Library
Size (ft2)
# of Plants
Plant Cost
Labor
Water (gallons)
Water Cost
Compost
Fertilizer
Total
South Hall
792
539
792
539
$6,534.00
$4,446.75
$333.33
$226.85
19,008
12,936
$17.79
$12.10
Free
Free
$1.31
$1.17
$6,886.43
$4,686.87
Overall Total: $12,686.32
Millennium
Hall
128
128
1,056.00
$53.87
3,072
$2.87
Free
$0.28
$1,113.02
Table 7: Summary of resources used with associated costs for the proposed three beds where native perennial plantings
would occur. Costs are for the first growing season.
Figure 8: Aerial photo of the three proposed landscaped beds for perennial planting.
24
PLANT RECOMMENDATIONS
NATIVE PERENNIALS
Full Sun:
• Heath Aster (Aster ericoides), H: 1-3’, Spacing: 2-3’
Shrubby, somewhat erect perennial that produces hundreds
of small white daisy-like flowers that bloom AugustOctober. Narrow leaves resemble that of the heath (hence
its name). Habitats include open prairies and savannas.
Larval host of the Pearl Cresent Butterfly.
• Aromatic Aster (Aster oblongifolius), H: 1-2’, Spacing: 12’ A stiffly upright perennial that creates colorful mounds
in fall that become completely covered with blue lavender
flowers. Flowers are typically larger and denser than other
aster, due to the numerous petals. One of the last asters to
bloom. Leaves and flowers are aromatic when crushed.
• Flat-topped Aster (Aster umbellatus), H: 1-7’, Spacing: 13’ A tall, erect perennial found throughout the tall grass
prairie, wetland edges and open moist woodlands. White
flowers appear in fairly flat clusters atop stiff stems that
tend to be purple, July-Sept. One of the first asters to
bloom. Important food source for many butterflies.
• Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium), H: 3-4’,
Spacing: 15” An extraordinary perennial with yucca-like,
steel blue-green foliage. In July, showy clusters of white,
spiky ball-like flowers appear on tall, rigid stems. With its
unique color and texture, it combines nicely with blazing
star or rosinweed in the sunny, dry prairie.
• Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum), H: 12-15”, Spacing: 18”
A gem for the prairie or dry woods edge. Deep pink
nodding flowers in April rise above ferny foliage.
Extraordinary pink feathery seed heads have a smoke-like
appearance as they sway in the breeze, from May- June.
Delightful when massed.
25
•
•
•
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), H: 2-3’, Spacing: 2’
Wisconsin’s native bee balm. A stiff upright perennial that
forms thick clumps. Pink to lavender tubular flowers
forms shaggy clusters in July-September. Being a member
of the mint family, all parts are aromatic. Wild bergamot is
happy almost anywhere, so it is a perfect addition to any
garden. Dragonflies are attracted to this plant, as well as
other insects.
Hairy Wild Petunia (Ruellia humilis), H: 1-2’, Spacing:
12-15” Forms dense, sprawling clumps of gray-green
fuzzy leaves and stems. Showy lavender funnel-shaped
flowers bloom from June-September. Resembles
cultivated petunias. Drought tolerant. Beautiful when
combined with little bluestem or prairie dropseed. Is an
“Endangered” species in Wisconsin.
Big/little Bluestem (Andropogon spp.), H: 3-8’, Spacing:
20-40” Prefer full sun, moist to slightly dry conditions,
and a fertile loam or clay-loam. Other kinds of soil are
tolerated, including those containing sand and gravel.
Flowers at the end of summer into autumn. These plants
are favored by various seed eating birds and other insects
such as grasshoppers.
Part Sun:
• Sky Blue Aster (Aster azureus), H: 2-3’, Spacing: 18-24”
Loosely branched, erect, shrub-like perennial. Distinct
arrow shaped, sand papery leaves. Very showy, 1” bright
lavender to blue daisy-like flowers cover this Aster from
August-October. One of the last asters to bloom in the fall,
which is beautiful against the fading colors of the tall grass
prairie.
• Smooth Aster (Aster laevis), H: 1-4’, Spacing: 2-4’ This
smooth-leaved aster can be found on dry to moist prairies
or open woods. Forms open sprays of light blue to
lavender flowers, August-October. Smooth aster tends to
have floppy stems. Planting it amongst other prairie
flowers will help support it. Turkeys like its foliage.
26
•
•
•
•
Shooting Star (Dodecatheon meadia) H: 8-12”, Spacing:
1’ Exceptionally beautiful springtime perennial. Dozens of
deep pink shooting star-shaped flowers nod atop stiff stalks
from April–June. Basal clump of smooth green foliage.
This ephemeral (goes dormant by August) is perfectly
happy in the prairie or open woods. Wonderful when
massed.
Wild Blue Lupine (Lupinus perennis), H: 1-2’, Spacing: 12’ Host plant for the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly.
Tall spires of bright blue sweet-pea like flowers in MayJune. Interesting, deeply divided foliage that sparkles with
the morning dew. Pea-pod shaped fruits. Prefers sandy
soils.
Prairie Phlox (Phlox pilosa), H: 1-2’, Spacing: 1-2’ An
upright, vigorous perennial found on dry to mesic prairies
and woods. Clusters of 5-petaled fragrant pink to lavender
flowers bloom in April-June. Also known as Downy Phlox,
due to the fine hairs covering leaves and stems. Perfect for
the butterfly garden and for hummingbirds.
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), H: 2-4’, Spacing 824” Vibrant red flowers attract hummingbirds, as well as
various butterflies. Can be planted in full sun and blooms
from July until September. Prefers moist, sand to loam soil
however, meaning that occasional watering may be
required.
27
Shade:
• Canada Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense), H: 6-8”,
Spacing: 12-18” Large, dark green, fuzzy, heart shaped
leaves. Small red flowers are hidden under the leaves.
Roots are aromatic when crushed. With a little time and
rich soil, will form a dense groundcover. Appears to inhibit
the germination of Garlic Mustard seeds.
• Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum), H: 12-18”,
Spacing: 18-24” Probably the most beautiful and easily
recognized fern of Wisconsin’s rich, moist woods. Does
not exhibit the typical vase shape of other ferns. It forms a
clump of dark wiry stems with fine textured fronds that
branch out horizontally. In spring, the emerging fronds are
bright pink.
• Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina), H: 2-3’, Spacing: 2’
Wonderfully upright arching habit with bright green
feathery fronds. Forms dense clumps. A dominant fern in
forested habitats and along shaded streams. More drought
tolerant than other ferns. Deer resistant. Combine with
wild geranium or under-plant with Virginia blue bells.
• Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum), H: 1-2’,
Spacing: 18” Loose, showy clusters of lilac-pink flowers
with white centers, bloom in May above clumps of deeply
divided foliage. Red fall color. Great for massing as a
groundcover. Prefers shady conditions, yet will be fine in
sun with plenty of moisture.
• Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), H: 1-3’, Spacing: 12”
A favorite of ruby throated hummingbirds, this plant is
adapted to well-drained sites of sand or loam soil in light to
medium shade. It has red and yellow flowers in early
spring.
28
TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE & IMPACTS
Economic
•
•
•
•
•
•
Save money by using less resources
Purchase fewer plants long-term
Reduced labor costs
•
•
•
Greater biodiversity
Improved air & soil quality
Increased wildlife habitat
Foster environmental stewardship
Marketing materials (aesthetics)
Positive relationship with
Facilities Department
ECONOMIC
As shown in the life cycle analysis, there are increased costs with growing annuals compared to
cultivar perennials and native perennials. Native perennials provide the most cost savings due to
their ability to adapt to the environment in Wisconsin. As shown in case studies above, labor
costs could be reduced by as much as 70% by planting native perennials, water costs could be
reduced up to 50%, and seasonal planting costs could be drastically reduced or eliminated.
Currently on campus, seasonal labor costs for grounds maintenance (lawn mowing, planting,
watering, weeding, fertilizing, etc.) exceed $130,000 per growing season. Planting native
perennials would decrease the amount of labor by not planting yearly, fertilizer would be less
likely to need to be applied, and less water would be needed due to the tolerance of natives and
their deep root structure. A 70% reduction in labor would bring seasonal labor costs to
approximately $39,000. The downfall of saving the labor costs would be that many of the
29
seasonal labor positions would be eliminated. Other economic benefits would be available if
UW-Stout would invest in a rainwater collection system and use this harvested water to hydrate
the landscaped beds. These cost reductions would benefit the budget of both the university and
the Facilities Department. This money could then be designated for other use to improve the
education of students here at UW-Stout or even to go towards other environmental improvement
projects such as a rainwater collection system.
ENVIRONMENT
There are many environmental benefits to planting native plant species in landscaped beds on the
UW-Stout campus. Planting native plant species increases the biodiversity of the campus and
the landscape, and better protects the landscape from plant diseases that cultivars may not have
immunity from. This increased biodiversity would provide native habitat for many species of
wildlife, including the endangered Karner blue butterfly. The Karner blue butterfly resides in
areas of Wild Blue Lupine which happens to coincide with areas that have good sand reserves.
These sand reserves are currently being mined in western Wisconsin to provide sand for the
hydraulic fracking industry. Therefore, the native Wild Blue Lupine is being destroyed.
Restoring the population of native Wild Blue Lupine is a positive environmental impact of
planting native plant species. Native plants also provide habitat for native pollinators such as
bees, bats, moths, butterflies, and beetles. These native pollinators are essential to natural
ecosystems and allow plants to reproduce naturally. In addition, these native pollinators
pollinate approximately 75% of the crop plants globally that are used for food and medicines
(NRCS 2005). Native plants also help to improve air and soil quality if utilized correctly. Other
environmental impacts of planting native plant species include a reduction in the quantity of
chemical fertilizers applied to the soil which could also improve water quality by reducing
chemical runoff. Water usage on campus would also decrease dramatically.
SOCIAL
Planting native plant species on campus has the potential to foster environmental stewardship
among students, faculty, and community members. It would make UW-Stout something that the
community and region could be proud of for being a forward thinking, environmentally
conscious university. The planting of native plant species could also be used in marketing
materials to attract new students and faculty to campus. It could also be a talking point in
walking tours of campus showing the university’s commitment to sustainability and
environmental stewardship. Additionally, there is the impact of the aesthetics of flowers on
campus. Annuals and cultivar perennials provide high impact, bold color with less greenery
while native perennials will have more greenery. Annuals also provide continuous blooms of
color while perennials will only bloom for part of the growing season. Native perennials will
have smaller, less bold blooms than cultivar perennials that are bred for color. The social
impacts of planting natives vary depending on one’s view of the purpose of landscaping. If the
purpose of landscaping to someone is a rainbow of big, bold, and colorful blooms, they might
not view native plants as aesthetically pleasing. However, if a person’s view of the purpose of
landscaping is to be natural, highlighting plants as they are in the wild, then they would highly
value the planting of natives on campus. Some of the annual beds are planted so that there is
bright, vivid color all summer long along the campus tour routes. These beds provide a
picturesque backdrop for campus to help market the university and its programs better.
30
STARS PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS
DESCRIPTION
The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS) is a tool that rates
universities on their sustainable practices. It is voluntary and universities provide their own data
for evaluation. Credits can be earned for various university related areas and a score is awarded
for each credit. Listed below are some suggestions for ways UW-Stout can improve its STARS
score in the area of campus landscaping.
Integrated Pest Management
The university already has a comprehensive integrated pest management plan so there are few
recommendations we have to improve the score. One recommendation may be to thoroughly
research natural treatments instead of applying chemical pest treatments.
Native Plants
Our recommendation is that a native plant species planting program be implemented on campus.
The many benefits of planting native species in landscaped beds on campus have been discussed
previously in this report. A list of recommended native plant species that would do well with the
environmental conditions on campus is included in the Plant Recommendations section.
Wildlife Habitat
The university could create wildlife habitat by
planting some of the native plant species
recommended in the Plant Recommendations section.
One example of creating wildlife habitat would be
planting Wild Blue Lupine which is the habitat for the
endangered Karner blue butterfly. Other native plant
species provide habitat for a variety of animals from
turkeys to butterflies.
Landscape Waste Composting
We recommend that the Facilities department look
into reducing the amount of yard waste that goes into
the landfill.
This could be accomplished by
researching people or businesses that could reuse
some of the yard waste. By planting a larger number
of native perennials on campus, there potentially
would be less landscape waste to compost as there
would not be as many annuals needing to be disposed.
31
Stormwater Management
We recommend that UW-Stout implements a stormwater management plan to control
stormwater runoff on campus to improve water quality. This could be accomplished by planting
rain gardens, sweeping up salt and sand in campus parking lots, and creating green roofs. Other
practices could include removing curb and gutter to allow for better water infiltration, infiltration
trenches, and riparian buffers (EPA 2012).
Xeriscaping
UW-Stout could improve its xeriscaping practices by planting native perennials in the
landscaping beds. The deep root structure of native perennials as well as their ability to adapt to
the local climate reduce their need for water.
32
SUMMARY
This project provides information on the
benefits of native plants and recommendations
of how to incorporate native plants on the UWStout campus. We recommend at a minimum
to start with planting three landscaped beds
with native plants as shown above. These
three landscaped beds would be a good test to
show how well native plants are able to grow
on campus, how they are received by students,
faculty, and visitors to campus, and the
potential cost savings. We think the list of
native plants recommended for campus should
do well growing on campus and will be
aesthetically pleasing.
Eventually, we would love to see campus put a
priority on planting native plants to help
promote biodiversity, improve water quality,
and reduce costs associated with landscaping.
There are many benefits of planting native
plants on campus as detailed throughout this
report. Additionally, UW-Stout could become
even more environmentally friendly by
planting native plants. The planting of native
plants would also improve the STARS rating
for campus.
33
REFERENCES
STARS Program
• https://stars.aashe.org/pages/about/
UW-Stout Campus Physical Development Plan
• http://www.uwstout.edu/physplant/services/upload/plan09.pdf
Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Map
• http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm
Valley Trains
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glacier
Value Landscaping Water Requirements
• http://vle.cuwcd.com/default.aspx
Fertilizer Prices
• http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/bulk-fertilizer-prices.html
City of Menomonie Water Rates
• http://www.menomonie-wi.gov/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7BE83651E26AEA-4140-8B71-64D58581995A%7D
Case Studies
• http://www.northlakecollege.edu/about-us/sustainable-campus/Pages/NativeGardens.aspx
• http://www.uwsp.edu/facsv/pdfs/campustreecareplan.pdf
Native Plants
• http://wisplants.uwsp.edu/index.html
• http://www.johnsonsnursery.com/Domains/j_nursery/Documents/Native%20Brochure%2
02008%20(Final).pdf
Natural Resource Conservation Service Pollinators
• http://plants.usda.gov/pollinators/Native_Pollinators.pdf
EPA Stormwater Best Practices
• http://www.epa.gov/greenacres/nativeplants/factsht.html
Pictures
• http://www.flickr.com/photos/anjoudiscus/3760980798/sizes/l/in/photostream/
• http://uwstoutandabout.wordpress.com/tag/spring-flowers/
• http://www.123rf.com/photo_9792088_european-honey-bee-on-new-england-aster-ingermany.html
• http://plants.ricesnursery.com/12130002/Plant/20/Red_Maple
• http://www.listofimages.com/nature-grass-water-drops.html
• https://stars.aashe.org/pages/about/
• http://www.amusingmargaret.com/2013/04/a-to-z-blogging-challenge-e-edition.html
• http://sweetclipart.com/three-colorful-petunia-flowers-1433
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•
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•
•
•
•
•
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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•
•
•
http://www.edplace.com/worksheet_preview.php?eId=1908&type=nc
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/04/big-idea/perennial-grains-text
http://allanbecker-gardenguru.squarespace.com/journal/tag/perovskia
http://www.everydayhouseholddesigns.com/
http://www.southerngateway.org/gals/galsplants.htm
http://www.all-creatures.org/picb/wfshl-blackeyedsusan-05.html
http://digginginthedriftless.com/2010/07/20/black-eyed-susan-and-some-of-her-sisters/
http://sprouturbanfarms.org/programs/compost-happens
http://www.northlakecollege.edu/about-us/sustainable-campus/Pages/NativeGardens.aspx
http://www.fabiovisentin.com/photos/world/14_220/Heath-Aster-(Symphyotrichumericoides).ashx
http://www.northcreeknurseries.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/plants.plantDetail/plant_id/33/
http://wiseacre-gardens.com/wordpress/roadside-wildflower-flat-topped-white-aster/
http://birdfreak.com/rattlesnakes-in-the-prairie/
http://www.prairiemoon.com/seeds/wildflowers-forbs/geum-triflorum-prairie-smoke/
http://grownative.org/why-use-native-plants/seedling-identification/wild-bergamot/
http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/hw_petuniax.htm
http://justwalkingthisearth.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html
http://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/sky-blue-aster
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10370_12146_12213-36471--,00.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/treebeard/6983696121/
http://rainforestreflections.smugmug.com/Animals/Butterflies-and-otherInsects/844719_2hZQXK/41137582_2QNNMTz#!i=41137582&k=2QNNMTz
http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/pr_phloxx.htm
http://home.howstuffworks.com/define-cardinal-flower.htm
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/groundcovers/directory/ginger.cfm
http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/2010/emmerth_leia/
http://www.wnps.org/plants/athyrium_filix-femina.html
http://www.wildnatureimages.com/wild_geranium.htm
http://blog.northerngardener.org/great-plants-for-northern-gardens-day-15-nativecolumbine/
http://verdegroup.wordpress.com/2012/09/28/sustainability-reporting/
http://www.lehman.edu/40years/timeline.html
http://www.maxcohendesign.net/umass-rain-garden.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thesocialmatt/5684494361/
http://ecobirder.blogspot.com/2009/07/todays-flowers-butterfly-weed.html
*in order as seen
35
APPENDICES
1. TIMELINE
36
2. TEAM MEETINGS AND COMMUNICATIONS
***Some e-mails were edited to remove personal information***
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
• Assigned to the Campus Landscape project
Thursday, February 7, 2013
• Group meeting to discuss project scope and formulate contracts
• Made a work flow diagram for project
• Emailed Mike Smith, Facilities Director, to set up meeting to discuss campus landscaping
practices
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
• Emailed Mike Smith again as we had not received a response yet
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38
Friday, February 15, 2013
• Callie spoke to Dr. Mandy Little about borrowing Trimble GPS units from the Biology
Department
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
• Met with Mike Smith regarding project scope and feasibility
o He stated that project would be of no help to him, but he would be willing to give
us information as needed if we decided to proceed
• Met as a group to discuss whether or not to proceed with project
• Emailed Professor Daines to determine next step
Thursday, February 21, 2013
• Met in class and discussed project feasibility with Professor Daines
o Decided that we would continue the project, but would be working with Sarah
Rykal, Sustainability Coordinator at UW-Stout, to propose recommendations of
how to improve the sustainability ratings of the grounds areas on campus through
the STARS program
• Received the following email originally from Sarah Rykal containing previously
collected STARS information from her interview with Mike Smith
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Monday, February 25, 2013
• Sent email to Mike Smith to acquire a vegetation list for campus landscaping
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Tuesday, February 26, 2013
• Received email from Mike stating he would get us a vegetation list the week of 3/4/13 as
he was out of the office
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
• Callie emailed Dr. Mandy Little to set up a meeting to learn how to use Trimble GPS
units to map out campus landscaping
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Thursday, February 28, 2013
• Met with Dr. Mandy Little to learn how to use Trimble GPS units
• Met to discuss and work on Progress Presentation and Report 1
• Divided up sections of report and appendices to work on individually
Monday, March 4, 2013
• Met as a group to finalize Progress Report 1 and power point presentation
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Wednesday, March 6, 2013
• Sent Mike Smith another email regarding a vegetation list
Thursday, March 7, 2013
• Received vegetation list from Mike Smith
• Started working on figuring out which plants are native to Wisconsin, perennials,
environmental conditions, etc.
• Turn in Progress report 1
• Give progress presentation to class
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Tuesday, March 12, 2013
• Met with Professor Daines to discuss progress report and where to proceed
• Divided tasks between the two of us
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
• Emailed Mike Smith to set up a face to face meeting for after Spring Break
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Tuesday, March 26, 2013
• Met to finalize questions to ask Mike Smith
• Met with Mike Smith to get info on costs, types of tasks, and labor amounts for
operational diagrams and life cycle analysis.
• Started making labor cost calculations and trying to quantify life cycle analysis
Thursday, March 28, 2013
• Worked on life cycle analysis
• Met with Professor Daines to update project progress
Thursday, April 4, 2013
• Worked on Life cycle analysis
• Emailed Mike Smith regarding number of annuals on campus
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Thursday, April 11, 2013
• Presented Progress Report #2
Thursday, April 18, 2013
• Turned in rough draft of final report
Thursday, April 25, 2013
• Attempted to map campus landscaping beds with Trimble GPS unit
• Met with Dr. Little to discuss alternative possibilities of mapping landscape beds without
using GPS as we were unable to acquire enough satellites to get data points.
• Started working on rough draft of poster
Friday, April 26, 2013
• Visually inspected landscape beds on campus for environmental conditions
• Started digitizing landscape beds in ArcGIS
• Worked on updating final draft of report based on feedback from Professor Daines
• Continued working on poster
Saturday, April 27, 2013
• Continued visually inspecting landscape beds on campus
• Continued digitizing landscape beds in ArcGIS
• Continued working on final draft of report
• Continued working on poster
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Monday, April 29, 2013
• Met to go over mapping and edits made to final paper
• Edited poster presentation
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
• Met with Professor Daines for proposal and poster feedback
• Measured the three landscape beds that we proposed to plant natives in
• Edited, formatted, and submitted poster for STEM Expo
• Made detailed budgets for each landscape bed proposed to convert into native perennial
beds
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
• Met to edit final paper and divide tasks to finish paper
• Edited proposal details
• Worked on formatting
Thursday, May 2, 2013
• Finished and submitted final paper
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3. VEGETATION TABLE
UW-Stout Purchased Perennials 2009-2012
General Name
Scientific Name
Aruncus-Goatsbeard
Astilbe-Alive and Kicking
Astilbe-Fanal
Astilbe-Key Largo
Astilbe-Maggeie Daley
Astilbe-Montgomery
Baptisia-Screaming Yellow
Belamcanda-Freckle Face
Burnet-Tenuifolia
Calamagrostis-Karl Forester
Coreopsis-Moonbeam
Coreopsis-Zagreb
Delphinium-Guard DK Blue
Dictamnus-Pink
Echinacia-Big Sky Sunrise
Echinacia-Green Jewel
Echinacia-Harvest Moon
Echinacia-Pink DBL Delight
Eryngium-Big Blue
Fern-Lady
Aruncus dioicus
Astilbe chinensis
Astilbe x arendsii
Fern-Ostrich
Fescue-Elija Blue
Gaillardia-Arizona Sun
Hemmoralcalis-Rosy Returns
Hibiscus-Robert Flemming
Hosta-August Moon
Hosta-Blue Angel
Hosta-Dream Weaver
Hosta-Empress Wu
Hosta-Gold Standard
Hosta-Guacamole
Hosta-Loyalist
Hosta-Minuteman
Hosta-Night Before Chirstmas
Astilbe simplicifolia
Astilbe chinensis
Astilbe japonica
Baptisia sphaerocarpa
Belamcanda chinensis
Sanguisorba tenuifolia
Calamagrostis acutiflora
Coreopsis verticillata
Coreopsis verticillata
Delphinium belladonna
Dictamnus albus
Echinacia
Echinacia
Echinacia
Echinacia
Eryngium ×zabellii
Athyrium filix-femina
Matteuccia
struthiopteris
Festuca glauca
Gaillardia aristata
Hemmoralcalis
Hibiscus x moscheutos
Hosta
Hosta
Hosta
Hosta
Hosta
Hosta
Hosta
Hosta
Hosta
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Native/Nonnative
Quantity
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Native
23
37
65
70
31
195
3
5
10
70
22
17
86
3
35
25
50
24
3
212
Native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
313
75
3
31
3
145
38
162
9
235
80
25
77
21
Hosta-Patriot
Hosta-Regal Splender
Hosta-Siebold Elegans
Hosta-Sun Power
Hosta-Twilight
Hosta-White Feather
Iris-Breakers
Iris-Gerald Darby
Iris-Gerald Darby
Iris-Mega Bucks
Iris-Rosalie Figge
Iris-Superstition
Liatirs-Floristan Violet
Ligularia-Desdemona
Ligularia-Little Rocket
Ligularia-Othello
Ligularia-The Rocket
Lupine
Panicum-Prairie Sky
Penstemon-Rostriflorus
Peony-Bartzella
Peony-Coral Charm
Peony-Monsier Jules Elie
Peony-Nick Shaylor
Peony-Prairie Afire
Perovskia-Filigran
Perovskia-Little Spire
Phlox-Eva Cullum
Phlox-Flame Light Pink
Phlox-Flame Lilac
Phlox-Flame Pink
Phlox-Flame Purple
Phlox-Franz Shubert
Phlox-Laura
Phlox-Orange Perfection
Phlox-Starfire
Phlox-Tenor
Platycodon-Komachi
Prunella-Summer Daze
Hosta
Hosta
Hosta
Hosta
Hosta
Hosta
Iris germanica
Iris x robusta
Iris x robusta
Iris germanica
Iris
Iris
Liatris spicata
Ligularia dentata
Ligularia stenocephala
Ligularia dentata
Ligularia stenocephala
Lupinus
Panicum virgatum
Penstemon rostriflorus
Paeonia bartzella
Paeonia
Paeonia lactiflora
Paeonia
Paeonia
Perovskia Filigran
Perovskia atriplicifolia
Phlox paniculata
Phlox paniculata
Phlox paniculata
Phlox paniculata
Phlox paniculata
Phlox paniculata
Phlox paniculata
Phlox paniculata
Phlox paniculata
Phlox paniculata
Platycodon grandiflorus
Prunella
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Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Native
Native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Native
20
15
111
247
121
48
5
5
5
5
3
5
25
48
103
64
5
17
6
3
1
6
1
9
1
50
209
96
70
115
186
52
67
61
22
160
27
3
35
Rudbeckia-City Garden
Rudbeckia-Goldstrum
Rudbeckia-Pot of Gold
Rudbeckia-Viettes Little Susy
Salvia-May Night
Sedum-Autumn Fire
Sedum-Autumn Joy
Switch Grass-Badlands
Switch Grass-Prairie Sky
Switch Grass-Ruby Ribbons
Switch Grass-Shenandoah
Veronica-Royal Candles
Rudbeckia fulgida
Rudbeckia fulgida
Rudbeckia fulgida
Rudbeckia fulgida
Salvia x sylvestris
Sedum x 'Autumn Fire'
Sedum x 'Autumn Joy'
Panicum virgatum
Panicum virgatum
Panicum virgatum
Panicum virgatum
Veronica spicata
50
Native
Native
Native
Native
Non-native
Non-native
Non-native
Native
Native
Native
Native
Non-native
225
729
98
296
16
14
17
4
4
13
37
21
We would like to thank everyone who
helped us with this project!
Martha Daines
Sarah Rykal
Mike Smith
Mandy Little
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