Grounds

Highlights

A worker wearing protective gear operates a trimmer near a hedge with a group of children playing in the background.

Western has successfully transitioned most of its grounds management fleet to electric equipment, and has continued transitioning its vehicle fleet to electric by adding battery electric vans and a battery electric truck.
A large group of people working together in a wooded area, engaged in planting or gardening activities.

In an effort to reduce water consumption, Western’s Grounds Team and several student groups have been planting more native species on campus in efforts to reduce water consumption. Learn more about the mini-forest and art annex projects funded through the Sustainability, Equity, and Justice Fund.
A well-maintained garden path lined with colorful flowers and trees, adjacent to a brick building.

With Western Washington’s changing climate, Western’s Grounds Team has been experimenting with using plants that can thrive in higher temperatures and require less water during summer months. One example of this is the Performing Arts East Garden Bed. The bed was once a lawn but has recently been converted into a mediterranean style bed. The sun gets very hot here, so the Grounds Team chose plants that would not only thrive and look visually stunning, but also serve pollinators and require little water. Perennials such a Russian Sage, Rudbeckia, Crocosmia, and Sea Holly are amongst the Redbud Trees, Yews, Ornamental grasses and lavender which serve as a structural background and an interesting display of color throughout the year.
A bar graph titled "Western's Pesticide Use" showing the use of organic and synthetic pesticides in pounds from 2009 to 2023

Over the past ten years, Western’s Grounds Team has greatly reduced the amount of herbicides and pesticides used on campus through applying integrated pest management techniques and weeding best practices.

Did you know?

Regular street sweeping is an important way to reduce pollution runoff and protect surface water quality. Western owns a street sweeper and regularly cleans streets and paths on campus.
Western’s Grounds Team maintains its own compost and mulch systems where garden waste from previous years goes to improving soil quality and reducing water needs for existing gardens.

Meet two members of Western’s Grounds team

 

How does the grounds team manage weeds?

 

How does the grounds team’s electric equipment work?

 

How can you get involved in sustainable grounds management at Western?

How does the grounds team grow new plants?

 

How does the grounds team deal with garden waste?

 

How does the grounds team’s fleet work?