More than 1,200 plants that were harvested from ºÚÁϳԹÏ×ÜÕ¾ – Cascades’ new campus site in ºÚÁϳԹÏ×ÜÕ¾ in June of last year are being replanted back onto the campus by students and volunteers today from 9 a.m. to about 4 p.m.
Following their initial harvest, the plants were cared for at no cost through a generous partnership with in ºÚÁϳԹÏ×ÜÕ¾.
The plants, all native to Central Oregon, include bunch grasses, wildflowers and shrubs. Their reuse provides many benefits including cost savings because once re-established, they will require zero watering and zero maintenance.
The native plant landscape will also be incorporated into students’ coursework, helping them gain knowledge in subjects like ecological restoration, urban landscaping and fire ecology.
The native plant project is led by , a senior instructor in natural resources and the lead for the degree program.
The native landscaping is one of several sustainable features of the new campus. Features within the campus buildings include use of regional wood materials, and readiness for solar and connection to campus-wide heating plant.
About OSU-Cascades: ºÚÁϳԹÏ×Üվ’s branch campus in ºÚÁϳԹÏ×ÜÕ¾, Ore., features outstanding faculty in degree programs that reflect Central Oregon’s vibrant economy and abundant natural resources. Nearly 20 undergraduate majors, 30 minors and options, and four graduate programs include computer science, energy systems engineering, kinesiology, hospitality management, and tourism and outdoor leadership. The branch campus expanded to a four-year university in fall 2015; its new campus will open in fall 2016.