Project Background
The University of Waterloo Sustainability Office, in consultation with Grounds Services and other stakeholders, has developed a Sustainable Land Care Standard. Included in the standard is a commitment to follow the Species Planting List for all new plantings (Action 1A). By prioritizing native and resilient but non-invasive species, the University can support biodiversity, preserve local ecologies, and reduce long term maintenance requirements. The current Species Planting List was created in 1997 however and was limited to native trees and shrubs. The Sustainability Office is looking for an updated and expanded list that includes grasses, wildflowers and other plants.
This work supports the UW Sustainability Strategy Objective 09: by 2025, all University grounds will be maintained according to sustainable landscaping standards, and plans developed for remediation and preservation of specific natural areas of concern. This work also relates to UN Sustainable Development Goals 11 and 15.
Project Examples
- Gathering existing species planting lists for nearby communities and institutions
- Researching suitable criteria and planting considerations for a species planting list. In the report, include information on when each of these should be prioritized. Criteria and considerations might include:
- Native species (preference given to native but other species should be considered)
- Drought-tolerant
- Low invasiveness
- Low maintenance
- Low toxicity (when eaten or to nearby plants)
- Sun/shade preferences
- Soil type and moisture preferences
- Suitability for different sites (e.g. Salt tolerance for near pathways and roads)
- Ecological role (e.g. food source for birds)
- Allergen ratings
- Resilience to projected changes in climate
- Aesthetics
- Mature sizes
- Pollinator friendliness
- Pest/disease tolerance
- Production of edibles
- Maintenance requirements
- Other planting considerations
- Preparing a Species Planting Guide using the chosen criteria and providing available information on the planting considerations for species in one or more of the following vegetation types:
- Trees
- Shrubs
- Grasses
- Flowers and Wildflowers
- Other plants such as vines, ground covers, etc.
- Making recommendations for implementation of the Species Planting Guide