Grass to Meadow project underway on Kingston campus 

Submitted by the Sustainability team

This week, SLC is beginning to transform part of its land to meadow as part of its long-range sustainability initiatives. The Grass to Meadow project is part of the overarching Sustainable Landscape Management Plan (SMLP). Through the SLMP, SLC aims to protect vulnerable species, enhance biodiversity, and create campus outdoor spaces that serve the community while promoting a resilient environment. The SLMP is informed by external biodiversity assessments across our three campuses.  

In spring 2023, the Grass to Meadow project started with test plot planting of varying seed blends, to assess performance, hardiness, and aesthetic. This week, a plot of just under two acres in the north-west corner of the Kingston campus is being overseeded with select native grass, groundcover, and wildflower blends that are drought hardy, and chosen for aesthetic features to compliment the overall campus grounds design.  

Benefits associated with the meadow project include:  

-Greater biodiversity to support pollinators, birds, and wildlife.  
Increased drought tolerance, improved water retention of plants. -Healthier, more diverse, and resilient environment, with enhanced ecosystem function.
-Reduced maintenance, cost savings, and reduced emissions. 
-Esthetically interesting meadow design will promote beauty of natural environment and SLC grounds.  
-Thoughtfully managed space which encourages the SLC community to get outdoors and enjoy the natural environment. 

The meadow site will take several years to be fully established (growth is dependent on rain, heat, and environmental conditions) and we will keep the SLC community updated on its progress. Please contact the sustainability team with any questions.