Roosevelt University
OP-10: Landscape Management

Roosevelt replaced 8.5 acres of its impermeable, water-consumptive lawn, with native prairie, native grasses, rain gardens and created native plantings on its detention area. As a result, native prairie has taken hold, along with a diversity of creatures in the heart of an urban center. Where thirsty and impermeable turf grass once polluted waterways, drought-tolerant wildflowers now support life and add beauty to a successful business corridor in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. The tree canopy has been intentionally altered to increase species diversity and increase use of native trees to encourage native bird species that favor those species of trees. All parking lots have been designated for replacement with pervious pavers as funds allow. As an educational institution, RU seeks to model easily implemented sustainable site practices that any homeowner or institutional property manager can implement on his/her property.

The University's Schaumburg campus has approximately 9 acres of native plantings. Approximately 6.5 acres of areas across the north and west of the property are created into low-profile prairie, 1.5 acres of the long 18’ and 28’ wide parking lot islands have been converted to native grasses. The large parking lot islands were converted using a native grass seed mix containing little blue stem, side oats grama and native forbs for additional color. The small end islands were planted using 2” prairie dropseed native grass plugs (approximately 2800 plugs). The prairie of native wildflowers are drought tolerant and support the native fauna. Also, many different species of deciduous and coniferous trees provide nuts and other food as well as a protective place for birds to raise their young. Additionally, annual mowing is done in early Spring (March or April) to cut down the previous year’s herbaceous growth--thereby, allowing more light to reach the ground to stimulate native seed germination, and to retard non-desirable invasive woody plant growth. Stewardship visits are during April, May, June, July, August, September and October. The purpose of these visits are to a) to control unwanted non-native woody and herbaceous plants through cutting, physical removal and/or use of appropriate herbicides, and b) to ensure continued improvement in the health, quality and beauty of the native areas. Native plant seed will be collected from this area in the Fall for dispersal into open areas and areas of low plant diversity.

Blanket treatments of pre-emergent weed control will be limited to known problem areas. Hand weeding and chemical spot treatments will be used as needed to control weed growth in bed areas. Bedrock Earthscapes is committed to retain and recycle all organic waste on-site. Thus, a compost site is established on the owner's property to compost all site generated organic debris. Bedrock Earthscapes uses finished compost on site for soil enhancement.

Roosevelt is a Conservation Foundation “Conservation@Work” Recipient of 2013 due to its reduced and/or eliminated use of fertilizers, weed treatments, salt and other chemicals which harm wildlife and reduce soil vitality. Native plants in the created native areas have deep roots that are improving the soil organic levels and microbial diversity in an effort to re-create the rich soils that once dominated the American mid-west. All site landscape waste is recycled on-site. Leaves are shredded and blown back into landscape beds each Fall. Any collected leaves are composted along with community garden waste (in a compost pile by the community garden). Wood waste from tree maintenance and tree removals are chipped and piled on-site. Those wood chips are then used in landscape beds and for garden paths on-campus. Additionally, RU has begun the establishment of an edible forest by planting fruit trees that will eventually be under-planted with edible shrubs and herbaceous plants.

Bedrock Earthscapes uses chemicals which are non-restricted, approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and are considered to be the safest and most effective materials for the specific task. All pesticides are applied by a licensed applicator or, a licensed operator under supervision of a licensed applicator, in accordance with local, state and federal regulations.

The Schaumburg campus has a constant flow of water through a detention basin, which also serves to detain rain water and protect streams from erosion. Additionally, trees and prairies store water so as to prevent runoff.

Our institution uses ecosalt for ice removal. This product is "an organically accelerated organic granular deicer treated with a corrosion inhibitor utilizing 'Geomelt' technology and a superior anti corrosion compound. The product will allow surface treated consumption reduction up to 30% and perform to a low temperature capability exceeding other 'anti-corrosive' products." This product's composition is not listed as carcinogen or mutagen.

By providing food, water, cover and places for wildlife to raise their young, Roosevelt University’s tall grass prairie has earned recognition from the National Wildlife Federation. Conservation Foundation “Conservation@Work” Recipient 2012: Roosevelt’s Schaumburg campus meets stringent requirements for native plants, water conservation and wildlife benefits. Water is managed to reduce runoff, erosion and pollutants. Roosevelt is also recognized as a National Wildlife Habitat, is a Tree Campus USA, and has ArborNet Accreditation 1.