Background
The University of Waterloo Sustainability Office, in consultation with Grounds Services and other stakeholders, is developing a Sustainable Landcare 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.
Scope of Work Could Include
- Gather existing species planting lists for nearby communities and institutions
- Research 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
- Prepare 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.
- Make recommendations forimplementation of the Species Planting Guide
Resources
- Please contact the Sustainability Office for a copy of the 1997 Species Planting Guide and draft Sustainable Landscape Standard
- Ontario Native Wildflowers
- Native alternatives to Invasive Plants in Ontario
- Credit Valley Conservation’s Guide to Native Plant Nurseries and Seed Suppliers
- Ontario Tree Atlas and Evergreen’s CanPlant native tree database
- Southern Ontario Tree Seed Zone Atlas
- Where to find native plants in Ontario, including plant growers and sellers
- Drought-tolerant native species list by Guelph Healthy Landscapes and Canadale Garden Centre
- List of (mainly) native shade treesin Waterloo and their drought tolerance among other growing factors – introduced species are noted on the guide
- Climate change projections in Waterloo Region from Waterloo’s Interdisciplinary Centre on Climate Change
- Climate change and the tree canopy of Waterloo Region and associated list of tree species includes a description of the vulnerability of local trees to projected climate change impacts and tree selection criteria such as native status, drought tolerance, allergen scores, mature size and other factors.
Stakeholders
- Sustainability Office
- Plant Operations
- 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 the Species Planting List and any recommendations.
- A final meeting to review the outcomes of the report and answer questions.