Campus Native Landscaping Proposal
Goshen College plans to convert approximately seven acres of lawn to native landscaping. In a
manner consistent with the intention of the 2005 campus master landscaping plan, the campus
will establish several areas of low profile native grasses and perennial wildflowers. In addition to
creating a more interesting and diverse landscape, some of the advantages of this project
include:
 Reduction in the use of chemical herbicides and fertilizer
 Reduction in mowing, saving both gas, wear and tear of equipment and labor
 Less irrigation
 Less surface water runoff through improved infiltration of the soil
 Improved air quality with more CO2 sequestration and reduced emissions from lawn
mowing
 Improved habitat for birds, small mammals, butterflies and other insects
There are five areas on campus that are currently being planned for native landscaping.
1. The entire railroad corridor on both the east and west sides of the tracks
2. The lawn north of Kratz and Miller Hall
3. Most of the lawn west of the Music Center
4. The section of lawn between 12th Street and the Music Center parking lot
5. Areas along the east edge of the athletic fields
The schedule and implementation plan is:
 Sept ’10 – Tentatively identify the affected areas with green flags and stop mowing these
areas.
 Oct ’10 – Obtain necessary approval from the city of Goshen for the project
 Jan ’11 – Finalize the specific areas to be converted and determine the exact seed mix to
be used in the spring planting
 Early May ’11 – Prepare the sites by eliminating the existing turf grass
 Mid-to-late May ’11 – Drill seed the new grasses and wild flowers
 June ’11 going forward – enjoy watching the native flowers and grasses grow
All planting and maintenance for the first two years will be performed by JFNew, an area
company with a national reputation for providing full service ecological solutions.
To learn more about this project you are invited to attend one of several informational meetings
to be held on campus.
Wednesday September 8 – 10:00 am – Ad 20
Wednesday September 8 – 12:15pm at south end of Leafraker in the Union Building
Thursday September 9 – 7:00pm – Sci 107