Background
The University of Waterloo Sustainability Office, in consultation with Grounds, and other stakeholders, is preparing a Sustainable Land Care Standard. The goal is to provide a framework for the sustainable development and maintenance of campus grounds and natural areas. The standard includes consideration of soil and vegetation, fertilizers and pesticides, biodiversity, water management, snow and ice management, equipment, and stakeholder engagement. Of particular interest in the context of biological carbon fluxes, is how landscaping practices affect carbon storage in soils and other parts of the landscape and recommendations for how to increase carbon sequestration in soils through grounds maintenance practices.
Some Research Questions Include
- Are there differences in carbon flux between naturalized areas and adjacent manicured (I.e. grass) spaces
- Are there differences in carbon flux between areas in different stages of naturalization?
- What effects do different ground cover plants make: grass vs ivy vs clover?
- How does mulching affect carbon fluxes? Do different mulching materials matter?
- How does the use of wood chips on pathways impact carbon fluxes in the underlying soil?
- How does the type of vegetation along Laurel Creek affect carbon fluxes in the riverbanks?
- How are remediation efforts at Spongy Lake (UW property near Baden) affecting carbon flux?
Resources
Please contact the Sustainability Office for a copy of the draft Sustainable Landscape Standard
Stakeholders
- Sustainability Office
- Plant Operations - Grounds
- Ecology Lab
Proposed Deliverables
The details of the deliverables are flexible but must meet the requirements set out by the course instructor. Some proposed deliverables include:
- A work plan early in the term outlining key milestones and responsibilities.
- Updates on progress at least once during the term.
- A final report with research and recommendations.
- A final meeting to review the outcomes of the report and answer questions.