Earlham College
OP-10: Landscape Management

A) Pest Management Service The Earlham College carry on procedures for pest control monthly in the entire campus (tunnels and basements all buildings) and including the cafeteria. B) Turf Maintenance Service Follows the schedule: April i)Football Fields (game and practice): Fertilization (18-24-12) and Core Aeration plus overseeding) ii)Soccer/ Field Hockey/ Lacrosse: Fertilization (18-24-12) and Core Aeration plus overseeding) iii) Soil samples are taken and sent to lab for analysis May i)Football Fields (game and practice): Fertilization (0.25 lb of N per 1000 sq ft) and Overseeding. ii)Soccer/ Field Hockey/ Lacrosse: Fertilization (0.25 lb of N per 1000 sq ft) and Overseeding. June i)Football Fields (game and practice): Fertilization and Core Aeration. ii)Soccer/ Field Hockey/ Lacrosse: Fertilization and Core Aeration. iii)Initial fungicide application July i)Football Fields (game and practice): Fertilization (0.5 lb of N per 1000 sq ft) ii)Soccer/ Field Hockey/ Lacrosse: Fertilization (0.5 lb of N per 1000 sq ft) iii)Follow-up fungicide applications as needed August i)Football Fields (game and practice): Fertilization (0.75 lb of N per 1000 sq ft) ii)Soccer/ Field Hockey/ Lacrosse: Fertilization (0.75 lb of N per 1000 sq ft) iii)Follow-up fungicide applications as needed September i)Football Fields: Fertilization (32-5-7) ii)Soccer/ Field Hockey/ Lacrosse: Fertilization (32-5-7) October i)Football Fields (game and practice): Fertilization (1.0 lb of N per 1000 sq ft) and Core Aeration ii)Soccer/ Field Hockey/ Lacrosse: Fertilization (1.0 lb of N per 1000 sq ft) and Core Aeration November i)Football Fields (game and practice): Fertilization (1.0 lb of N per 1000 sq ft) and Core Aeration plus overseeding ii)Soccer/ Field Hockey/ Lacrosse: Fertilization (1.0 lb of N per 1000 sq ft) and Core Aeration plus overseeding OBS = water-soluble solutions of the indicated fertilizers were used for fertilization. C)Other cultivated grounds We use chemical control as a last resort. We are careful to evaluate the possible threat that each pest might represent. During the summer, we focus on weeding and pruning around the campus. When possible, we manually remove the pest such as bag worms removal from trees and weeds removal, when possible. We try to use the least caustic form of removal. When planning the landscaped areas, we prioritize pest-resistant cultivars. In addition to that, when we fertilize the grounds, we use cow manure and peat moss instead of other types of fertilizers.

Using native plants, grasses, and perennials would be our sustainable landscape approach. We formerly did not plant any annual flowers; but, in response to requests from our new Administration, for the purpose of Campus Beautification, we have been planting lots of annual for the past 3-4 years. The Rain Garden is composed of all native plants, as is the Tyler Hall landscape. Some natives have been incorporated into the Visual and Performing Arts landscaping, but not all. I plan to incorporate some natives into future landscaping.

Our policy is to choose the plants that will adapt better to the local conditions, we do prioritize native species, especially the drought tolerant ones. We choose mainly perennial plants, being careful to choose the best place to place each species. We also choose butterfly and bird friendly plants, in order to promote a more harmonious relationship with the local fauna.

Leaves and other grounds keeping waste are informally composted in the forested area behind the campus ("backcampus"). We dump our used potting soil back there as well; but, we often do reuse it.

We have been purchasing an organic soil amendment for the past three years for use in preparing our annual planting beds. We also order a special mulch and potting soil mix, complete with fertilizer and "soil moist" for the Campus flower pots, so it's not totally organic .

Locally grown and acclimated variety of plants are relocated to minimize irrigation, fertilizer, and pesticide needs.

Earlham has a rain garden attached to the Athletics and Wellness Center to reduce stormwater runoff.

We plow everything first, and then spread a little bit of salt. We try to use the least amount of salt possible in an effort to be less aggressive to the environment. We have begun mixing a biodegradable, non-toxic additive into our rock salt that we use for snow and ice melting. This additive reduces the amount of salt that we use, and acts as a natural fertilizer for the grass along the edges of our roads and paths. The ice melt product we use on sidewalks, Avalanch, claims to be "Less damaging to the environment when compared to the leading ice melt brands."